All volunteers are required to submit a completed Application form. Volunteers working as a group may work under one Group Application – See Volunteering as a Group for more information.

All volunteers are required to submit a completed KPC Release of Liability form. Minors must have a form completed by a parent or guardian. See Minors Policy.

Volunteers are expected to be on time and not make commitments they can’t keep. If an emergency prevents you from fulfilling a volunteer commitment, please notify the appropriate person with the Conservancy as soon as possible.

Volunteers are expected to wear appropriate attire. Remember that you are representing the KPC and setting an example for other volunteers and visitors. Suggested apparel for outdoors:

• Comfortable, closed toe shoes are a must.
• Tall socks, long pants, and a long sleeved shirt to reduce the possibility of chigger or tick infestation, mosquito bites, and skin irritation from plants.
• A wide-brimmed hat that offers protection from the sun.

Volunteers who assist with children’s activities must review and abide by the Minors Policy.

Volunteers are never allowed to be alone with children other than their own while working with the KPC. See the Minors Policy for more information.

Volunteers are expected to review the online handbook, especially these guidelines, Minors Policy, Workplace Policies, Preserve Policies, Safety & Emergency Procedures, and …

Volunteers are encouraged to learn as much as they can about the Katy Prairie, its history, KPC Preserves, the Katy Prairie Conservancy and how it operates. For more information on …

Volunteers are encouraged to create their own handbook by printing out some or all of these pages; Rangers may request an embossed 3-ring binder for creating their handbook as well as some special laminated handouts.

Volunteers may not make press statements, submit op-ed letters to the editor, comments, radio or TV interviews, or sign letters or contracts for the Conservancy unless they have been previously authorized to do so by the Conservancy’s Board of Directors in writing. This does not preclude any volunteer from commenting on any public matter on his or her individual account; such comments simply should not mention or otherwise reflect affiliation with the Conservancy.

Any funds received for any Conservancy matters are solely the property of the Conservancy. All checks for any such matter must be payable to the Conservancy and not to any volunteer individually.

Volunteers operate under the policies of the Conservancy and under the direction of its Board of Directors. Serious policy violations may result in the volunteer’s release from his or her volunteer position.

Volunteers who can adhere to these guidelines, may qualify for membership in the Katy Prairie Rangers after serving an average of three hours per month within four consecutive months.

Communication between volunteers and staff is vital to the success of the program. Please share your ideas and/or concerns about your responsibilities and the volunteer program with the Volunteer Coordinator and/or the staff member with whom you are working. Please feel free to ask questions at any time.