August Volunteer Newsletter

THE MONTHLY NEWS
Each month we will be highlighting various opportunities, events, and notable volunteers. Check out our website, and call or email us for any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore!

Program of the Month:
Drop-In Volunteering

The Park Connection has recently partnered with Indiana Dunes Tourism to expand their Drop-In Volunteering. Stop by the Visitor Center, grab a garbage bag, and help clean up the park. Everyone receives one free water bottle for volunteering! Check out the website to see all location and program details,

Learn More

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Apples Festival, Sept. 15-16

Come show your love for local produce and all things autumn at our annual Apples Festival! Volunteers are needed to manage the various apple demos, kids' corner, hay rides, and other activities. Sign up today and join the fun!

🍎 Sign up for Apples Fest here! 🍎

Volunteer Spotlight: Heather Heckel

Heather stayed in the park during the last two weeks of July exploring everything the Dunes has to offer. Her work has been focused on landscapes and historic architecture and masterfully combines both oil paint and colored pencils. Heather shows a deep appreciation of nature and has been an Artist-in-Residence at several other National Parks. We thank her for putting so much heart into her artwork, and we look forward to seeing it around the park!

Check out Heather's Indiana Dunes creations

Heather's Online Portfolio

ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION FARM DANCE + HOG ROAST

With heartfelt appreciation, The Park Connection would like to invite all volunteers to the Volunteer Appreciation Farm Dance & Hog Roast, August 18 from 6pm-10pm. There will be giveaways, live music, craft beer, and the presentation of the “Volunteer and Volunteer Supervisor of the Year” awards (vote here). This special event is for our volunteers and volunteer supervisors only. Volunteers are allowed to bring their significant other. Please reply to the Eventbrite and vote ASAP!

RSVP

VOTE

SAFETY TIP OF THE MONTH:

Be aware of heat exhaustion and heatstroke as the temperatures climb this August. Take these steps to prevent heat-related illnesses:

STAY HYDRATED: Bring an extra water bottle with you on hot days. Make sure to replenish electrolytes if you've been sweating all day. Hydration backpacks are a great choice if you're volunteering or hiking outside.
KNOW THE SIGNS of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If you suspect someone is suffering from heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

OTHER NEWS & REMINDERS

Thanks to all the volunteers who made the West Beach Symphony concert a success! We had about 2,500 visitors that day, and we couldn't have managed them all without your help.
On Instagram, Facebook, or other social media? Use the hashtags #npsvolunteer and #findyourpark. Let's show the world how much we love helping our national parks!
Check out our newest positions for Park Ranger Assistants, Event Ambassadors, and more on our Seasonal Volunteers page.
Remember to RSVP and VOTE for the Hog Roast by July 31!

AUGUST PARK ACTIVITIES

Public Programs Calendar

Please don't forget to turn in your times monthly to your volunteer supervisor.

Time Sheet

Program of the Month: Drop-In Volunteering