There are plenty of volunteering opportunities available to you in and around Baltimore! Take this chance to help out your community and volunteer locally. Completing your service hours with an environmental organization not only allows for you to fulfill a graduation requirement, but also can give you a sense of accomplishment in giving back to the community in a tangible and important way. There are options for every type of conscious environmentalist, from the tree lovers to the animal lovers to the bay conservationists. Here are a few ideas as to which organizations you can work with.
FOR THE BAY LOVER: Blue Water Baltimore
Dedicated to restoring Baltimore’s harbor, Blue Water Baltimore is at the forefront of an inter-disciplinary protection effort. Blue Water Baltimore focuses on both physical conservation and spreading awareness through efforts such as planting rain gardens and trees, stenciling storm drains, and educational work on how to increase your sustainability. Blue Water Baltimore offers a multitude of types of ways to help the bay. Many ECo reps are intimately involved with Blue Water Baltimore, so if you are hesitant about volunteering, come talk to one of us! (You can find our pictures in the "About" page.)
FOR THE AGRICULTURALLY-MINDED: Real Food Farm
One of the many urban agriculture projects in Baltimore, Real Food Farm works to combat food deserts, revitalize communities, educate inhabitants, and promote sustainable practices in Baltimore. If you like gardening, and you like Baltimore, then this is the place to volunteer! Other farms in Baltimore have interesting opportunities as well. If Real Food Farm isn't your cup of tea, try volunteering with the Baltimore Orchard Project, or Chesapeake Composting Works. Here is a link to these organizations as well as a few other interesting possibilities.
To contribute to Real Food Farms this weekend, sign up for one of their semi-monthly open volunteering hours. Click here for more information.
FOR THE ANIMAL LOVERS: The Maryland Zoo
A staple of childhood for many Baltimoreans, The Maryland Zoo need not be introduced. This organization does important conservation and educational work to help the community improve sustainability and preserve species. Although many volunteer opportunities are 18+, the summer Zoo Crew is open to students ages 14-17.
FOR THE TREE LOVERS: TreeBaltimore
If you love some good, old-fashioned tree planting, then TreeBaltimore is the place for you. It is the coordinator of all tree plantings by city agencies, non‑profit organizations, neighborhoods, and community associations in Baltimore. In addition, TreeBaltimore works to keep trees healthy, reduce invasive species, and collect wood waste. It offers various high intensity and low intensity volunteer options, in addition to frequent events.
FOR THE ACTIVIST: Maryland Climate Competition
As a group of non-profits in Maryland seeking to improve Maryland’s climate policy, any member of this coalition is the perfect fit for a young, legislatively-interested, march-going, petition-signing Bryn Mawr student.
How to help right now: Sign these petitions!
Forward With 50: Supporting the Maryland Clean Energy Jobs Campaign to Expand Renewable Energy in Maryland
Defend The Places We Love: Urging Senators to Oppose Anti-Environmental Legislation
FOR THE TO-BE TEACHERS: Irvine Nature Center
Irvine Nature Center offers environmental education to all ages by hosting field trips, seminars, and classes, as well as their nature pre-school and summer camp programs. In addition to their nature center, they have over 200 acres of land to be explored. High schoolers can assist with the summer camp, help maintain trails and gardens, and set up special events and fundraisers. If you like kids or education, this is the volunteer site for you!
FOR THE OUTDOORSY ONES: Maryland's Department of Natural Resources
Do you like being outdoors? Do you like protecting the outdoors, and making them accessible to others? Volunteer with Maryland’s Department of Natural resources! You can plant trees, maintain trails, monitor watersheds, and so much more!
If you need more ideas, always check out the Green Events Baltimore calendar, linked here and synced with our events page.