Location
Millennium Park
1415 Maynard Avenue Southwest
Walker, MI 49534
Contact Information
Day of Service - Kent County Parks
Description
Volunteer with Kent County Parks – Park Habitat Restoration Project
Join fellow GRCC students for a Day of Service with Kent County Parks at Millennium Park! Help protect native habitats and support one of Michigan's oldest and largest park systems while spending the day outdoors making a meaningful impact in our community.
What You'll Be Doing
Participants will assist experienced habitat restoration staff with invasive species removal and other habitat restoration activities. This is a great opportunity to learn about local ecosystems, meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, and contribute to preserving Kent County's beautiful parks and trails.
Participant Expectations
- Closed-toe shoes are required.
- Long pants and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Be prepared to get dirty!
- Students should bring a water bottle and may wish to bring a hat or sunscreen.
- Participants should expect outdoor work, including walking, bending, kneeling, and standing for extended periods.
- Volunteers are expected to attend the entire volunteer shift.
- A post-event reflection is required following participation.
Before You Attend
- Students should plan to arrive a few minutes before the volunteer shift begins.
- Volunteers will receive a brief orientation (approximately 20 minutes) upon arrival.
- A waiver will be completed at the check-in table before volunteering.
- Volunteers may be working off-trail and using gardening hand tools under staff supervision.
- Restrooms will be available on-site.
What's Provided
- All tools and supplies will be provided by Kent County Parks.
- Water and lemonade will be available for volunteers.
- Extra work gloves will be available if needed.
Location & Parking
- Millennium Park – Zone A (Beach Entrance)
- 1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534
- Follow volunteer signage to the check-in location.
- Free parking is available in the first parking lot at the Millennium Park Beach entrance.
Weather Policy
The event may be delayed or canceled in the case of heavy rain or severe weather. Participants will be notified if any schedule changes occur.
Space is limited, so register early to reserve your spot and make an impact in the Grand Rapids community!
Upcoming Dates And Times
- Sep 26, 20269:00 AM - 1:00 PM (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM UTC)Available spots: 25
- Sep 26, 20261:00 PM - 5:00 PM (5:00 PM - 9:00 PM UTC)Available spots: 25
Questions & Answers
- Do I need prior volunteer experience?
No! No prior experience is necessary. Kent County Parks staff will provide an orientation and all instructions needed for the volunteer activities.
- What should I wear?
Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, and weather-appropriate clothing that you don't mind getting dirty. We recommend dressing in layers and checking the weather forecast before arriving.
- Will transportation be provided?
No. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to Millennium Park.
- Will food be provided?
Light refreshments, including water and lemonade, will be provided. Snacks will be provided by the group leader. Students are encouraged to eat beforehand and bring a reusable water bottle.
- Do I need to stay for the entire event?
Yes. Volunteers are expected to participate for the entire volunteer shift unless prior arrangements have been made.
- What kind of volunteer work will I be doing?
Volunteers will assist with habitat restoration activities, including invasive species removal and other outdoor stewardship projects that help preserve native plants and wildlife habitats.
- Is there anything I need to complete before the event?
Some volunteer sites may require additional forms or waivers. Registered participants will receive any required paperwork and instructions before the event.
- Is there a requirement after the event?
Yes. GRCC Day of Service participants will be asked to complete a brief reflection following the event.
- How many volunteer hours will I receive?
Participants will receive approximately four volunteer hours for completing the full volunteer shift.
- Who can I contact if I have questions?
Please contact the Center for High-Impact Experiences at chie@grcc.edu or reach out through the Day of Service event page for additional questions.
