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Volunteer at a Reserve Near You
Would you like to take the role of a scientist and help monitor birds or other living creatures in an estuary? Would you like to learn more about estuarine ecology and habitats? Would you like to meet like-minded people and provide a service to your community? Why not volunteer at one of the local National Estuarine Research Reserves? No matter what your background or talent, we have opportunities available for you. Below learn how to join a team of dedicated volunteers.
Volunteer Activities
There are many types of volunteer activities you can participate in. Contact a local Reserve to find out about specific opportunities at that reserve.
- Biological Monitoring: Volunteers record data on types and numbers of birds, land and water animals and plants.
- Water Quality Monitoring: Volunteers record data on abiotic parameters such as water temperature, nutrients, turbidity, etc.
- Education and Training: Volunteers assist with creating educational products and programs and with dissemination of information via educational program and projects.
- Outreach: Volunteers greet visitors and act as docents, Visitor Center and exhibit guides, tour guides and festival/fair support. Volunteers assist with public speaking, fund raising and general outreach.
- Grounds Management and Maintenance: Volunteers maintain and patrol trails and assist with gardening, aquarium care, general grounds and building maintenance and perform carpentry and light construction.
- Land Stewardship: Volunteers track and remove invasive species, restore habitat, clean up coasts and beaches, and track beach/coastal erosion.
- Office and Technical Assistance: Volunteers assist with clerical and accounting tasks, act as web and newsletter illustrators, provide photography support, provide technical/web support and assist with writing and editing documents about the Reserve.
- Advisory Committees: Volunteers provide advice and guidance on reserve activities and strategies, act as liaisons between the Reserve and the community and Reserve stakeholders.
Volunteer Benefits
As a volunteer you can...
- Sharpen your interpretation skills by leading tours and hikes
- Particpate in special events parties, potlucks, field trips and hear interesting speakers
- Take advantage of opportunities to promote environmental awareness and to meet active and interesting individuals
- Build a resume by developing materials and teaching about estuaries
- Improve your public speaking skills and develop personal contacts with researchers and other professionals
- Learn more about the natural and cultural history of the area
- Recieve a monthly newsletter from the reserve you serve
- Support a community resource
- Enjoy a sense of accomplishment and contribution
- Discover a new field that’s interesting to you
- Have fun!
Contact Information
Contact a reserve near you to learn of its specific volunteer opportunities offered. Click on the Reserve name below to go to its volunteer webpage or call the volunteer coordinator phone number listed.
Alabama
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Weeks Bay
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251-928-9792 X 231
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Alaska
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Kachemak Bay
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907-235-4799
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California
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831-728-2822
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California
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San Francisco Bay
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415-338-3707
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California
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619-575-3613
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Delaware
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302-739-3436
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Florida
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Apalachicola
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850-653-8063
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Florida
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904-823-4500
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Florida
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239-417-6310 X 412
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Georgia
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912-485-2300
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Maine
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207-646-1555 X 118
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Maryland
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410-260-8730
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Massachusetts
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508-457-0495 X 108
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Mississippi
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Grand Bay
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228-475-7047
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New Hamshire
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603-778-0015
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New Jersey
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609-812-0649 X 203
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New York
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Hudson River
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845-889-4745 X 114
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North Carolina
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North Carolina
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252-838-0883
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Ohio
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419-433-4601
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Oregon
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541-888-5558 X 58
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Puerto Rico
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Jobos Bay
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787-853-4617
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Rhode Island
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401-683-1478
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South Carolina
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ACE Basin
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no program
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South Carolina
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North Inlet-Winyah Bay
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no program
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Texas
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Mission-Aransas
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361-749-6771
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Virginia
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Chesapeake Bay,VA
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804-684-7135
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Washington
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360-428-1070
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Last Updated on: 08-05-2009
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