volunteer
Alternative Break
We are so excited that you are interested in Land Between the Lakes as your Alternative Break site!Â
Every volunteer moment is a step into a world of wonder and delight.
- cleaning supplies provided
- meet people like you who love nature
- take pride in your accomplishments
Call: (270) 924-2007
Email: volunteer@friendsoflbl.org
What is Alternative Break?
Alternative Break is about transforming your college Spring Break into a journey of impact. It’s your chance to step away from the usual Spring Break festivities and dive into a week of meaningful volunteer service.
As an Alternative Break volunteer, you’ll play a pivotal role in the conservation and enhancement of our public lands’ natural splendor. Your efforts will not only preserve these treasures but also enrich the experiences of visitors globally.
Since 1995, Land Between the Lakes has been a proud host to up to eight Alternative Break groups annually, collaborating with vibrant students from across the nation. Join us, and be part of a legacy of stewardship that extends far beyond a week—shape the future of our environment and communities with Alternative Break!
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Alternative Break Volunteer Application
Complete and submit this form to apply for our Alternative Break Volunteer Program. Please note that this is to gather preliminary information about your group, availability information, etc., and that our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you finalize plans.
Alternative Break Volunteer Application
Where You'll Be Spending Your Break
We know you have a lot of choices when it comes to Spring Break, so here’s a little bit about us.
Land Between The Lakes (LBL) is a national recreation area and environmental education area administered by the USDA Forest Service. Located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, LBL offers 170,000 scenic acres of forest, 200 miles of scenic roads, 100 miles of trail, and 4 environmental education facilities, there are limitless opportunities for service as well as adventure.
LBL has increased in popularity a lot over the years as a choice for Alternative Break, so please be aware that we will reserve dates on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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How to Get Here
Driving Distance
Minimum Participants
Groups must commit to a minimum of eight (8) working participants. Please indicate the average number of expected participants to our Volunteer Coordinator so that it can be factored into tailoring your volunteer experience.
Work Schedule
We prefer groups to work at least four (4), eight (8) hour days while you are here—generally 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a ½ hour for lunch.
This schedule has allowed most groups to work around a potential rain day, take a day to enjoy Land Between The Lakes or explore the area.
Trip length can be discussed with our Volunteer Coordinator and may be extended or shortened based on a group’s needs and interests.
Meals
Meals are not provided. Purchasing food before you arrive is recommended since grocery stores are not located close by.
Since many of our service projects are pretty far away from our housing accommodations, it is best to be prepared to pack a lunch each day that can be eaten at the work site such as small portable lunch pails. Simple lunch foods (sandwiches, crackers, yogurt, fruit, canned drinks, chips, etc.) make lunchtime much easier!
On the days you volunteer for us, we will provide drinks.
Free Time
While you are here, you may visit Woodlands Nature Station, The Homeplace 1850’s Working Farm, Elk and Bison Prairie viewing area, and the Golden Pond Planetarium at no charge. Some other activities like canoeing and horseback riding may require a charge.
Murray, Kentucky (a college town) is about 25 miles away, it is a good place for pizza and a movie.
Nashville is about 100 miles away and Mammoth Cave National Park is a 3-hour drive away.
Type of Work
The Land Between the Lakes is a large area with a wide variety of outdoor opportunities for service projects. There are opportunities for historical, ecological, biological, educational, conservation, restoration, and recreation projects.
Depending on the project, work can range from moderately to very strenuous. Our Volunteer Coordinator will be in contact with you in order to match volunteer projects with your group’s personal goals and mission.
Past Projects have included tree planting, restoration projects, archaeology, farm work, housing restoration for our animals, office work, trail building and restoration, shoreline cleanup, and environmental education.
Accommodations
Accommodations Housing will be arranged by our Volunteer Coordinator according to availability and group numbers.
LBL has several options for housing such as Brandon Springs Group Center and cabins at several of our campgrounds as well as several tiers of campsites.
Since our housing is limited, be advised that men and women may be housed together. If a group exceeds 12 people, arrangements may be made to accommodate larger groups.
Leadership and Transportation
Our Volunteer Coordinator will arrange your projects, provide your tools, and lead you to your work sites. Participants must provide their own transportation to LBL and to work sites.
Other Considerations
Participants with severe plant or animal allergies should not participate. Our staff will work hard to make your visit diverse, educational, and fun, but each participant should be reminded that Alternative Breaks are meant to have a service focus rather than a recreational focus.
Suggested Packing List
- Long pants and long-sleeved shirts
- Work clothes (i.e., old clothes for painting, getting muddy, etc.) *
- Hiking boots (extra pair suggested, if possible)
- Work gloves (if you have a favorite pair) **
- Lots of socks
- Raingear
- Hat or bandanna
- Sunglasses
- Personal toiletries
- Flashlight and batteries
- Sunscreen
- Bug repellant
- Water bottle
- Pillow
- Sleeping bag and/or linens
- Blankets
- Towels
- Hand/dish towels
- Quarters for coin laundry (to dry clothes in case it rains)
- Dishwashing liquid soap for cleaning dishes by hand
- Laundry detergent
- Small portable lunch pail
- Plates, cups, and utensils
- Camping-style food
- Lunch foods that can be packed
- Large coolers for camping food (ice is provided)
- Grilling and cooking utensils
- Charcoal and lighter fluid for grilling (wood is provided)
- Matches
- Reflection journal and pen
- Camera and film
- Playing cards/games/books (in case of very unfavorable weather)
* Please remember that paint could get on your clothes, coats, and boots if your service projects involve painting.
** We will provide any personal safety equipment that will be needed for all service projects, such as gloves, safety glasses, etc.
