Volunteer in Alberta's Biospheres this May
Alberta's UNESCO Biosphere Regions are calling for your help this May! As spring transforms the landscapes of Beaver Hills and Waterton Lakes, these globally significant ecosystems need dedicated volunteers like you.
Whether you have a few hours or seek ongoing involvement, these opportunities offer unique behind-the-scenes access to Alberta's natural treasures while making a real conservation impact. From planting trees and monitoring wildlife to removing invasive species, your hands-on help directly supports these living laboratories where nature and community thrive together.
Ready to discover your perfect volunteer match? Explore this month's opportunities below!
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Beaver Hills Biosphere, Alberta, Canada
Volunteer to Fix Fences with Edmonton Area Land Trust
Date & Time: Thursday, 8 May 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Near Arnault Lake, Lac Ste. Anne County
Help protect wildlife habitats in the Beaver Hills Biosphere by volunteering with the Edmonton Area Land Trust to improve a newly acquired conservation property. This hands-on stewardship event involves removing wildlife-unfriendly fencing to create safer corridors for animals. Volunteers will get a unique, behind-the-scenes look at a rustic natural area not yet open to the public while making a meaningful contribution to local conservation.
Requirements/What to Bring: Expect physical activity including walking 4 km, working with barbed wire, and carrying your personal supplies. Tools and heavy-duty gloves will be provided. Volunteers must arrange their own transport.
How to Get Involved: Sign up on the EALT website
Image Credit: Edmonton Area Land Trust
Volunteer for Tree Planting with Edmonton & Area Land Trust
Dates: Friday, 23 May 2025, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Near Bunchberry Meadows
Celebrate spring by volunteering for a tree planting day along the North Saskatchewan River with the Edmonton Area Land Trust in the Beaver Hills Biosphere! This hands-on conservation event helps restore native habitat and support biodiversity in an ecologically sensitive area. Located near Bunchberry Meadows, this family-friendly activity is a great way to connect with nature and contribute to rewilding efforts close to Edmonton.
Requirements/What to Bring: Wear long pants and sturdy footwear. Bring water, lunch, and gloves if you have them (tools and gloves also provided). Expect moderate physical activity including digging and bending.
How to Get Involved: Register through EALT’s website or email Meghan at meghan.jacklin@ealt.ca for more information.
Volunteer for Butterfly Monitoring with Parks Canada
Dates: May 2025
Location: Elk Island National Park, Beaver Hills Biosphere
Help track butterfly biodiversity by volunteering with Parks Canada in Elk Island National Park, part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere. As part of the national Mission Monarch program, volunteers will search for butterflies, caterpillars, eggs, and host plants throughout the park. Whether you’re an insect enthusiast or a nature lover, this is a fantastic opportunity to support pollinator research and explore unique habitats within the park.
Requirements/What to Bring: Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation and costs. Bring water, snacks, and appropriate outdoor clothing. All experience levels are welcome.
How to Apply/Register: Sign up by emailing Maya.yerichuk@pc.gc.ca to join the volunteer list or express interest in butterfly monitoring.
Volunteer to protect pollinators in Elk Island National Park!
Volunteer to Adopt a Patch with Parks Canada
Dates: May 2025 and ongoing through the summer
Location: Elk Island National Park
If you’re a regular visitor to Elk Island National Park, consider volunteering to Adopt a Patch and help protect the Beaver Hills Biosphere from invasive plants. Volunteers are assigned a specific trail or patch and work independently throughout the season, controlling invasive species like burdock, white cockle, and scentless chamomile. With training and guidance from Parks Canada specialists, this is a flexible and meaningful way to support native biodiversity.
Requirements/What to Bring: Commitment to visit regularly over the summer, complete initial training, and wear Parks Canada volunteer gear. Activities include cutting, digging, or bagging invasive plants and using an app to log progress. All tools and safety equipment are provided.
How to Apply/Register: Sign up by emailing benevoleselkisland-elkislandvolunteers@pc.gc.ca to join the contact list and express your interest.
Volunteer to protect native ecosystems in Elk Island National Park!
