Neighborhood Services

Volunteers Needed

Community groups throughout Prince William County provide youth groups, scouts, business teams, organizations, families and individuals with a variety of opportunities to help enhance and improve our natural resources. There is something for everyone at a time that works for your schedule.

If your team is working on a project to benefit our natural environment and needs volunteers, call the Department of Public Works at 703-792-6819. We will try to help you.

Trails: Visiting, Maintenance and Construction

• Prince William Trails and Streams Coalition - 703-785-5785 or visit the website. The coalition offers monthly volunteer opportunities on projects to help support trails and streams. It also offers fun family events along the many trails and streams in our community!
• Prince William County Department of Parks and Recreation - 703-792-7060
• Adopt-A-Trail with the Bull Run Mountains Conservancy - 703-753-2631 or http://www.brmconservancy.org/. Take responsibility for one of the trails at the conservancy for the year. Your team of volunteers will keep the trail clear of fallen trees and branches, pick up litter and notify the BRMC managers of any issues.
• Volunteer with Bull Run Mountains Conservancy - 703-753-2631 or http://www.brmconservancy.org/. Weekend Trail Volunteers are needed to hike on the preserve and assist other hikers with questions and directions, as well as ensuring everyone follows the guidelines for this beautiful space. Call to volunteer today! The Conservancy also need other volunteers to assist with office tasks, database management, trail maintenance, gardening, education programs and other special projects. The Conservancy has special opportunities for students to assist with animal exhibits and habitat restoration. Volunteers are also needed to assist with the Halloween Safari as trail guides, face painters, musicians, crews and other tasks.

Start a Recycling Program at your school or business

Prince William County Public Works (Solid Waste Division) - 703-792-4670 - Website

Volunteer Prince William (Voluntary Action Center - a variety of opportunities and ideas)

www.volunteerprincewilliam.org - 703-369-5292

National Trails Day and National Public Lands Day at Prince William Forest Park
Volunteers are needed to spruce up the park, buildings and trails. Come out ready to work and get your hands dirty to help protect this beautiful park! For details, call 703-221-7181 or visit www.nps.gov/prwi.

Community Clean Up Programs and Graffiti Removal

Take part in organized events and programs to pick up litter, spruce up an area and remove graffiti from our community. Contact Keep Prince William Beautiful at www.kpwb.org. 

Programs sponsored by the Prince William Conservation Alliance

The Prince William Conservation Alliance offers families a variety of opportunities to explore Merrimac Farm Wildlife Management Area and other local natural areas. PWCA activities include family-friendly nature tours, youth workshops, wildlife surveys and a monthly speaker series on local nature. For more information, call 703-499-4954 or check online at http://pwconserve.org/.

• Bluebird Trail Monitoring at Merrimac Farm and Chinn Park - Help keep bluebirds common, and collect data on successes by helping monitor nesting boxes at Merrimac Farm and Chinn Park.
• Visitor Greeters at the Stone House Center at Merrimac Farm - Volunteers are needed to help staff the Stone House on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays to greet visitors and help develop educational displays. Qualifications include a cheery personality and an interest in developing a working knowledge of local habitats and wildlife.
• Plant and Wildlife Surveys at Merrimac Farm- Help develop species lists for Merrimac Farm by leading or participating in a survey covering a defined area. Current lists under development include birds, butterflies and plants. Volunteers should have a good working knowledge of the plants/animals being surveyed.
• 4th of July Nokesville Butterfly Count - Participate in the first annual Nokesville Butterfly Count. This one-day survey is part of the North American Butterfly Association's ongoing program to census the butterflies of North America and publish the results.
• Nokesville Christmas Bird Count
• Nearby Nature Online Resource - To help highlight the diversity of wildlife that still frequents Northern Virginia habitats – and to help narrow the search for cool critters close to home – the Alliance has created an online resource for Northern Virginia wildlife. You can help complete brief write-ups for wildlife found in Northern Virginia, especially bird species. No previous knowledge is required; you may complete the write ups by using print and online resources describing characteristics and cool facts about each species.

Volunteer Opportunities with the Prince William Soil and Water Conservation District
Call 703-594-3621, e-mail [email protected] or visit http://www.pwswcd.org.

• Farm Field Days is a field trip for 1,600 fourth graders each October at the Prince William Fairgrounds. The students visit stations and participate in activities to learn more about agriculture and natural resources. This event supports the fourth grade science Standards of Learning. The event is held for two days so that 800 different students attend each day. Volunteers may lead or assist with an activity area. Estimate five hours of service per day for day-only volunteers. Additional hours may be required if developing curriculum.
• Adopt A Stream is a program that is available year-round. Volunteers organize and conduct a stream clean-up with materials and guidance from our agency. Estimate approximately five hours of service per clean up.
• “Soil & Water with Kids” - youth environmental education programs are offered that reach 10,000 plus students per year. All programs are correlated to the Virginia Standards of Learning. Volunteers may assist with program development, expansion, or delivery. Service hours vary.