Animals and Environment
The Madison House Animals & Environment program works with several community groups and businesses to help improve the welfare of Charlottesville's animals and environment.
Program Sites:
Montanova Stables
What do the volunteers do?
Volunteers assist Stone Robinson Elementary School or Boys & Girls Club children with horseback riding and horsemanship instruction. Volunteers will also develop one-on-one mentoring relationships with the children. No experience with horses is necessary; those with no experience will receive more extensive training.
When?
Thursdays from 2:30/3PM to 5/5:30PM and Fridays from 3:30/4PM to 5/5:30PM (please allow for -30 minutes transportation time).
Where?
Montanova Stables in Keswick, VA
Pet Pals
What do the volunteers do?
Volunteers work with shelter dogs and cats at the Charlottesville SPCA; activities include: walking dogs, training puppies, socializing cats and cage/supply care.
When?
Volunteers fill out a paper application at Madison House where they include their availability and are assigned to a 1-2hour/once-a-week.
Where?
3355 Berkmar Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22901
Parks & Trails
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers work with the city parks division and the Rivanna Trails foundation and help restore local parks and trails. Volunteers get to explore the scenic trails on Charlottesville, activities include: trail maintenance, trail blazing, building, and stream clean-up.
When?
Students volunteer once-a-week (schedule posted on application).
Gallastar Farms
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers care for the farm�s many horses, pot-bellied pigs, and other animals as well as assisting with the farm�s upkeep.
When?
2 hours/once-a-week on a weekend morning.
Where?
722 Greenfield Mountain Farm
Afton, VA 22920
Piedmont Virginia Community College Community Garden
What do volunteers do?
Volunteers work with PVCC students and community members to cultivate and maintain an organic garden for use as a practical learning platform for environmentally sound horticulture. Food produced in the garden is donated to the local food bank and/or homeless shelter.
When?
Students volunteer once a week (schedule posted on application).
Where?
Piedmont Virginia Community College | 501 College Drive | Charlottesville VA 22902 |
Follow College Drive to the Dickinson building parking lot (the end of College Drive).
The city bus system CAT bus 1B drops off at the Dickenson building at approx .00 (Please note that this bus leaves from the Downtown Transit Station once an hour. The Downtown Station can be reached via CAT bus 7 or the Free Trolly. See online city bus schedules for more information).
The garden is on the north side of the Dickinson building.