ENVIRONMENTALLY FOCUSED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

UNL EXTENSION - MASTER GARDENERS

Master Gardeners are trained volunteers who assist UNL Extension in extending research based lawn, landscape and garden information to their communities. New volunteers attend 40 hours of horticulture education; then return an equal number of volunteer hours throughout the year. This year, for the first time, new volunteers will be allowed to complete 40 hours of education and volunteer time over a two year period if needed. Until the 40 hours are completed, these volunteers will have the title of a Master Gardener Intern. Once the 40 hours are completed, volunteers who return to the program are required to complete 12 hours of continuing education and return 12 to 20 volunteer hours annually. There is a one time fee of $100 to participate. Some activities volunteers may do include answering lawn and garden questions in the Extension office, working with 4-H youth garden programs, assisting elderly residents with container gardening, caring for community or demonstration gardens, planning educational garden tours, and developing educational material for the community. For information, contact Kelly Feehan at 563-4901 or kfeehan2@unl.edu.

Columbus Recycle Center

Volunteers help sort plastics, paper, and help customers unload.  Must be able to lift up to 30 lbs.  Hours available at 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays.  Contact Carl Edwards at 562-4270.

Columbus Signs

Volunteers are needed to help maintain the Welcome to Columbus signs on the East and West ends of town, and at the entrance to Pawnee Park.  Tasks would include cleaning and weeding the area, light landscaping, and watering plants.  This would be a great club or youth group project.  Contact Karla at the Chamber office at 564-2769.

GROUND MAINTENANCE - COLUMBUS LIBRARY

Volunteers are needed to help weed and clean the area around the Columbus Public Library.  Contact Jill Owens at 564-7116.

 KEEP COLUMBUS BEAUTIFUL

Keep Columbus Beautiful is an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful.  Affiliates are education and community-improvement programs that address local needs including litter awareness and litter cleanups; beautification; reuse and recycling programs and neighborhood revitalization.  Volunteer opportunities are available for individuals, groups and families.  Contact             Heather Buttaro at 563-9223.

 

THINK GREEN!