Needs From: University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

We need nearly 500 pumpkins carved into jack-o-lanterns to illuminate our entire property for our 3-day Halloween event “Ghoulees in the Coulees”. Staff and adults will be gutting the pumpkins with power tools, but volunteers will carve the designs as desired. Bringing your own kitchen utensils is helpful for this!

The Kaplan Tract is a nature preserve in the La Crosse Blufflands that is the focus of multiple environmental restoration projects and contains high-quality habitat for hundreds of native species. Volunteers will use hand tools (garden loppers, hand pruners, etc.) to remove invasive brush from the oak woodlands on the property. After removing invasive brush, volunteers will help collect and spread native seeds from the prairie to improve grassland habitats.

The site is primarily flat/rolling terrain. Volunteers should be prepared to walk through narrow trails in the woods. No lifting is required and all other parts of the event can be adapted to be inclusive for people with limited motion and mobility.

Volunteers will assist our Costume Shop Manager Theresa Smerud with costume movement at organization at LCT's LEAP Center. Volunteers will need to walk up and down stairs, navigate step stools, and be able to lift at least 10 pounds.

Volunteers will be helping with preparing to get the gardens ready for winter and some clean up.

Volunteers must be able to stand for long periods of time and walk across uneven terrain. Volunteers are required to wear closed toed shoes and are encouraged to bring a water bottle.

Join the team at the La Crosse Region’s go-to discount home improvement store. Volunteers work as cashiers, receiving assistants, merchandisers, material recyclers, and donation pick-up drivers.

For ReStore, volunteers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the daily operations of La Crosse’s only discount home improvement store. Special projects (also TBD) might include landscaping in the ReStore’s native plant gardens, constructing shelving for a new section, or tracking incoming donations. Habitat uses 100% of ReStore profits to build and repair homes in the Greater La Crosse Region.

Want to swing a hammer to help build a home for a family in need? You don't need any construction experience - we'll teach you everything you need to know and provide you with the tools to get the job done safely.

Construction nature of work is TBD, so please wear closed toed shoes!

Volunteers will meet at the Hamilton / SOTAI School garden, 809 Johnson Street, La Crosse to assemble a new picnic table and weed the perennial garden beds. 

Volunteers should dress for the weather, bring water, sunscreen, and garden gloves if you have them. There is no bathroom onsite. Volunteers will need to be able to squat or bend down to weed in the garden, this volunteer project is outdoors, so it will be necessary for volunteers to work in the elements. We will proceed if there is a light rain or sprinkle, we will cancel for heavy rain.

An additional waiver will need to be signed on site. 

Volunteers will assit with sorting, tagging, and organizing donations' organize and restock the racks; update the displays; and prepare the seasonal clothing.

Volunteers will assist with the Children's Museum Spooky Fun STEAM Saturday Halloween Party!

Volunteers will be standing at science stations for a couple hours, walking around the museum, and maybe helping set up some tables. If possible, wear orange or event a costume (that is appropriate and family friendly).