Do you enjoy the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge? Do you like meeting new people, being outdoors, having fun? Well...the Friends of Great Swamp and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge invite you to join our volunteer team.
"Each year the Volunteer Program becomes more and more important to the Service. As budgets become tighter and our workloads increase, we find ourselves relying more heavily on our partners and volunteers."
1999 U.S. Fish & Wildlife
Service Volunteer Report
Why volunteer?
Volunteers play a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fulfill its mission of conserving, protecting and enhancing America's fish and wildlife and their habitats.
In fiscal year 2005, 143 volunteers donated 7,765 hours to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, significantly expanding educational and visitor service programs and providing invaluable assistance to the refuge staff.
How much of my time is required?
The amount of time you volunteer is up to you. You may volunteer on a regular basis for a few hours a week or month, help out during spring and fall migration seasons, or at a special event.
Who may volunteer?
No special skills are needed to be a refuge volunteer. While there is no age limit, anyone under 18 must have written parental approval. Anyone 16 or younger should be accompanied by an adult.
Is there volunteer training?
The Friends conduct volunteer training sessions in the spring and fall and all volunteers or prospective volunteers are welcome to attend. There is also specific on–the–job training for visitor services volunteers, such as those in the Bookstore & Gift Shop or volunteers staffing the Wildlife Observation Center.
Where do I start?
If you are interested in volunteering, complete the attached form and mail it to the Friends offices. Our volunteer coordinator will get back to you.
Here are some of the ongoing opportunities for volunteers at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge:
Visitor Services
Saturdays and Sundays—greet visitors and provide general information. Volunteers usually work shifts from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm or from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, once a month or more. Opportunities include Bookstore Sales or staffing at the Wildlife Observation Center.Work Projects and Refuge Cleanup Activities
Specific projects, physical labor, hard work, but very rewarding. Opportunities include homestead cleanups and annual roadside cleanup.Education & Outreach
Conduct or assist with scheduled school, scout, or group tours, usually 2–3 hours long. Answer questions, show video programs, provide orientation to the Refuge. Must be available on weekdays.Surveys and Refuge–specific Projects
These projects are generally coordinated by Refuge staff on an as–needed basis and range from wildlife or bird surveys, assisting with the deer hunt, vernal pool or stream bank restoration projects, or invasive species control.Help in a Hurry
Be on the e–mail distribution list for Alerts when the Refuge needs help with specific projects. All you have to do is respond if you're available.