Volunteer with the environment and gardening

Join fellow waste reduction enthusiasts and inspire others to reduce, reuse and recycle as a Hennepin County Community Recycling Ambassador (formerly known as Master Recycler/Composter)!

Community Recycling Ambassadors (CRAs) are trained on waste prevention, recycling and composting, and effective communication skills through a six-week course, with one class each week, taught by industry experts and community leaders. The training also includes field trips to local waste processing and recycling facilities when possible.

Once training is complete, participants commit to volunteering 30-hours putting their skills to work on projects and activities that minimize waste and provide waste reduction, recycling and composting education. Community Recycling Ambassadors have the flexibility to pursue and create waste-reduction focused volunteer opportunities that interest them and serve their communities’ unique needs.

Community Recycling Ambassador trainings are offered twice each year. View the course schedule and registration information.

At Fix-It Clinics, volunteers with repair skills help residents learn how to troubleshoot and repair their broken household items. Volunteer fixers who have skills in soldering, electronics repair, electrical repair, sewing, wood working and general tinkering are essential to making the clinics successful.

Learn more about Fix-It Clinics.

Hennepin County offers training classes and volunteer opportunities for residents interested in tree care.

Learn more about upcoming opportunities for tree steward volunteers.

Master Gardener Volunteers take their knowledge and love of horticulture into the Hennepin County community and share it with others. Volunteers learn while they are volunteering and by attending required continuing education classes offered by the University of Minnesota, Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, and Minnesota Horticultural Society. The Master Gardener Program is the perfect way to volunteer your time and talents and learn more at the same time.

Master Gardeners complete the Core Course training, then are required to provide 50 hours of community service their first year and 25 hours every year after in order to remain certified. They must also receive 12 hours of continuing education credit.

Volunteers provide researched-based horticultural information to county residents. This happens in various ways, including information booths at events, farmers markets, garden centers and community education courses.

Applications are accepted from August 1 to October 1 each year.

Learn more about becoming a Master Gardener.

The Hennepin County Adopt-A-Highway program was established in 1991 to involve the community in the beautifying of our highway roadsides. Through the program, volunteers pledge to keep county roads free of litter.

Road segment lengths available for adoption are typically two miles. Groups are asked to pick up litter along their segments at least twice a year. Hennepin County places signs at the ends of the segments to recognize and thank the volunteer groups for their efforts.

Adopt-A-Highway offers opportunities for companies, clubs, families and other groups who might be interested.

Learn more about how to get involved with Adopt-A-Highway.

Water entering the storm drains on our streets flow directly into the nearest body of water, carrying leaves, grass, soil, litter, and anything else picked up along the way. This clogs stormwater infrastructure, contributes to street flooding, harms wildlife, and pollutes our waters.

You can help by adopting a storm drain and volunteering just 15 minutes, twice a month, to keep it clean. Learn more, sign up, and report your impact.