Become an Intern or Volunteer

Contribute to Our Mission

Interns & Volunteers play an important role in our daily farm and facility operations and with our fundraising efforts. Check out our intern & volunteer needs below and let us know where you would like to help out.

2025 Summer Internship Program

Interns 

CREC’s Internship Program for high school students (ages 14-18) fosters the next generation of environmental stewards and thoughtful nonprofit leaders. Participants in this program gain education and hands-on project-based work examining ecological systems, environmental justice, sustainable gardening, farming, and animal husbandry. They receive mentorship from experienced professionals and cultivate their own leadership skills by leading environmental activities, while supporting summer camp program in the afternoon. Interns work alongside CREC’s farm and facilities team and summer camp staff and receive a seasonal stipend to instill the value of a job well done and community service. A memorable internship at CREC allows high school students to discover different interests and career paths in the nonprofit, environmental, and sustainable agricultural sectors.

8:30am to 4:00pm
Session 1:  6/16/25 - 6/27/25
Session 4: 7/28/25 - 8/8/25

Creature Comforts 

The Creature Comforts program at Connolly Ranch is a great way to learn more about animal husbandry by joining our animal welfare management team. Families and community members volunteer to feed the animals, signing up for an evening or weekend shift. This is a unique opportunity to spend 1-1 time with our furry and feathered friends. If you or you and your family are interested in participating in this program, please complete the volunteer application and we will be in touch. 

Farm & Facilities

Our unique farm-based curriculum comes to life in our outdoor classroom. It is a place for observation and hands-on discovery, resulting in lasting learning experiences. The farm & facilities volunteers help to construct new spaces within the outdoor classroom and provide ongoing maintenance to existing areas, including the animal stalls and garden structures. Interested? Please complete the volunteer application and we will be in touch.

Green Thumb Gardners

The Green Thumb Gardners program at Connolly Ranch helps to plant and maintain our seasonal edible garden. Families and community member volunteers spend time planting, watering, weeding, turning compost piles, mulching, and harvesting one of our most treasured outdoor classrooms on the farm. This is a unique opportunity to volunteer weekly or seasonally will put your green thumb to work. If you or you and your family are interested in participating in this program, please complete the volunteer application and we will be in touch. 

Fundraising & Community Events

Being a community based nonprofit, Connolly Ranch hosts seasonal fundraising and community events that including Earth Night, Gone Glamping, Dinner at the Ranch, and Harvest Festival. Volunteering to support a Connolly Ranch Education Center event, provides you with the opportunity to share your talents and resources in support of our mission - while creating new community connections. Interested? Please complete the volunteer application and we will be in touch.

Sunday Open House Events

Our Sunday Open Houses are our chance to open up our facilities to the public, and give everyone - not just our students - the chance to come appreciate our beautiful wildlife and farm. Volunteering for these events is a great, low-stakes, low-committment way for people of all ages and backgrounds to spend their Sunday mornings chatting with their neighbors, supervising visitors to our animal pens, and helping us put together activities that help bring people together and promote a nature-based mindfulness.