The Volunteer Naturalist Program has been an integral part of the Boulder County Parks & Open Space Department (BCPOS) since its establishment in 1975. 

Through this program, volunteers are trained to support the work of connecting the Boulder County community to the natural resources managed by BCPOS through excellent education and outreach services.

Volunteer Naturalists (VN) work together to create interpretive and environmental education programming designed to enhance the understanding of Boulder County's natural history and deepen a connection to nature for all.

Using your training as a VN, you would work with fellow VNs to develop programs which include thematic hikes for the public at any one of our parks, interpretive programs that can be presented indoors or outdoors and school classroom programs and field-trips.

VNs are required to present a total of 4 programs per year. Each program typically runs between 1 - 3 hours and VNs will spend on average, 1-2 hours planning for every 1 hour of program time. In total, you can expect to contribute a minimum of 24 hours over a calendar year.

Besides the initial VN Training, volunteers are offered on-going education and trainings throughout the year and are supported in their growth as naturalists and interpreters by 2 full-time staff.

Reach out to Carlos Lerma, Program Coordinator, if you have any questions

[email protected] 

Volunteer Naturalist Training

You must complete the required training program to become a Volunteer Naturalist. The training program is one day a week, over 10 weeks, and takes place on Fridays, Jan. 10 through March 14, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Longmont. The training includes:

• Overview of the Boulder County Parks & Open Space department, including history, mission, and resource management.
• Interpretive technique and program development.
• Geology.
• Plants and ecosystems.
• Forestry.
• Wildlife.
• Agricultural lands and weed management.
• Water resources.

Ongoing-Training Sessions

After your first year as a Volunteer Naturalist, you are asked to complete two ongoing training sessions every year you are active. Boulder County staff offer ongoing training sessions on various topics throughout the year.

These sessions, typically lasting 1-3 hours, cover a wide range of topics. It's worth noting that trainings provided by external entities, such as other agencies, non-profits, or reputable groups, can also count towards your ongoing training requirements. This flexibility allows you to tailor your learning experience to your interests and schedule.

Waiver of Liability

In return for receiving permission from Boulder County Parks and Open Space (“BCPOS”) to allow me to volunteer for BCPOS and after due consideration of my age, health, physical condition, and ability, and the inherent risks and personal risks involved in this activity, I voluntarily agree to assume all risks of loss that arise out of my participation and agree to waive any and all claims against Boulder County and other parties described below.

I hereby release, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners and any of their respective employees, agents and representatives, person or property, whether anticipated or unanticipated, from liability for any injury, loss or damage resulting from my participation in any activities contemplated by this agreement, whether such damage, loss, or injury results from the negligence of Boulder County, the Board of County Commissioners, and any of the agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns, administrators, and executors.

I realize that working on this program/project may involve risks and hazards, including the risk of injury. I am aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participating and do hereby assume sole responsibility for all such risks and waive all claims against Boulder County and their respective agents, representatives, officers, employees, successors, assigns and insurers.

I grant Boulder County permission to use my likeness in photograph(s) or video, in any and all of its publications and in any and all other media, including public website publication, and social media channels, whether now known or hereafter existing, controlled by Boulder County, in perpetuity, and for other use by the County. I will make no monetary claim or other claim against Boulder County for the use of my likeness in the photograph(s)/video. I understand that the nature of digital media on the Internet makes duplication difficult to control and that Boulder County is not responsible for any unauthorized use by third parties of the content and images published on its public website.

I authorize Boulder County to obtain medical attention for me in case of emergency if unable to reach the physician stated below, and I release Boulder County for such medical attention.

I certify that my vehicle will have insurance coverage as required by Colorado law in connection with my activities on Boulder County property.

I agree to abide by the rules and regulations of Boulder County while participating on this program/project. I hereby acknowledge that I have read, understood and voluntarily agreed to the foregoing waiver and release agreement.