NEPA Volunteer Week: 7 Ways to Help Animals and Nature

If you've ever wanted to make a difference but didn't know where to start, Northeastern Pennsylvania just made it easier.

National Volunteer Week runs April 19-25, and local nonprofits across the region are opening their doors to new volunteers. Whether you love animals, enjoy being outdoors, or simply want to help your community, there's a spot waiting for you.

Griffin Pond Animal Shelter in Clarks Summit welcomes volunteers to walk dogs, clean kennels, and give animals the attention they desperately need while waiting for their forever homes. It's hands-on work that directly improves the lives of cats and dogs who've had a rough start.

At Indraloka Animal Sanctuary in Dalton, volunteers spend their days caring for rescued farm animals. Tasks range from feeding and cleaning to sorting produce donations, all helping animals live out their lives in peace.

Blue Chip Farm Animal Refuge in Dallas offers similar opportunities, with volunteers supporting everything from dog walking to fundraising efforts that keep the rescue running.

For those who prefer outdoor conservation work, Countryside Conservancy in La Plume protects nearly 1,500 acres across three counties. Volunteers help build trails, plant trees, monitor water quality, and maintain the green spaces that make NEPA special.

Lacawac Sanctuary Foundation in Lake Ariel takes conservation a step further by combining habitat restoration with citizen science projects. Volunteers can participate in environmental research while preserving natural areas for future generations.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association in Kempton focuses on raptor conservation and environmental education. Volunteers assist with visitor services, educational programs, research projects, and trail maintenance throughout the year.

The Ripple Effect

What starts as one person showing up on a Saturday morning quickly multiplies into measurable community impact. These organizations rely on volunteer hours to care for hundreds of animals, maintain miles of trails, and protect thousands of acres of natural habitat.

When volunteers commit regular time, nonprofits can expand their reach without expanding their budgets. That means more animals rescued, more trails maintained, and more land preserved for everyone to enjoy.

The beauty of these opportunities is they don't end when National Volunteer Week does. Every organization welcomes year-round volunteers, turning a single week of service into lasting community connections.

Your hands can help heal what needs healing in NEPA.

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