Interested in volunteering but not sure where to start? These organizations have immediate needs for adults who love spending time outdoors.

Ice Age Trail Alliance

www.iceagetrail.org

Made of several smaller chapters, the Ice Age Trail Alliance is a volunteer- and member-run umbrella organization dedicated to maintaining, extending and protecting this national scenic trail. More information at www.iceagetrail.org/volunteer-center.

Loppet Foundation

www.loppet.org

The Loppet Foundation, in particular, is looking for volunteers as the weather turns cool. The foundation needs seasonlong commitments from volunteer ambassadors assigned to ski trails in Minneapolis parks. Volunteers can also sign up for daylong events to help with trail maintenance, tree plantings and creating those lovely ice luminaries for special events. Contact: volunteer@loppet.org.

Minnesota Off-road Cyclists and Minneapolis Off-road Cycling Advocates

www.mocatrails.org

www.morcmtb.org

Join other volunteers for weekly maintenance sessions on a variety of mountain bike trails, including those at Lebanon Hills Regional Park, Theordore Wirth (city of Minneapolis) Park, Three Rivers Parks and more.

Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge

www.fws.gov/refuge/minnesota_valley/

This enormous, semi-urban wildlife refuge needs volunteers to staff its visitors center in Bloomington and others to act as trail rangers. Note that trail rangers should be willing and able to hike all winter long. Contact volunteer coordinator Sarah Inouye-Leas: sarah_inouye@fws.gov.

Project Get Outdoors

www.mnprojectgo.org

"Our volunteer need is basically for adults who are passionate for the outdoors," said Andrew Ulven from Project Get Outdoors. With programs designed for kids who wouldn't otherwise experience camping, hiking or canoeing, the organization has a constant need for program leaders and chaperones. Contact program coordinator Andy Wendt: wendt.andy@gmail.com.