The Volunteers Who Make It Possible

At The Nature Connection, we talk a lot about the quiet power of nature. But there’s another quiet power behind our work that deserves just as much attention: our volunteers.

They are the people who show up early to prep materials, who drive to day centers and group homes across Middlesex County, who gently hand someone a lavender sprig or help hold a basket of feathers. They are the ones who sit beside participants, one-on-one, and make sure no one is left out.
And they do all of this not for recognition, but because they believe—like we do—that everyone deserves a meaningful connection to nature.

Our programs rely on individual interactions. While our expert staff lead each session, volunteers are essential to creating moments of engagement. In a room of ten participants, it’s often our volunteers who kneel beside a wheelchair, answer a question, or offer a calming presence during a sensory experience. They’re not there to perform. They’re there to connect.

Many of our volunteers tell us they came to give back—but stayed because they received something in return: a moment of connection, a spark of joy, a sense of purpose.

One volunteer recently reflected on their experience helping with animal care and programs:
"At first, I just liked being around the animals. But then I saw what happened when we brought flowers into a memory care unit. I saw someone light up at the sight of a rabbit, or recall a memory they hadn’t spoken of in years. I realized I was part of something much bigger."

We train all our volunteers in the principles that guide our work—dementia friendly, trauma-informed care, person-centered engagement, and respectful facilitation. Many start with nature-based programs before training to work with our animals. Some assist in the field, while others help care for our animals at the nature center or support weekend public programs.

No matter the role, volunteers are essential. They make it possible for us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. They ensure that each participant receives the attention and respect they deserve.

So when you picture a Nature Connection program, picture the people behind the scenes—the ones carrying baskets, guiding conversations, kneeling beside someone who might otherwise be overlooked.

They are the heartbeat of our work.

Interested in volunteering? We’d love to hear from you. To learn more, visit www.nature-connection.org/volunteer or stop by our nature center in West Concord, MA—open to the public Saturdays from 12:00 to 4:00.