Get Involved

Step 1: Volunteer Application & Interest Form

Step 1: Volunteer Application & Interest Form

Interested in becoming a Merry Lea Volunteer? Fill out our interest form to get started and we will be in touch with you soon!

Step 2: A Unique Background Check

Step 2: A Unique Background Check

Once you submit the interest form, you will receive a link to fill out a unique background check!

Step 3: Volunteer Introduction & Training

Step 3: Volunteer Introduction & Training

We will provide any training that may be needed to volunteer here at Merry Lea!

Volunteer Program Areas

Merry Lea Teaching Farm

Merry Lea Teaching Farm

Do you enjoy getting your hands dirty, working in the orchard, harvesting produce from the greenhouses or the education garden, working with farm animals, starting seeds, or more? Join us at the farm!

Education & Outreach

Education & Outreach

Does the thought of teaching people of all ages about environmental education excite you? Do you love helping with special events such as Nature Fest? Jump into the education side of Merry Lea today!

Administrative Support

Administrative Support

Would you rather work behind the scenes? We have various opportunities ranging from envelope stuffing to updating bulletin boards, working registration tables, laminating papers and more!

Stewardship

Stewardship

Is your ideal day spent outside in the woods, walking trails, or removing invasive species? Opportunities occur year round and include seed collection and cleaning, prescribed burning, invasive plant removal, and more.  Help us maintain and restore our 1,189 acres of land!

Other Skills

Other Skills

Do you have other skills that you would like to share, such as arts & crafts, photography, cooking, writing, or more? Let us know! We are always seeking more creative individuals to help us out.

Youth & Family

Youth & Family

Check out various opportunities that are great for families or youth! Some opportunities include popping & serving popcorn during Enchanted Forest, changing out our seasonal Storywalk trail, and more.

— Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities —


Help out during Seed Swap on January 18!


We’re always looking for great volunteers who have a passion for nature and learning. Contact Foy Spicer at fspicer@goshen.edu or call (260) 799-5869.

Quotes & Testaments

“I enjoy volunteering because I get to be out in nature learning about the area I am working in, and sometimes helping to take care of it.” –Tristan, Youth Volunteer


“I enjoy volunteering at Merry Lea and seeing children’s fear of the natural environment turn to comfort in it.  They gain a new responsibility to care, respect,  and protect the land, plants, and creatures who live here.  God’s creations are so beautiful!  It is relaxing and comforting to walk the trails and breathe in the phytoncides from plants and trees which increase my immune system and lower my blood pressure and stress level!” – Russ, Education Volunteer


“I enjoy being outdoors and love helping kids discover amazing things in nature at all of Merry Lea’s Teaching sites! – Becky, Education Volunteer


Volunteering is the very core of being a human. No one has made it through life without someone else’s help.” – Heather French Henry.