Monitor Lakes with Alberta Lake Management Society
Dates: May 2025 and ongoing through the summer
Location: Lakes across Alberta
Volunteer with LakeWatch and help track the health of Alberta’s lakes! As a citizen scientist, you’ll work alongside ALMS technicians to collect essential water quality data, including temperature, clarity, and invasive species. Your contributions support conservation, research, and better lake management. This program provides crucial insights into lake ecosystems and long-term environmental trends. No experience needed—just a love for freshwater and a desire to make an impact!
Volunteer for Bird Banding at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory
Dates: May to October 2025
Location: Beaverhill Bird Observatory, Beaver Hills Biosphere
Support bird conservation and research by volunteering at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory in the Beaver Hills Biosphere. Volunteers assist with bird banding, data entry, nest monitoring, trail maintenance, and more. Whether you're helping with day-to-day tasks or long-term research programs, this is a hands-on opportunity to make a meaningful impact on migratory bird monitoring in Alberta. Training is provided, and volunteers can progress to advanced tasks like handling birds and banding.
Requirements/What to Bring: Volunteers must complete an orientation, training modules, and become a lifetime member ($10 fee). Most activities require outdoor clothing, snacks, water, and a willingness to learn.
How to Apply/Register: Follow the six-step process on the BBO Volunteer Page
Image Credit: Beaverhill Bird Observatory
Volunteer for bird conservation in the Beaver Hills Biosphere TODAY!
Waterton Biosphere, Alberta, Canada
Join the Spring Shoreline Cleanup with Parks Canada
Date & Time: Saturday, May 3, 2025, 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Join Parks Canada and Awesome Adventures of Lethbridge for a rewarding volunteer opportunity at Waterton Lakes National Park. This annual shoreline cleanup invites volunteers to help restore the natural beauty of Upper and Middle Waterton Lakes by removing litter and debris. From unusual items to everyday trash, all findings are recorded as part of the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, contributing valuable data as citizen scientists. Whether you're in it for the cause, the scenery, or the fun of discovery—this event offers a meaningful way to give back to the Waterton Biosphere.
How to Get Involved: Email Parks Canada at wlnp-volunteer@pc.gc.ca
Image Credit: Parks Canada
Volunteer to Transplant Trees with Parks Canada
Dates: May 13, 14, 20, 21 or 22
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
This unique volunteer opportunity in Waterton Lakes National Park invites groups of 12 to 25 people to participate in an ecological restoration project. Volunteers will work alongside Parks Canada staff to carefully dig up and transplant young lodgepole pines. These trees, which regrew after the 2017 Kenow wildfire, are now encroaching on trails and need to be relocated to aid in trail reclamation and site restoration. Perfect for older school groups or teams seeking a hands-on conservation activity in the Waterton Biosphere Region.
Requirements/What to Bring: Prepare for a half-day outside with hiking and physical labour
How to Get Involved: Email Parks Canada at wlnp-volunteer@pc.gc.ca to arrange your group’s participation
Image Credit: Parks Canada
Join the Busy Beaver Cleanup Crew with Parks Canada
Date & Time: June through September (Apply by May 19, 2025)
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Join the Busy Beaver Cleanup Crew and volunteer to help keep Waterton Lakes National Park clean and beautiful throughout the summer season. This flexible, self-scheduled opportunity is perfect for those who visit the park regularly or work in the area. Volunteers help maintain scenic pull-offs, viewpoints, and day-use sites outside the village by picking up litter, protecting wildlife, and keeping the park safe and welcoming for all.
How to Get Involved: Visit the Parks Canada website for more information.
Image Credit: Parks Canada
Volunteer for the Spring Flower Count with Parks Canada
Dates: Saturday morning, 31 May 2025
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Step into spring and volunteer for conservation in the stunning Waterton Biosphere Region! This annual Spring Flower Count with Parks Canada is a fantastic way to explore Waterton Lakes National Park while contributing vital data on local plant life. Guided by an experienced botanist, you’ll help record plant species that support long-term climate change monitoring across Alberta. It’s a rewarding opportunity to deepen your knowledge of native flora and make a real impact on biodiversity research.
Requirements/What to Bring: Some prior experience with plant identification is helpful. Please bring your flower ID book if you have one.
How to Apply/Register: Email wlnp-volunteer@pc.gc.ca
Image Credit: Parks Canada
Don’t miss out on this hands-on way to volunteer in the Waterton Biosphere Region—save the date and register today!
