Preserve Our Beautiful River - Let’s Do It Together
Please consider volunteering some of your time with the VRC. We always welcome whatever help comes our way. If you’re unsure what you can do to help, please see the descriptions of some of the volunteer opportunities we need.
From time to time the VRC partners with other organizations such as the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to plant native species of trees in areas that have been damaged or overrun by nonnative species. You can help restore the riparian area to its natural state by participating in one of these projects.
Volunteer duties include walking about one mile along the river and picking up trash along the way. We will show you where to go, and describe what you should and should not pick up. We’ll provide buckets and trash bags (you’ll want to wear appropriate clothing and bring your own gloves). Afterwards, we usually gather and share some refreshments. Having fun is both allowed and encouraged.
From time to time, the VRC has the opportunity to place a table at community and regional events in the area (for example, Mesquite Days, the Wild and Scenic Film Festival, our FoGB Speaker Series, etc.). Volunteer duties include setting up an information table, talking to attendees, and distributing informational materials to passersby.
Like many non-profits, we rely heavily on grant funding. If you have experience applying for grants, we could use your help in securing operational and special project funding for FoGB activities and projects. Volunteer duties include researching appropriate grants and writing and submitting grant proposals in consultation with the executive director and board of directors.
In collaboration with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the VRC recruits and organizes volunteers to assist with various projects throughout the year. Volunteer duties vary, but past projects have included Tamarisk removal, species identification and counting, tree planting, and more.