Dozens of federal agencies and nonprofit organizations that work to improve the environment, but not all of them work toward the same goals. Even though you may be doing this as a class assignment, think about how this work would fit into a resume, what kinds of skills you would like to acquire and what sort of people you want to work with. For example, there are agencies that manage forest lands or wildlife, groups that hope to increase fish runs in rivers, and organizations that assist farmers. Which suits you best?
Federal agencies always in need of volunteers include the Bureau of Land Management, which could assign you to do fish counts, trail maintenance, be a camp host or do fence repair. The state and federal departments of fish and wildlife could ask you to lead tours, band ducks, take pictures, count animals and plant native trees and shrubs. Private and nonprofit environmental organizations in need of volunteers include your local watershed council or basin council, which could ask you to plant trees for shade, count fish or birds, call landowners, organize tours, work in the office or help with fundraisers. The Nature Conservancy, Oregon Wild, Ducks Unlimited, Audubon Society and a host of others also need your help, from web design to writing news articles.
Most organizations looking for volunteers are listed in the phone book, or have a web presence easy to find. Call the organization's front desk to find out what the process is for volunteering. If you have a deadline, apply well in advance--2 or 3 weeks before you intend to work--to give officials time to match you to a job. Be sure to get the name and phone number or e-mail of the volunteer coordinator, and call them until you have confirmed duties. Persistence pays.
Document your work with pictures, notes in a diary or a letter from the organization that chose you. In addition to credits and experience, this work could lead to a job.