LEONARD SPRINGS— With its guiding motto “Leave no child inside,” the Leonard Springs Nature Days educational initiative invites the community to step forward and make a difference by becoming volunteers.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesdays in September and October, every sixth-grade student enrolled in the Monroe County Community School Corporation (MCCSC) is treated to an immersive, experiential exploration of Leonard Springs Nature Park. Participants—including students, teachers, and parents—rotate through themed educational stations—Creek, Karst, Forest, and Wetland—offering hands-on lessons about ecosystems, water quality, karst formations, soil composition, and the interconnections of the natural world.
Hundreds of students attend Nature Days each year, and the program’s success hinges on the dedication and enthusiasm of volunteers from the community. Once again this fall, the program is seeking individuals to fill the role of Station Facilitators, leading small groups of students through fun, educational environmental stations. The need is especially urgent for volunteers who can commit to the full shift—to stay from 9:15 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. on Tuesdays throughout September and October.
No experience? No problem. All teaching materials are provided, and prospective facilitators receive training and orientation via video before the day. Upon registering, volunteers are sent a confirmation email that includes essential details—training videos, maps and directions, what to bring, and what to expect at each station.
Interested volunteers can sign up via the City of Bloomington Parks & Recreation’s online volunteer portal. A confirmation email follows upon registration, with everything needed to prepare for the day.
As the MCCSC continues its long-standing tradition of outdoor and environmental learning—dating back to the program’s inception in 2005, when MCCSC partnered with Bloomington Parks & Recreation—volunteer support remains the program’s heartbeat. Leonard Springs Nature Days gives students access to unique environmental “laboratories” within the park, enriching their science education and fostering future stewardship.
Those committed to a full-day experience—from setup through cleanup—are encouraged to register promptly. “By signing up, you’re playing a vital role in showing students how meaningful, enjoyable, and essential environmental learning can be,” said Emily Buuck, the volunteer coordinator.
Volunteer Details at a Glance
- Role: Station Facilitator
- Dates: Tuesdays in September and October
- Time Commitment: 9:15 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
- Locations: Karst, Creek, Forest, or Wetland stations at Leonard Springs Nature Park
- Requirements: No prior experience; all materials and orientation provided
- How to Sign Up: Register through the City of Bloomington’s volunteer portal; confirmation with details follows
By answering the call to volunteer, you’ll help ensure that every sixth-grader in MCCSC enjoys a meaningful day of outdoor learning. After all, “Leave no child inside” isn’t just a motto—it’s a promise you can help fulfill.
