Volunteer
A woman with sunglasses crouches down to weigh a baby opossum in a metal bowl on a digital scale inside a wooden animal enclosure with green trees visible outside.
A woman with sunglasses crouches down to weigh a baby opossum in a metal bowl on a digital scale inside a wooden animal enclosure with green trees visible outside.
A scientist doing research on Northern Michigan's frog species. He is holding a spring peeper (Pseudacris crucifer)
Volunteer with us!

We’re looking for passionate, dependable individuals who care deeply about wildlife and want to make a meaningful impact in Northern Michigan. At Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund, volunteers are a vital part of our work across three core areas: rehabilitation, restoration, and education.

In rehabilitation, volunteers help support the care and transport of injured and orphaned wildlife, ensuring animals get the attention and resources they need. Our restoration efforts offer opportunities to get involved in habitat projects, wildlife monitoring, and conservation initiatives that protect local ecosystems. Through education, volunteers assist with programs, outreach events, and community engagement, helping connect people to wildlife and inspire stewardship.

One of our greatest needs right now is animal transportation. Volunteers in this role help safely transport wildlife to our veterinary partner in Grand Rapids and to our rehabilitation partners, ensuring animals receive timely medical care. This role is flexible but incredibly impactful, and plays a key part in our ability to respond across the region.

The ideal volunteer is willing to learn, comfortable working both independently and as part of a team, and ready to step in where needed. Some roles are hands-on and active, while others focus on outreach or behind-the-scenes support. No prior experience is required, just a commitment to our mission and a willingness to grow alongside us.

A young woman wearing a green hoodie and jeans crouching in a forest, taking a photo of a tree with a trail camera attached to it. The forest floor has fallen leaves, and the background shows trees with green leaves.
A young woman wearing a green hoodie and jeans crouching in a forest, taking a photo of a tree with a trail camera attached to it. The forest floor has fallen leaves, and the background shows trees with green leaves.
Volunteering with Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund is a blast! Using puppets is always so fun for our  kids educational programs.
A woman volunteering with Sleeping Bear Wildlife Fund. She is building enclosures for our rehab animals to use.