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2008 Federal Duck Stamp Contest Phone: 218-768-2402 |
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer opportunities at the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge include, but are not limited to, the following broad categories. Should you chose to share your talents here, your opportunities will be limited only by your time and ambition. The Refuge is a tremendous resource both locally and nationally to migrating birds, animals, plants, and the people in the surrounding communities.
Adopt-A-Trail
Volunteers are responsible for traveling their assigned trail or boundary line twice a month during spring, summer, and fall to pick up litter and check that Refuge signs are in good condition and in place. Volunteers may do minor repairs as needed but will report major repair needs and any unusual situations to staff. After each trail visit, the volunteer is asked to report on the status of the area to the Refuge staff either in person or by phone.
Trails include: Mandy Lake, CCC Camp, North Bog, Twin Lakes, Rice Lake Pool, North Bog Road and South Trail Road.
Resource Field Assistant
Volunteer will assist Refuge staff with resource projects on an "on call" basis throughout the year. Projects may include conducting wildlife surveys including heron colony, rail and bittern, frog and toad, woodcock, ruffed grouse and waterfowl brood surveys. Projects involving habitat surveys, water quality monitoring, prescribed fire monitoring, nesting success and others may also be available throughout the year. Projects are scheduled on an "as needed" basis and require specific skills in each area. Projects may involve working alone, in pairs or as a team.
Resource Data Assistant
Volunteer will assist Refuge staff with entering field data, conducting research and compiling historical data. Requires some computer skills and an aptitude for attention to detail. Other possible opportunities include projects involving the use of the Geographical Informational System.
Maintenance Assistant
Volunteer will be assigned light maintenance tasks which may include sign repair, vehicle washing/waxing, painting, carpentry and light cleaning duties depending on the skills of the volunteer. Volunteers may also be involved in field projects such as sign installation, kiosk staining, fence removal, mowing and trail trimming. Projects are scheduled on an "as needed" basis.
Grounds Keeper
Volunteer will work with refuge staff to maintain the planted areas around the Refuge Headquarters building. Work will include, planting, weeding, mulching, watering, etc.
Clerical/Visitor Center Assistant
Volunteer will assist Refuge office staff with mailings, slide filing, photograph filing and other clerical duties as needed. Volunteer may also greet visitors at the front desk, organize/stock brochures and answer phones. Projects are scheduled on an "as needed" basis.
Webpage Maintenance
Volunteer will provide periodic maintenance of the webpage to ensure information is correct and updated. Volunteers could work on projects at home with periodic visits to the Refuge to access data and information.
Interpretive/Educational Material Design
Volunteer would develop and/or compile information useable by other volunteers and refuge staff for presenting specific educational programs to various age students.
Artist/Photographer
Volunteer will provide assistance with graphic art projects, sketch art or other art related projects depending on the skills of the volunteer. Photographers will provide slides of the refuge and refuge special events.
Program Leader
Volunteer will assist Refuge staff in informing the local public of the mission of the Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge and how it relates to them. This may be done in any of the following ways: presenting a Refuge slide program to school and scout group; conducting environmental education programs to school classes; providing historical, ricing and migratory bird interpretation to the public visiting Rice Lake. Projects are assigned on an "as needed" basis.
Special Projects/Events
Many times during the year, special events are scheduled that directly affect the Refuge. Events like National Fishing Day and National Wildlife Refuge Week require much planning and preparation. Volunteers in this category are needed for many hours during short time frames to help plan and coordinate these events.
For more information or to obtain a Volunteer Application contact:
Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge
36289 State Hwy 65McGregor, MN 55760
(218) 768-2402
