Volunteers have lots of opportunities to help at LCRA's nature parks and natural science centers. Maintaining trails, planting gardens and greeting guests are examples of the type of work volunteers do. Volunteers also lend their skills and knowledge of science and the outdoors, such as biology and landscaping.

All volunteers receive two hours of training, with training sessions offered throughout the year. Volunteers must plan on donating at least two hours of time each month at one or more of the following locations: 

McKinney Roughs Nature Park
Volunteers are needed to serve as educational assistants, gardeners and tour guides and to assist with river trips and animal care. McKinney Roughs Nature Park is eight miles west of Bastrop.

Nightengale Archaeological Center at Kingsland

Volunteers and students look at artifacts in an excavation unit. (Photos courtesy Chuck Hixson of LUAS)

LUAS members have accepted the role of guides for public tours of the center. During Texas Archeological Month every October, LUAS helps to organize special events for members and the public. In addition, LUAS organizes field trips to record and investigate archaeological sites in Central Texas.

LUAS volunteers have participated in voluntary excavations at Nightengale, as well as assisting with the continuing excavations at the Graham-Applegate archeological site, which includes the remains of a 1,000-year-old Indian village. The group also has helped with periodic repairs of the archaic hut exhibit at Nightengale.

LUAS meets at the center at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of every month. For more information, contact LUAS' Chuck Hixson by e-mail or phone (915) 388-6793.

Westcave Preserve
Volunteers are needed to guide tours, run the exhibit hall, answer phones, greet guests, and maintain the grounds. Westcave Preserve is located about 30 miles west of downtown Austin.