Volunteer to Maintain the Gardens with Parks Canada
Date & Time: Orientation mid-May
Location: Waterton Lakes National Park
Let your green thumb shine by volunteering in the interpretive gardens at the Visitor Centre in Waterton Lakes National Park. Under the guidance of a lead volunteer, you'll assist with gardening tasks such as weeding, pruning, and general upkeep. Once you’re familiar with the work, you can set your own volunteer schedule for the season. Help care for native plants, keep the grounds tidy, and contribute to a welcoming park environment for all.
Requirements/What to Bring: Gardening experience is helpful; minimum two-hour shift; volunteers are responsible for their own travel, meals, and accommodation
How to Get Involved: Visit the Parks Canada website for more information, or contact wlnp-volunteer@pc.gc.ca
Image Credit: Parks Canada
Volunteer for Day on the Creek with WBRA
Date & Time: Thursday, 15 May 2025 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location: Pincher Creek
Be part of an inspiring youth education initiative by volunteering for Day on the Creek in the Waterton Biosphere Region! This full-day outdoor event brings together over 800 students, teachers, and community members to explore watershed stewardship, local ecology, and cultural heritage. As a volunteer, you’ll play a vital role supporting hands-on learning stations along Pincher Creek—either working directly with students and educators or assisting presenters and site coordinators. Your help ensures this dynamic environmental education event runs smoothly and makes a lasting impact.
Requirements/What to Bring: The event will run rain, shine, or wind—please dress for the weather. Bring your own water, snacks, and lunch for a picnic along the creek.
How to Apply/Register: To volunteer, contact Nora Manners at nmanners@watertonbiosphere.com.
Image Credit: Waterton Biosphere Reserve Association
Help inspire the next generation of environmental stewards—mark your calendar and register to volunteer for Day on the Creek!
Volunteer from Anywhere
Contribute to Citizen Science with iNaturalist
Dates: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in the World
Get involved in citizen science and explore nature in a whole new way with iNaturalist! The app lets you record and share your observations of plants, animals, and fungi, contributing to global biodiversity research. Every photo you upload helps scientists track species and monitor ecosystems. It's a fun, interactive way to volunteer for conservation efforts while discovering the natural world around you. Follow Biosphere Bathing on iNaturalist to get live updates on species we see in Biosphere Regions across North America.
Volunteer for Global Bird Monitoring with eBird
Date & Time: Saturday 10 May 2025
Location: Anywhere in the world!
Join bird enthusiasts from around the world and volunteer with eBird for Global Big Day! This international event invites you to observe and record bird sightings from anywhere—your backyard, local park, or favorite trail. Every checklist submitted helps scientists better understand bird populations and migration patterns. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, your observations make a real impact on global conservation research.
How to Get Involved: Download the eBird app on your phone today!
Image Credit: The Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Monitor Nesting Birds with Birds Canada
Dates: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in Canada
Want to make a real impact on bird conservation? Join Project NestWatch and help monitor nesting birds in your area! By observing and recording nest activity, you’ll contribute to vital research that tracks breeding patterns, bird health, and the effects of environmental change. Whether in your backyard, at a park, or on a hike, your observations help scientists protect Canada’s bird populations. Get involved and be part of this nationwide citizen science initiative!
Alberta's biosphere regions represent some of Canada’s most extraordinary natural treasures. By volunteering in Beaver Hills or Waterton Lakes, you're not just experiencing these remarkable landscapes—you're actively helping to preserve them for future generations.
The UNESCO biosphere designation recognizes these areas as models for balancing conservation with sustainable human activity. Your participation as a volunteer strengthens this vital connection between people and nature.
Whether you choose to plant trees near Edmonton, monitor butterflies in Elk Island National Park, or join a shoreline cleanup at Waterton Lakes, your contribution creates ripples that extend far beyond a single day of service. You'll connect with like-minded community members, learn valuable skills, and experience these special places in ways most visitors never do.
Don't miss this chance to be part of Alberta's biosphere story this May. Choose an opportunity that speaks to you and take that first step toward meaningful environmental stewardship.
Want to explore volunteer opportunities beyond Alberta? Check out our comprehensive "May Volunteer in Your Biosphere" blog post for exciting conservation initiatives in biosphere regions around the world!