BLOOMINGTON — Embracing the sentiment of Edward Everett Hale’s famous quote, “I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something,” Bloomington Parks and Recreation has announced several unique upcoming volunteer positions.
From environmental stewardship to community events, the city has opened registration for three distinct initiatives aimed at restoring local ecosystems and facilitating unique community programming.
1. Pollinator Garden Maintenance Days City of Bloomington Parks and Recreation – Volunteer Console – IN.gov
The Park Ridge East Park Pollinator Garden serves as an essential sanctuary for native plants, insects, and regional wildlife to safely complete their life cycles. To keep this ecosystem healthy, the city relies on volunteer labor to keep aggressive weeds at bay and reinforce the walking paths.
- The Work: Volunteers will weed active garden beds and spread fresh mulch along the garden paths. While working, participants will receive hands-on instruction from experts on how to successfully replicate a native pollinator garden in their own home backyards.
- Location: Park Ridge East Park, located at 4421 E. Morningside Drive.
- Requirements: This opportunity is open to volunteers aged 12 and older. Anyone under 14 must be accompanied by an adult, and volunteers under 18 must have a digital Underage Waiver of Liability signed by a parent or guardian.
2. Griffy Lake Weed Wrangle Opportunity Details
Efforts to restore and protect the native habitats of birds, pollinators, and aquatic wildlife at Griffy Lake are ramping up with a targeted ecological cleanup campaign.
- The Work: Volunteers will work directly on the ground to locate and control invasive, non-native plant species that threaten to choke out local flora, specifically targeting garlic mustard and purple wintercreeper. The labor involves bending, hiking, climbing through varied terrain, and using sharp tools. All protective gloves and specialized removal tools are provided on-site. Opportunity Details
- Location: The meeting point is located on East Clover Lane, close to North Dunn Street, with parking available along Clover Lane.
- Requirements: Open to individuals aged 12 and up (under 14 requires an adult, and under 18 requires a signed parental liability waiver). Organizers note that anyone intending to use this opportunity for Pre-Trial Diversion hours must complete a background check form and receive explicit coordinator approval prior to arriving.
3. Drool in the Pool City of Bloomington Volunteer Network
As the traditional swimming season wraps up for residents, Mills Pool is opening its gates for its annual end-of-summer “pool paw-ty” dedicated entirely to local canines.
- The Work: Volunteers are needed to assist with dog check-in logistics, interact safely with the pets and their owners, play with the dogs, and keep the pool deck clean, organized, and safe. On-site training is provided on the day of the shifts.
- Location: Mills Pool, 1100 West 14th Street
- Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. Those under 18 must bring a signed underage liability waiver with them to their shift. Attendees should wear sunscreen, bring a water bottle, and wear clothes they don’t mind getting wet or splashed. For safety reasons, sturdy, closed-toe shoes are strictly required; sandals and flip-flops are not permitted on the pool deck.
- Weather Note: This is an outdoor event. If the weather is questionable, volunteers should report for their shifts regardless, as the on-site supervisor will make the final determination regarding event operations.
Advance registration is mandatory for all shifts to ensure proper tool allocation and volunteer tracking.
To sign up for any of these specific sessions, or to browse the city’s broader roster of municipal service needs, community members can view the complete, updated database by visiting the City of Bloomington Volunteer Network website.
