SCDNR Announces Statewide Volunteer Program

The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) has taken a significant step toward investing in the future of its volunteer programs by hiring a new Statewide Volunteer Director and implementing a digital volunteer management platform called Galaxy Digital. Both initiatives are coordinated through the agency’s Office of Education, Outreach, and Information (EOI), within the Executive Division.

SCDNR offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, but information about these opportunities can often be difficult to find. Galaxy Digital will serve as a one-stop shop for all things related to SCDNR volunteering and can be accessed from any device with internet or mobile data. Through the platform, volunteers will be able to sign up for individual volunteer opportunities, sign up teams, view their total volunteer hours, submit timesheets, and more. Learn more about Galaxy Digital here.

Olivia Hood, formerly the SCDNR Marine Resources Division Volunteer Coordinator, has been hired as the Statewide Volunteer Director within EOI. In this role, she will help strengthen collaboration across agency volunteer programs and support their continued growth.

“As a former volunteer coordinator, I know firsthand the administrative challenges that come with volunteer coordination, especially when it comes to reporting. I know Galaxy Digital will allow staff to spend less time managing paperwork and outdated spreadsheets and more time engaging with volunteers and improving their volunteer programs,” said Hood.

In 2025, SCDNR had 6,491 volunteers contribute 54,532 hours of service. SCDNR will never be able to repay the skills, dedication, and time its volunteers have given to the agency, the environment, and South Carolina communities. By leveraging modern technology, SCDNR staff will be better equipped to provide meaningful, community-based volunteer opportunities that advance the agency’s mission and build stronger communities committed to environmental stewardship.

For more information about volunteering with SCDNR, please visit volunteerscdnr.galaxydigital.com. Be sure to check back regularly as additional SCDNR volunteer programs are added to the platform.