Since 1960, the Austin Nature & Science Center has provided hands-on nature exhibits, education programs, and recreation activities for adults, families, and children of all ages that increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. Located on the western edge of Zilker Park, ANSC is dedicated to the exploration and stewardship of the natural world.
HOURS
Monday - Saturday 9:00a.m. - 5:00p.m.
Sunday 12:00p.m. - 5:00p.m.
* We will be closed Friday, the 4th of July. *
Please keep these tips in mind for your visit:
- Masks are currently not required on the property
- Parking is available underneath the Mopac Bridge
- The entrance is located on Stratford Drive
- Pets are not allowed on site
- Please do not bring outside nets, buckets, or other aquatic materials to our creeks and ponds. You can check out free nets and buckets at the front desk to explore!
- If you have any questions please contact us at anscprograms@austintexas.gov
- Trade Counter is staffed and open for trades Wednesday-Friday 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Saturdays 10:00 am-4:00 pm, and Sundays 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
Volunteer with us!
Looking for a fun, rewarding, nature-based volunteer experience? Apply for a year-round, recurring position or check back frequently for one-day/single-event volunteer opportunities.
- Recurring Volunteer Positions
-
At the Austin Nature and Science Center we have volunteers that help support us all throughout the year. This is a great opportunity to build community and contribute to the mission of our site. When considering applying for a recurring volunteer position at the ANSC, consider the following, are you able to regularly commit to a day and time of the week to perform your volunteer shifts? Are you an enthusiastic naturalist who wants to encourage others to be stewards of our natural world? If so, then this might be the place for you to volunteer!
At this time we are only considering volunteer applicants 18 years and older. For all others, please consider joining us on one of our single day community volunteer events.
Trade Counter Volunteer
Are you interested in natural history and love sharing knowledge and exploration with others? Do you have a keen eye for detail and enjoy engaging with other nature-lovers? Consider joining the Trade Counter at the Naturalist Workshop! The Trade Counter is a unique program that gives visitors the opportunity to collect, investigate, and trade natural objects to cultivate a deeper relationship to the natural world - and take home some cool nature items! As a volunteer here you will engage with visitors of all ages and facilitate trades of natural objects. For this position we seek patient volunteers who are comfortable interacting with children and the public for extended conversations, are inquisitive and curious about the natural world, and see challenges and unknowns as a fun learning opportunity.
** Trade Counter volunteer opportunities are offered Wednesdays-Fridays 10:00-1:00; Saturdays 10:00-1:00 or 1:00-4:00; Sundays 1:00-4:00.
Landscaping Volunteer
Do you want to help to beautify and enhance the Austin Nature and Science Center’s grounds with native plants and nature-based landscaping practices? We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers interested in sharing their passion for eco-friendly gardening and learning new skills while working hands-on with experienced landscapers. Our volunteers assist with many outdoor maintenance tasks such as planting, watering, deadheading, composting, using natural treatments for pests and diseases, weeding, digging, raking, leaf blowing, trash and debris removal, and seed collection and sorting. This volunteer position requires an interest in landscaping and outdoor maintenance, a willingness to work outdoors in various weather conditions, and the ability to bend, stoop, kneel, and lift up to 35 pounds. Our landscape volunteers will gain knowledge of organic time-tested gardening practices, learn about Texas native plant species, meet new people, take home transplants, and make a positive impact on the environment and community. Please consider donating your time to the Austin Nature and Science Center and apply to be a landscape volunteer today.
**Landscaping volunteer opportunities are currently only offered on Tuesdays and Saturdays.
Wildlife Volunteer
Are you an experienced animal keeper or aquarist? Are you comfortable regularly cleaning up animal waste, cleaning habitats, and following detailed instructions? Are you familiar with the daily chores necessary to provide a healthy, safe, and enriching environment for animals in captivity? If so, you might be a great fit for our wildlife support team. To serve as a wildlife volunteer, you must have an extensive background working with animals. Please provide detailed information about your experience in animal care when applying.
Nature's Way Preschool Hiking Volunteer - New Position!
Do you love working with young children and inspiring an early start to nature stewardship? Do you love working in the outdoors, hiking, climbing, playing, and learning & teaching about nature? If so, this volunteer position may be right for you! Nature’s Way Preschool (NWPS) is our unique enrichment program that provides young children with an immersive experience into the wonders of the natural world. We are seeking volunteers to assist with hiking and other activities with our 4-5 year old classes (most hiking takes place on-site in the Zilker Nature Preserve).
** NWPS Hiking Volunteer opportunities are available until April 25, from 10:30-12:30 with options for M/W/F, T/Th, M-Th, or M-F.
Program Overview
For detailed descriptions of volunteer positions and before applying for any positions, please see the Volunteer Handbook.
How do I apply to become a volunteer?
We welcome you to fill out a volunteer application at any time. If you are selected for our volunteer program, you will serve as a “volunteer-in-training” for 10 weeks as a new volunteer (for most positions). Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older and submit to a background check and fingerprinting.
What is a “volunteer-in-training”?
For Trade Counter, Landscape, and Wildlife Volunteers: During your first 10 weeks as a new volunteer you will receive an orientation to ANSC, safety training, and training for your specific volunteer position. This is an opportunity to find out if volunteering with ANSC long-term is a good fit for you. Volunteers-in-training are expected to volunteer an average of 9 hours per month (minimum) during the season and can always sign up for additional available shifts.
For Nature's Way Preschool Hiking Volunteers: This position will terminate at the end of the school year on April 25, 2025. Successful volunteers will then be welcome to apply for other volunteer positions at ANSC and will receive details about volunteer opportunities for the next school year.
What happens next?
At the end of the first 10 weeks, you will complete a feedback survey with your volunteer manager and discuss a plan to become a fully-fledged ANSC volunteer. Our goal is to create a mutually beneficial relationship with regular volunteers. Full volunteers are also expected to volunteer an average of 9 hours per month (minimum) and can always sign up for additional available shifts.
Application
Our FY25 application is open, click here to apply. Please read the handbook before applying. Specific dates in the Handbook are subject to change.
- Single Event Volunteer Opportunities
-
Community Volunteer Events
Assist staff with ANSC one-day events such as It’s My Park Day, Austin Museum Day, Fall Festival, Celebrate Urban Birds, and Austin Nature Day.
Check back for information on upcoming events.
Private Group Volunteer Events
If you are a large group looking for a single day volunteer opportunity at our site please send an email to: anscprograms@austintexas.gov and include the following information: group affiliation, number of participants, age of participants, preferred days and times, and desired activity (landscaping, trash pick-up, special projects, etc.)
