The Natural History Society of Maryland (NHSM) is a volunteer-run nonprofit. We rely on your help to carry out our mission: “To foster stewardship of Maryland’s natural heritage by conserving its natural history collections, educating its citizenry, and inspiring its youth to pursue careers in the natural sciences.”
We offer a wide range of volunteer opportunities. For more details about these opportunities please contact the person responsible for your area of interest. Thank you for your interest and support!
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, the first step is completing the Volunteer Application Form found here
Nature Connections
The Nature Connections program explores many topics and we are always looking for volunteers to share their knowledge and passion for the natural world. We need volunteers to present on an area of expertise or one of interest to you. Or support an ongoing program or activity and learn in the process! If you would like to learn more about volunteer opportunities, please send an email to NHSM@marylandnature.org
Onsite Programs
Experts: If you have spent considerable time in a field of natural history, please consider sharing that expertise with others in the form of a lecture, workshop, or long course.
Educators: If you have experience working with kids, please consider sharing that expertise as a volunteer instructor for the NHSM’s growing suite of programs, including Wee Naturalists, DIY Dissect it Yourself activities, and Scout Saturdays.
Artists: If you draw inspiration from the natural world, please consider sharing your talents with others.
Authors: If you have a story to tell, please consider hosting an interactive book reading and signing at the NHSM.
Enthusiasts: If you love to learn, we need folks to prepare classrooms for programs, to set up activities for children, and to help at the front desk by welcoming visitors and managing registrations.
Organizations: If your natural history club or organization wants to connect with the public, the NHSM is partnering with the Overlea Farmer’s Market on select Saturdays from June till October to provide public outreach and programming space.
High School Students: If you still need to book service hours, we can help.
Please contact Bronwyn Strong at bstrong@marylandnature.org.
Offsite Programs
If you have an idea for a natural history field trip, or if you see an existing trip you’d like to learn more about please contact Jayne Ash, jash@marylandnature.org.
Experts: Please consider sharing your expertise with others in the form of a field trip, a combination lecture/workshop and field trip, or by leading one of our citizen science projects.
Enthusiasts: Lend a hand with field trip logistics (i.e., checking people in) or use your photography skills to document the adventure for our social media platforms.
Organizations: If you are a like-minded organization and would like to find out more about how to collaborate with the NHSM, let’s talk!