What is P4P?
Henry Vilas Zoo’s P4P will take place on Saturday, May 4, 10AM-2PM, with a rain date of Saturday, May 11, 10AM-2PM.
Party for the Planet (P4P) is the largest combined Earth Day celebration in the world! Over 100 AZA-accredited zoos and aquariums across North America will host events to raise awareness about conservation, sustainable living, and making our Earth a better place to live.
The day will include regular classics, like goat yard and train/carousel rides, but also includes a tree climb, sapling giveaway, sensory garden planting and a bat cave!
What do P4P volunteers do?
We need volunteers to help our even run smoothly, and make it fun and meaningful for our community.
P4P volunteers are:
- Bat Wranglers (16+) Helping us set up our “bat cave” in the center of the Zoo, encouraging guests to come see our bat stuffies, teaching them about bats (training provided) and helping them choose one to adopt!
- Sapling Saviors (16+)Help our DNR partners give out saplings to guests. Help with supply runs and table organizing throughout the day. Talk to guests about planting and care guidelines (guidance provided by DNR partners day-of)
Storytime (Pair 16+) Read animal and conservation stories to small groups of kids! Gather with kids and families at our storytime mat outside our guest services building for tales of adventure and conservation! This role is meant for those who are energetic, and have a good speaking voice. ASL signers and foreign language speakers welcome!
- Photographers (18+ OR 16+ with recommendation)Take photos of the humans of the Zoo! Work with our Marketing & Outreach coordinator to get photos of excited faces, dirty hands from planting, kids climbing trees and more!
Planting Bud-dies (18+) Help guests plant baby plants in our new sensory garden! Take turns with your fellow volunteers in getting your hands dirty and welcoming guests to the garden. Must be comfortable with people, dirt and getting dirty.
- Tree-mendous Helpers (18+) Help our DNR arborists prepare kids and kids-at-heart to climb our tree! Assist parents/guardians in filling out waivers. Give kids words of encouragement, support, and congratulations. Talk to guests while they’re in line about the activities for the day.
What does HVZ provide?
All volunteers can expect:
- Role-specific training & texted updates in the weeks before, and on the day of, the event
- Discounts at our Glacier Grille, Cup & Cone and Gift Shoppe in the week leading up to the event, as well as day of
- Access to the weekly Volunteer Update – filled with tons of news about our animals and upcoming volunteer opportunities
Can my group volunteer?
We love that you want to get a big group involved! Party for the Planet isn’t set up for large groups to volunteer. We are currently working on expanding our group volunteer opportunities. You can get on our email list here to be the first to know when more will be available.