Calling all volunteers!

How would you like to experience a volunteer opportunity so rewarding that it will remain forever in your memory?

Then sign up to volunteer at the Animal Education Center’s open house Saturdays at Windswept Ranch, April through October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There are many opportunities but they are all focused on bringing people closer to over 100 animals in an interactive educational environment. If your interest is leading visitors on educational tours, you will experience the amazing connection between people and animals ... such as yak, bison, water buffalo, donkeys, horses, zebra, camels, pigs and alpacas to name a few.

You will provide information about the animals and share stories about how animals came to call Windswept their home. As a tour guide you will entertain questions and encourage once in a lifetime photos with these special animals.

At the end of the tour visitors can experience up close relationships with the animals by visiting the petting zoo.

It is magical to see parents and children sharing a special day at the ranch. But the people are only part of the Saturday experience. All of the animals greet ranch guests with equal enthusiasm. Braying donkeys announce the arrival of guests, while other animals show a gentle acceptance of carrot treats and maybe even a camel kiss. Their display of visitor appreciation cannot be overstated.

At the end of your shift as a tour volunteer, when you reflect on the wonderful people you have met while sharing their experiences interacting with the animals, all you will be thinking as you drive away is that you can’t wait for next Saturday!

The ranch has many volunteer opportunities including marketing, grant writing, cleaning, painting and maintenance, landscaping, social media, web design, grooming, walking and even just sitting and reading to animals.

All volunteers for the 2020 season must attend one of the three training/orientation sessions held at Windswept Ranch on Feb. 29, March 14 and March 28 from 10 a.m. to noon.

Please let us know if you will be attending one of our sessions, or if you have questions by calling Diana at (661) 802-1880.

Windswept Ranch is located at 11101 Robert Ranch Rd., Willow Springs.