VOLUNTEER ON BELLE ISLE
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Belle Isle Conservancy.
We appreciate the passion, time, and talent that our volunteers give to us and would love to have you on our team.
ACTIVE VOLUNTEERS
Below is a description of our current volunteer opportunities. Individuals interested in volunteering may submit an online application. Once submitted, you will be invited to attend new volunteer orientation and training.
Aquarium Greeters
Did you know that the Belle Isle Aquarium is the oldest Aquarium in the country? It was designed by famed Detroit architect, Albert Kahn, who designed the aquarium to give visitors the impression that they are underwater.
Volunteer Greeters are truly the face of the Belle Isle Aquarium and ambassadors for the park. They are a friendly smile, welcome visitors to the facility, and available to answer general questions. Training is provided. Shifts are 3.5 hours and are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round.
Requirements: Friendly and approachable; Enjoy interacting with the public. Available to attend an on-site training.
Conservatory Greeters
Did you know that the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is connected to the Belle Isle Aquarium? The two facilities were designed as one symmetrical building, so they share the same birthday (August 18, 1904)!
Volunteer Greeters are truly the face of the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory and ambassadors for the park. They are a friendly smile, welcoming visitors to the facility, and available to answer general questions. Training is provided. Shifts are 3.5 hours and are available Wednesday through Sunday year-round.
Requirements: Friendly and approachable; Enjoy interacting with the public. Available to attend an on-site training.
Aquarium and Conservatory Docents
Volunteer Docents lead upper elementary students through a curriculum-based tour of the Belle Isle Aquarium and Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory. You will be a critical part of an engaging and hands-on field trip experience for Detroit Public Schools Community District and Hamtramck Public School. Training is provided. Field trips are held Tuesday-Thursday during the school year.
THE MARY WATERSTONE AWARD
In 2016, in honor of Mary Waterstone, a passionate, committed, charismatic advocate for Belle Isle Park, we dedicated a volunteer award in her name. The purpose of the award is to celebrate the volunteers who truly encompass the beauty of giving and do so with compassion, commitment, and positivity. It is with great honor that we share with you our 2018 Mary Waterstone Award co-recipients; Katie Meister and Steve Nett.
As a dedicated educator, Katie Meister’s knowledge base is extensive, and we are grateful to have her share it with us. One interaction with Katie and you will witness her passion and enthusiasm and walk away feeling like good friends. She is welcoming, kind and most generous with her time; an all-around classy lady! You can find Katie serving as Chair of the Belle Isle Aquarium Committee, leading educational tours for our School Programs as a docent, welcoming visitors into our facilities as a greeter and supporting our Special Event Committee. Her commitment to the aquarium is truly inspiring to us all and we are so honored to work side-by-side with her on Belle Isle.
Steve Nett is a great jack of all trades and our own personal MacGyver, dedicating his time and talents to Belle Isle in various capacities. In addition to working on various special (and critical) projects at the Belle Isle Aquarium, Steve also serves as a docent in our education program, an interpreter and greeter at the Belle Isle Aquarium and supports the Conservancy’s special events. Not only does he have a remarkable passion for and commitment for Belle Isle, he is truly an amazing person to be around. His positive energy creates a wonderful environment for volunteers and staff alike and you can’t help but feel the enthusiasm that he has for the work when you are with him.
Thank you, Katie and Steve, for all that you give to Belle Isle! You give yourself selflessly and with an open heart. Your kindness, commitment, positivity and compassion does not go unnoticed and we are all pleased to award you with our 2018 Mary Waterstone Award on Belle Isle!
Belle Isle Park volunteers are required to have a recreation passport to access the island.
Submission of a volunteer application does not guarantee a volunteer position.