The Loveland Open Lands & Trails Program offers free training for volunteers to help with environmental education programs for local school groups.  This training is for Plants & Places programs, which are offered to 2nd-4th grade classes. 

Fall 2022 programs will be held at River's Edge Natural Area, primarily on Mondays and Thursdays, from September into early November.  Sessions are full day field trips (9am-2:30pm with lunch). 

During training, volunteers are introduced to three 30-minute stations or two 45-minute guided walks. Presentations include general information, student participation and an activity.  Volunteers do not need to learn all 5 presentations - information is repeated to each group as they rotate through stations. This is an fun way to volunteer for those interested in sharing their love of nature with children at a convenient "in-town" location.   

All education volunteers are required to have a background check. Number of teaching days is dependent on teacher reservations, number of volunteers, and their training, but typically varies between 2-6 times per month.  Trained CSI volunteers will also be invited to participate in the spring 2023 sessions but this is not required.

Sign up on Offero.  Questions?  Contact Michele Van Hare, Coordinator, at michele.vanhare@cityofloveland.org or 970.962.2643.  

Additional trainings are offered for other programs and grade levels on August 22 (CSI) and August 23 (Wildlife) .  

Environmental Education Brochure

Open Lands & Trails Program

Parks & Recreation Department