The Eastern MA NWR Complex hosted two volunteer orientations in April.  The event was an opportunity for established volunteers to meet new staff and to inspire newcomers to participate in refuge volunteering.  More than 50 people attended the two orientations, and although there were some familiar faces, more than half of  those that attended were new to the National Wildlife Refuge System!  Since the orientations, 39 new volunteers have joined the refuge team!  These new volunteers are working on projects ranging from refuge maintenance, trail stewardship, environmental education and habitat restoration. The staff is humbled by the public interest and commitment  that seems to be growing in the community's local national wildlife refuges.