JAY C. HORMEL NATURE CENTER
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Volunteer at Hormel Nature Center


The Jay C. Hormel Nature Center could use your help! There is always a need for volunteers from the community to assist all year round. There are many ways you can support the nature center:
  • Staff the Interpretive Center — There are always days that we are looking for help, specifically on the weekends. Fill out our volunteer contact form and we will add you to our email list. 
  • Tours — Give tours driving one of our electric vehicles along the Nature Center trails.​
  • Combat Invasive Species — Learn to identify and remove buckthorn, reed canary grass, and other invasive species.
  • Animal transport — Bring birds of prey to and from the Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota St. Paul campus.​
United Way Volunteer Calendar
Check out the United Way Mower County Volunteer Calendar to see what opportunities we have available and to sign up. 
Note: Our events will always show up on the calendar - never under the "show more" option. 

If you would like to sign up to be on our Volunteer Contact List, please use the form below to fill out your information. Thank you! 

    Volunteer Contact Form

Submit

Special Award Recipients 2021

​2021 Nature Center Volunteer of the Year:
We could not be successful without volunteers like Michelle and Rhonda who have both given so generously of their time, creativity and energy!
Michelle Meiergerd has served on the Friends Board and Thanksgiving Feast Committee for 4 years and is currently the Vice President. She was also on the 50th Anniversary Events Committee and has helped with many special events.

Rhonda Alberts has served as Secretary for the last 5 years on the Friends Board. In addition, she has volunteered 5 years of her time on the Thanksgiving Feast Committee. In 2021 she served on the 50th Anniversary Events Committee and has helped with many special events.

2021 Sigurd Olson Leadership Award:
Julie Champlin worked as a volunteer and then part-time for 13 years before becoming a full-time employee for the last 22 years. She was on the Friends board and an integral part of the Friends Thanksgiving Feast. Julie has been a pillar of the Nature Center and it’s success over the years.
 
 

Picture

Recipients of the Volunteer of the Year Award and
Sigurd Olson Conservation & Leadership Award, 1988-2020

​The commitment of volunteers and Friends help the Jay C. Hormel Nature Center succeed.
These special volunteers have been recognized for dedicating their time and efforts to fulfilling the needs of the Nature Center.
Joanne Gellerman
Harold Carlstrom
Ann Bundy
Julie Champlin
Jane Reeve
Bob Shaw
Dorothy Owens
Winifred Morgan
Karen Zech
Vern Gavin
Dick Smaby
Keith Snyder
Knowles Dougherty
Jan Thomas
​Don Burgess
Merlene Stiles
Lucille Moore
Dick Nordin
Marva Blake
Gordy Kuehne
Lucy Gotz
Bob Roberts
Dale & Phyllis Vandenover
Lloyd & Ramona Swenson
Dr. Mike Williams
John Beckel
Dave Cole
Al Layman
Dick Dixon
​
​Jenny Smith
Steve & Mya Vietor
Dorothy Schulz
Elden & Jean Huemann
Mark & Barb Owens
Milly Burroughs
Gary Zimmerman
Greg Larson
Annette Mueller
Laura Merten
Terry Taylor
Cindy Bellrichard
Janet Anderson
Quin Brunner
​
​Colleen Weimer
​Ruth Collette
​Chris Anderson
Ron Walth
Gary Ray
Rich & JoAnn Aho
Alice Tylutki
Pete Mattson
Arlen Schamber
Duane Champlin
Leon Krebsbach
Mike Skiba
Robin Airey
Larry Dolphin
Harold Langton 
Terry Taylor
Terry Dorsey 
​Kurt Mueller 

Thank you to all of our hardworking volunteers who have donated their time to help the Nature Center put on quality events and programs throughout the year!
Contact                                                   
Jay C. Hormel Nature Center
1304 21st St NE
Austin, MN 55912
Phone: (507) 437-7519
Email: info@hormelnaturecenter.org

Fax: (507) 396-2903
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"In the end we will conserve only what we love; we will love only what we understand; and we will understand only what we are taught."  — Baba Dioum
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  • Home
  • About
    • eNewsletters
    • FAQ/Rules
    • Trail Map
    • Education Programs
    • History
    • Staff
    • Nature Center Gifts
    • Ski & Snowshoe Rental
    • Injured/Abandoned Animals
    • 50th Anniversary
  • Programs & Events
    • Upcoming Programs and Events
    • Summer Classes
    • Calendar of Events
    • Nature Play Afternoons
    • Senior Specials
    • Eco-Blitz: Tree Week
  • Get Involved
    • Volunteer
    • Friends of the Hormel Nature Center
    • Summer Mentorship Program
    • Employment
  • Facility Rental
  • Sola Fide Observatory
    • Night Sky Viewing Guide
  • Resources
    • Scavenger Hunts
    • Nature Notes
    • Radio: What's New In Nature?
    • Rain Garden
    • Pollinator Garden
    • Gravel Bed Tree Nursery
    • Sustainable Tips
    • Environmental Education Resources
  • Track Power Chair Rentals