Volunteer
Houston’s most important natural resource: each other.
Lend a hand!
Volunteers are invited to care for the parks, trails, and unique spaces along Buffalo Bayou. Join together to help tend native vegetation, pick up trash, and beautify the public spaces along Houston’s most significant natural waterway.
Volunteer Opportunities
Whether you join a Monthly Volunteer Day, help out at a public event, or lend a hand individually, there are volunteer opportunities to suit a variety of preferences and availabilities.
Group Volunteering
Community organizations, corporate groups, and civic associations are welcome to volunteer Wednesday through Friday and select Saturday mornings. Reach out to us to learn more!
Internships & Service Hours
For more involved or long-term volunteering opportunities, such as internships or meeting service hours, reach out to us for more information.
Volunteer Spotlight:
Working Towards a Trash Free Gulf
This May, Buffalo Bayou Partnership took part in the Trash Free Gulf campaign by conducting a litter cleanup along the downtown trails. Trash Free Gulf, a program of Gulf Trust presented by H-E-B’s Our Texas, Our Future initiative, worked with partners across Texas throughout May 2026 to organize cleanups in every major watershed and along the coast.
With the help of 14 dedicated volunteers, including members of the Strake Jesuit Key Club, a total of 145 pounds of litter was collected from along the bayou and trails. This initiative helps keep local waters clean and creates a lasting impact downstream. To read more in-depth data on the trash collected by BBP and other local organizations, visit the Texas Litter Database.
We thank Gulf Trust for providing the materials needed for this cleanup, as well as all of the volunteers who helped make the day a success.
BBP also extends gratitude to Bosch Community Fund for its recent grant in support of our Volunteer Program. This contribution will facilitate cleanup projects, environmental stewardship efforts, and partnerships with local schools, helping BBP connect the next generation to Houston’s historic waterway.
Check out available volunteer opportunities through the link below!
Questions? Get in touch to find an option that works best for you and your group.
Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s 2026 Volunteer Program is generously supported by
To volunteer with BBP, please create a profile on our GetConnected dashboard. Once the volunteer waiver is completed, you can select from our available volunteer opportunities.
Registration for a volunteer opportunity usually closes 48 hours prior to the event to ensure we have enough tools and materials available. Volunteers under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian provide consent. Children under the age of 9 are not eligible to volunteer.
- All volunteers must read and sign an online waiver no later than 48 hours before volunteering with Buffalo Bayou Partnership.
- Unchaperoned volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. Youth ages 9 – 17 years are welcome with a chaperone 21 years or older. There must be one adult per ten youth present.
- Closed-toe shoes or boots are required.
- Volunteers must supply their own water, snacks, insect repellant, sunscreen, or medicine.
- Students, scouts, and others needing community service hours (non-court ordered) may be able to join scheduled groups. Email us for available dates.
We do everything we can to ensure the safety of park visitors, volunteers, and staff. Volunteers may use standard gardening and landscaping tools on which they will be trained. Tasks can be modified to accommodate all abilities. When working outdoors, there are always precautions to consider. Here are some helpful tips for a safe experience:
- Stay hydrated
- Take frequent breaks
- Wear proper clothing
- Prepare for the environment
- Monitor weather conditions
- To volunteer please make an account with our volunteer platform GetConnected by Galaxy Digital
- Volunteers must complete a Profile and Prerequisite Waiver
- Once an account is set up, volunteer opportunities can be found in the “OPPORTUNITIES” tab
- For group volunteers – the group leader will send you a link your “private” volunteer opportunity
- Every volunteer is required to complete a volunteer waiver – minors under 18 years old will have an additional step where a request for approval is sent to the parent or guardian
- In addition, all volunteers are required to list an emergency contact that is not a volunteer on site
- When registering please use an active email to receive project information