Volunteers needed for PALS, WonderLab and to pull invasive plants at Cedar Bluffs preserve

Special to the H-T
·3 min read
City of Bloomington Volunteer Network
City of Bloomington Volunteer Network

The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network is your source for information about volunteering locally. For a complete listing, visit BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org or call 812-349-3433. The inclusion of an organization in this list does not imply City endorsement or support of the organization’s activities or policies. Information and registration information for the following opportunities can be found online at BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org.

People & Animals Learning Services volunteer orientation

Join People & Animal Learning Services (PALS) for a volunteer orientation on April 1, from 9-10:30 a.m. PALS is a nonprofit, adaptive riding center located in Bloomington, providing equine-assisted services to people with disabilities, veterans, senior citizens and at-risk youth. As a PATH International Premier Accredited Center, all programs are designed to be individualized and safe. PALS relies on the generosity of volunteers to ensure the sustainability of their organization. Whether you’d like to volunteer once a month, once a week, or on your own schedule, they have a volunteer position to match your interests. Volunteer orientation sessions are designed to let you know what opportunities are available at PALS and while their opportunities are open to everyone, they are currently in need of those with horse experience! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/PALS-orientation. For additional information, contact Anna D'Souza at 812-336-2798 or volunteer@palstherapy.org.

Another opportunity:Want to help keep the water clean? Volunteer to plant trees in Brown County

WonderLab volunteer orientation

Come to WonderLab for a group volunteer orientation on April 12 from 5-6:30 p.m. Explore the museum and learn the ropes of what it takes to volunteer at the greatest little science museum in the world! Before attending, please fill out a volunteer application at https://wonderlab.org. Volunteers must be ages 12+. Sign up today, at https://tinyurl.com/new-wonderlab-volunteers. For questions, please email Luke Anderson at volunteer@wonderlab.org.

Weed Wrangle at Cedar Bluffs

Take a visit to Cedar Bluffs Nature Preserve for a Weed Wrangle on April 29 from 10 a.m. to noon! Help assist Land Steward Peter Bauson with the removal of garlic mustard and lesser celandine poppy from the property. Volunteers will be taught about invasive plants, how to identify the focus species, and how to remove them. The terrain there is moderate to challenging, and after the work is done, Peter will guide those interested to the top of the bluff. No experience needed, any age is welcome! Come prepared with good walking shoes and ready to walk over uneven terrain and do moderate physical activity including bending. All supplies and instructions are provided, as are bottled water and granola bars. Sign up early as spots are limited! Learn more at https://tinyurl.com/spring-weed-wrangle. Questions? Contact Esme Barniskis at esme.barniskis@tnc.org.

Community Wish List Spotlight

Animal Shelter Wish List

After the recent seizure of 68 dogs from a local home on March 17, the City of Bloomington Animal Care and Control (Animal Shelter) find themselves in need of supplies such as clean, gently used bedding and toys. Monetary donations, dog treats and canned food are also welcome!

Donation instructions: Donations are accepted at their location, or can be mailed to: Bloomington Animal Care and Control, 3410 S. Walnut St., Bloomington, IN 47401.

Material donations may be dropped off in the white bin outside their front doors at any time.

Monetary donations may be made in person at the shelter Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon to 5 p.m., Saturday from noon to 4 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m. Monetary donations can also be made online through a temporary fund set up by friends at Monroe County Humane Association at https://tinyurl.com/animal-shelter-support.

Contact: BACC at 812-349-3492 with any questions regarding donations.

View the Animal Shelter ongoing wish list: https://tinyurl.com/animal-shelter-wishes.

You can find current in-kind, material needs on the year-round Community Wish List at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Help at People & Animals Learning Services, WonderLab or Cedar Bluffs