Join / Donate / Volunteer
Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council, Inc.
The Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation created to advise, recommend, promote, conduct and develop, in cooperation with the Department of Recreation and Parks and its Board, nature interpretation and conservation programs and projects primarily at this Nature Center and Park, and where appropriate, at other parks, school-recreation centers and open spaces in Baltimore County.
Membership
Individual Membership ($15)
Benefits are only extended to the member.
Family Membership ($30)
Two adults from the same household, parents and children under the age of 18 or grandparents and grandchildren under the age of 18 (not more than 2 generations).
Supporting ($75) Sustaining ($250) Lifetime ($500)
Two adults from the same household, parents and children under the age of 18 or grandparents and grandchildren under the age of 18 (not more than 2 generations).
Join or Renew
To join or renew online click here to go to our secure site.
To join or renew via U.S. Mail click here to print-out a membership form.
As a member of the Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council, you will receive:
- Advanced notice of programs, events and summer camp via email.
- Advanced registration and often a reduced cost for programs, summer camp and events.
- Your choice of a hard copy or emailed link to our quarterly TrailBlazer Newsletter.
- Discounts on Pavilion and Community Garden Rental Fees.
- Members move to the top of all waitlists.
- The satisfaction of knowing you are supporting a good cause!
Donate
To donate on-line click here to go to our secure site or you may mail a check.
Checks should be made payable to Oregon Ridge Nature Center Council (ORNCC) and mailed to Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030.
DONATIONS PROVIDE FUNDING AND/OR SUPPORT FOR:
- Displays, exhibits and improvements both inside and outside the Nature Center building.
- Animal food and care
- Garden and trail maintenance equipment and supplies
- Public, Group and School Program equipment and supplies
- Festivals
- TrailBlazer Newsletter, Program Calendar and Online Membership and Registration Management Software
- Office equipment and supplies
- The ORNCC Scholarship program
- And much, much more.
Volunteer Opportunities at Oregon Ridge Nature Center
Oregon Ridge Nature Center is always searching for volunteers who love nature and the outdoors. Explore the many opportunities listed below – there’s sure to be something that fits your skills, interests and schedule. If you see something that interests you click on the link for more information.
*Volunteers are required to complete an online Background Check.
Field Trip Volunteers
Trail Guides
Winter/Spring Trail Guide Training
February 7 and 8; March 21 and 22
(Fall Trail Guide Training in September)
Register online at www.OregonRidgeNatureCenter.WildApricot.org
Oregon Ridge Nature Center provides environmental education programs for thousands of students each year. Our Trail Guides provide hands-on outdoor experiences for these groups.
General Volunteers
Check out our list of opportunities and of course if you have a special talent or skill that you are willing to share we would love to hear about that as well. Oregon Ridge is very dependent on volunteers and you will find it is a great place to connect with like-minded people and become part of the team that makes a difference. We have something for everyone! There’s sure to be something that fits your interests and your schedule.
Maryland Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program
Note: The 2023 Master Naturalist program (Mondays) will start in March. More information will be available and registration will open around the first of the year.
Naturalist Internships
Oregon Ridge Nature Center provides internship opportunities for high-school seniors (full school year commitment) and college students (semester or summer commitment). Applicants should be pursuing a career in the environmental science or environmental education fields. This is an unpaid, volunteer position.
Ridge Runners
(ages 13 – 17)
Ridge Runners are teen volunteers who are seeking a unique experience. During their one-year, weekly commitment, they feed, clean and care for our animals, including snakes, turtles, frogs and salamanders. They also help prepare for our programs, assist during festivals and do various other tasks. Ridge Runners volunteer 2 hours per week after school or on weekends. Teens volunteering in the Ridge Runner program can earn community service hours for time volunteered.
Maryland Master Naturalist Volunteer Training Program
Become a Maryland Master Naturalist! The University of Maryland Extension created this program and Oregon Ridge Nature Center is a host site for the Central Maryland Piedmont Region Program. After initial training, participants provide a minimum of 40 hours of volunteer service to their host site in the first year in order to receive their Master Naturalist Certification. Visit the University of Maryland Extension website for details.
Completed applications should be sent to:
Oregon Ridge Nature Center, 13555 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, MD 21030