Volunteer Opportunities

We’re always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us at our hands-on events throughout the Finger Lakes! These volunteer days bring community members together to tackle invasive species, restore habitats, and learn new skills, all while making a real impact on the health of our local ecosystems. Whether we’re removing invasive plants, planting natives, surveying trails, or cleaning up shoreline areas, every event offers a chance to get outside, meet new people, and contribute to meaningful conservation work. No experience is needed, just your willingness to jump in and help protect the places you love.

See a list of volunteer opportunities below

Water Chestnut Pulls

Water chestnut (Trapa natans) is a high priority aquatic invasive species in the Finger Lakes and we’re looking for passionate people to help us control it! Water chestnut can be removed by hand and is a great outdoor activity that helps protect the environment. 

In 2022 season, we pulled over 13,000 pounds of water chestnut at 14 locations across the Finger Lakes region; and in 2023, we removed 7,500 pounds pounds of plant material. This was made possible with the help of all the dedicated volunteers and partners that joined us throughout our field seasons. 

Currently, water chestnut hand pull events are planned through the end of June and the month of July, before the plants mature and begin to reseed. In general, each pull starts around 9 am and lasts roughly 3 hours. Kayaks or canoes are freely provided for all volunteers, based on registration. 

Email AIS Program Manager Catherine Farrell at cfarrell@hws.edu for more information on the upcoming season.