Oxbow Center Volunteer Application

Ages: 14+ or 13 and under with a trusted adult

When: The 2nd Saturday of each month

What to Expect: Get ready for a hands-on day of conservation work in Oxbow’s riparian forest along the beautiful Snoqualmie River! You’ll play a crucial role in restoring the landscape by removing invasive weeds, planting native trees, and protecting and caring for our future forests all while enjoying a rewarding day of physical work in a beautiful natural setting.

Your Impact: You’re doing more than just pulling weeds and planting trees—you’re nurturing healthy ecosystems!
Your work helps:

• Restore salmon habitats, which also supports orca populations
• Improve air and water quality for our community
• Create a healthier forest and river for generations to come

Ages: 14+ or 13 and under with a trusted adult

When: The 2nd Saturday of each month

What to Expect: Get ready for a hands-on day of conservation work in Oxbow’s riparian forest along the beautiful Snoqualmie River! You’ll play a crucial role in restoring the landscape by removing invasive weeds, planting native trees, and protecting and caring for our future forests all while enjoying a rewarding day of physical work in a beautiful natural setting.

Your Impact: You’re doing more than just pulling weeds and planting trees—you’re nurturing healthy ecosystems!
Your work helps:

• Restore salmon habitats, which also supports orca populations
• Improve air and water quality for our community
• Create a healthier forest and river for generations to come

Ages: 18+ for independent shifts. 16+ for staff-led shifts or 15 and under accompanied by a trusted adult. 

Where: Meet at the grey barn (Park in the Plant Stand parking lots)

What to Expect: Help our conservation team with ecological restoration and research projects while learning all about native plants, restoration techniques, and how we conserve and support our farms and ecosystems. You will remove invasive weeds, plant native trees and shrubs, care for and protect our youngest forests, and support our monitoring efforts. You will be hiking, bushwhacking, digging, and generally getting dirty, muddy, and sweaty in all weather conditions.

Your Impact: You’re doing more than just pulling weeds and planting trees—you’re nurturing healthy ecosystems!

Your work helps:

• Restore salmon habitats, which also supports orca populations
• Improve air and water quality for our community
• Create a healthier forest for generations to come

Ages: 16+

When: Weekdays (Monday through Friday) any time between 8 am and 4 pm. Minimum of 3 hours per shift.

What to Expect: Dig into a hands-on day supporting ecological restoration from the ground up at Oxbow’s Native Plant Nursery! As a nursery volunteer, you’ll play a key role in growing the region’s future forests by caring for young native plants. Tasks vary by season and may include seed processing and sowing, thinning, pruning, weeding, and greenhouse maintenance such as sanitation, pot washing, and general organization. It’s a rewarding day of meaningful, physical work spent among thousands of thriving native plants and the people who grow them.

Your Impact: Your work in the nursery helps fuel the restoration work that transforms landscapes across the region!

Your contributions help:

• Cultivate the native plants that become the backbone of thriving forests, prairies, and wetlands
• Provide high-quality plant material that supports salmon recovery and other critical wildlife habitats
• Enhance ecosystem resilience, leading to cleaner waterways, healthier soils, and a stronger environment for future generations

Pack 591 families will help Oxbow improve its riparian (riverside) forest habitat by planting trees and removing invasive weeds on either 12/6 or 12/7 from 1 to 3 pm. 

Come prepared by wearing:

• Hiking boots, rain boots or other close-toed shoes
• Long, durable pants such as denim or Carhartts (hiking pants are a good alternative)
• Long sleeves for protection from blackberry thorns

What to bring:

• Enough water for the day (1-2 liters recommended), or a reusable drinking vessel.
• Weather-appropriate clothes including rain gear, sun protection, and layers as needed.
• Snacks and/or lunch if you would like them
• More durable and/or warm gloves if you would like them
• Kid-sized gloves for a better experience for small hands
• A change of clothes and a bag for dirty clothes for your ride home (or to visit Oxbow afterwards)
• Your love of all things planty!

Volunteer groups can help us to complete our planting and invasive weed removal as well as maintenance of our restoration sites. Once an application is received, the volunteer coordinator will reach out to see if your group availability and size match our current or future projects