Volunteers play a vital role in the management of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges. They perform a variety of essential tasks, ranging from assisting with education and outreach to helping restore critical wildlife habitat. We greatly appreciate the exceptional work our volunteers have done and continue to do on refuge lands.
We post all of our volunteer opportunities on the Volunteer.Gov website. Please visit that site for a current listing of volunteer positions or you can inquire about opportunities by send your resume to our volunteer coordinator.
Current Refuge Volunteers
Michael Fousie
During Mike's 32 year career as a TV news photographer in Oregon he spent a lot of time on the Oregon coast. He photographed and edited a 1/2 hour special for KATU on the natural wonders of the Oregon Coast and volunteered and shot the first virtual tour of the Oregon Coast Aquarium used on their web site. Passionate about photography, Mike looks forward to shooting spherical panoramas of the coast, marshes and tide pools. "I have a real interest in the natural world and our place in it." says Mike. For more information about Mike and his traveling companion, Blue, and to view some of his insightful photography go to www.lightcurve.com.
Kevin Jones and Cheryll Compton
Kevin & Cheryll have never been to Oregon! They are excited to be spending the season here. Kevin is retired from a utilities management position where he implemented energy conservation programs and Cheryll is retired from a career in surgical nursing. Over the past few years they have volunteered for the Nature Conservancy and National Wildlife Refuges doing Bald Eagle nesting observations and studies, Florida scrub Jay studies and assisted in caring for rehab birds. "We are committed to helping preserve our nation's open spaces and endangered plant and animal species. We feel through education of ourselves and others, we can protect our nations future in this regard."
Les and Pam Trout
Les and Pam spent most of their of their lives on the east coast where they enjoyed diving, snorkeling and other shore activities. They are enthusiastic about spending the season on the Oregon Coast...a new adventure! Les is retired from the field of business computer management and Pam is retired from a career in the medical field of allergies testing where she gained a knowledge of plants. They enjoy birding and over the past few seasons have provided interpretation about invasive plant life, migratory waterfowl, the unique fauna of the hi desert in Arizona, and instructed about water safety. "We're very interested in learning more about the sea life on the west coast and sharing our experiences with others. It's important to us to find ways of protecting the future of the coast and it's animal life for our grandchildren and their children as well".
Pam Wright
Following a career in the hospitality industry recruiting front desk staff and developing training programs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Pam embarked on a journey doing volunteer work and exploring North America. Her journey led to an oceanography institute in Baja California where a mother grey whale lifted her calf with her fin next to the tiny boat Pam was in. "To touch a whale... I should say, to be touched by a whale.....such a privilege changes your life". Pam came to the Oregon coast to volunteer for SEA (Shoreline Education for Awareness) as a wildlife interpreter in April 2008. Currently serving as SEA's national volunteer coordinator, Pam is "passionate about helping people connect to the amazing wildlife resources here and nurturing their understanding for the need for conservation and preservation." Pam also volunteers for Free Flight, a wildlife rehabilitation and education center for whom she presents educational raptor programs at schools and civic events.
