Get outside. Get experience. Make an impact.
Love the outdoors? Want to make a real difference? Youth ages 15–21 can join Youth Volunteers for Conservation (YV4C) and help restore Dane County parks, protect local water, and take action for the planet — right here in your community.
Before you can volunteer, you must register as a volunteer on MyImpact. Once registered, you can sign up for YV4C events and get updates and notifications from staff about new opportunities.
No experience needed!
Trained Dane County staff provide guidance and support at every event. Just sign up and show up ready to help and have fun.
At YV4C events, you’ll be part of the crew improving Dane County’s land and water resources. You’ll work side-by-side with Dane County staff on hands-on projects that make a real impact.
Restore Habitats
Get outside and get moving while you remove invasive plants, plant trees and native flowers, and help revive wildlife areas.
Protect Water and Wetlands
Jump into rain garden projects, stream and shoreline cleanups, and learn basic water monitoring while helping keep local lakes and rivers healthy.
Fix and Maintain Parks
Help clear trails, repair boardwalks, and prepare parks for public visitors.
Be a Youth Ambassador
Welcome visitors, help with nature programs, and support events at the Lussier Family Heritage Center.
Special Events & Skill Days
Take part in Earth Day projects, explore environmental careers, and build new skills through fun, hands-on activities.
To participate in the YV4C program, you must meet the following requirements:
Transportation
Transportation is not provided, so participants are responsible for getting to volunteer sites. If you need help with transportation to join a workday, please contact the Youth Conservation Coordinator at parksvolunteer@danecounty.gov. We are committed to making YV4C accessible and inclusive for all young people who want to participate.
Most volunteer activities take place from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Additional opportunities may be offered for special events.
Before attending a workday, you will need to request a youth account and fill out the wavier, in our Better Impact Volunteer Database.
Once that is done, you can find YV4C volunteer opportunities in Better Impact's youth section or on our browse our event calendar.
Cancellations
Activities may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or ice storms, extreme cold, or extreme heat.
If an activity is canceled, registered participants will be notified by email or text as soon as possible.
