Volunteers have been a vital part of Brazos Bend State Park since its opening in 1984. The volunteers organized in 1989, by electing officers and accepting by-laws. We operate as an independent, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The Brazos Bend volunteers have been recognized for the highest number of volunteer hours, 15,821, for any park in Texas. The volunteers have demonstrated teamwork and quality of hours in support of Brazos Bend State Park.
We are a diverse group of individuals with a common interest in nature and the environment. Our purpose is to assist and educate the visitors of Brazos Bend State Park through information and interpretive programs and to assist in the care and conservation of this 5,000-acre park.
We can use your help!
We have many ways in which you can help educate the public and assist in the projects and maintenance that makes Brazos Bend State Park one of the top parks in Texas. While the park is the busiest on weekends, the volunteer organization ensures that our Nature Center is open seven days a week. We assist in offering a minimum of six programs every weekend. Weekdays are filled with maintenance activities and educating school groups. So whatever your interests and whether you’re available weekdays or weekends, check out how to become a volunteer and submit an application, or call (979) 553-5123 for more information.
- Core Organization Functions
- operate the volunteer gift shop which generates funds to support our projects and events
- educate Nature Center visitors about the park, our exhibits and resident wildlife
- provide interpreter-led Creekfield hike and other programs
- process and bundle firewood
- support trail water stations (April – October)
- Special Activities
- hike and bike our trails to greet and educate the visitors
- demonstrate our educational animals to visitors
- assist with special events such as Earth Day, National Trails Day and a Simple Christmas
- lead school groups on hikes designed to meet TEKS educational requirements
- participate in the annual butterfly and Christmas bird counts
- create new educational programs
- develop Nature Center exhibits and self-guided nature trails
- raise funds for special projects
- train and mentor new volunteers
- Facilities/Maintenance
- maintain current facilities and equipment and work on new construction projects
- clear downed trees and trim trails
- assist in removing non-native plants and fire ants
- assist with care of educational animals and exhibits
- Trail maintenance and construction
- establish new campsites and trails
- Outreach Programs
- present programs and demonstrate our educational animals at schools, civic organizations, community centers, businesses, libraries, community festivals and special events, wildlife expos, and other nearby nature events
- help other parks establish volunteer organizations at their facilities
- Research Projects
- Brazos Bend has a long history of research projects ranging from topics involving insects, alligators, habitat restoration, water quality testing and more. Depending on the project, volunteers often have the opportunity to assist or even lead the study.
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