For nearly a century, the Highlands Biological Foundation has been rooted in community, conservation, and curiosity about the natural world.
From its beginnings in 1927 to its role today supporting scientific research and operating the Highlands Nature Center, one thing has remained constant. Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.
This year, the Highlands Biological Foundation is launching a renewed volunteer program that will grow in the coming months, creating new ways for community members to support research and bring environmental education to the Highlands community.
With a small but mighty staff, the foundation depends on helping hands to keep programs running, animals cared for, and visitors engaged. As the volunteer program expands, volunteers will play an increasingly important role in keeping the Highlands Nature Center free and accessible while strengthening educational opportunities for all ages.
“Our volunteers are truly essential,” says Maddie Wikstrom, Education Specialist and Volunteer Coordinator. “They support our facilities, assist with visitor experiences, and help deliver programs that connect people with the natural world of the Highlands Plateau.”
The volunteer program is being developed with flexibility and inclusion in mind and will offer opportunities for people with many interests and schedules. Some volunteers will serve regularly as Nature Center hosts or animal care assistants, while others will participate in seasonal projects and special events as these roles are introduced.
One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the wide range of ages it will serve. The volunteer program will be for adults and youth aged 13-18. Teenagers will gain hands-on experience in environmental education, develop communication and leadership skills, and earn valuable service hours. For many, this experience will become a pathway toward future careers in science, education, or conservation.
The program will also welcome adults and retirees who bring knowledge and a lifelong love of nature. Whether greeting visitors, helping care for resident animals, or supporting educational programs, volunteers of all ages will play a meaningful role in advancing the Foundation’s mission.
More than lending a hand, volunteering will build connection. It will bring neighbors together and deepen their relationship with the land that makes the Highlands Plateau so special.
As the Foundation looks toward the future, this growing volunteer program is an open invitation to the community. Together, through service and stewardship, the Highlands Biological Foundation will continue its tradition of engagement and environmental care for generations to come. Contact maddie@highlandsbiological.org for more information.
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