Volunteering, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Fish and Wildlife Service

Volunteering

Volunteering at San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge Complex

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge needs YOU -- your talents, your enthusiasm and some of your time!

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?
Various opportunities exist at the Refuge for volunteers to gain valuable and rewarding experience. Volunteers assist Refuge employees by working in such fields as:

Interpretation:

Through such activities as nature walks, talks, slide programs and visitor center information duty, volunteers help visitors understand and appreciate both the natural and cultural history of the Refuge as well as provide information on the recreational and educational opportunities available. Volunteers also rove Refuge trails to talk to visitors, report vandalism, note maintenance needs and pick up litter.

Environmental Education:

Assisting Environmental Education Specialists with teacher orientation workshops, open house events, day camp, field trips and special projects are but a few of the volunteer duties at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso or at the Visitor Center in Fremont.

The Slow the Flow Program at the Environmental Education Center in Alviso are currently looking for volunteers. Click here to see a 3-minute video (3.64 MB) about the Slow the Flow Program, or call Eric McKee at 408-262-5513.

Resource Management:

Qualified individuals may assist wildlife biologists in such areas as wildlife surveys and other projects.

Maintenance:

Volunteers may help Refuge employees in general tasks such as landscape maintenance, sign installation, gate painting, construction and routine vehicle maintenance. Also, opportunities exist for those with skills in such disciplines as plumbing and carpentry.

Native Plant Nursery:

Volunteers germinate seeds, propagate cuttings, transplant seedlings, prune, fertilize and water plants, pull weeds, and plant and nurture new native plants in the field as part of the Refuge's habitat restoration mission.

Special Projects:

Volunteers may work independently in the areas of photography, photo and specimen collections, journalism, desktop publishing, and other fields.

WHERE DO VOLUNTEERS WORK?
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located in the south Bay Area with the Refuge Headquarters and the Visitor Center situated near the east end of the Dumbarton Bridge in Fremont. The Environmental Education Center is at the end of Grand Boulevard in Alviso. Most volunteers work in and/or out of these buildings. In addition, the Native Plant Nursery and many of the satellite refuges benefit from volunteer efforts.

WHEN DO VOLUNTEERS WORK?
Many volunteers donate their services on weekends but there is a need for their skills during the week. Working hours are generally in the morning and/or afternoon but some evening time is required for meetings, and for training sessions.

WHY DO PEOPLE BECOME VOLUNTEERS?
Volunteers realize various benefits from working at the Refuge. Being involved with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, an agency dedicated to the principle of resource conservation, is both satisfying and rewarding. Others find the duties fulfilling and challenging as old talents are employed and new skills acquired. To most, however, the motive is enjoyment, as volunteer work can be just plain fun.

WHO MAY APPLY?
Our volunteer program is open to all. Those under 18 years of age, however, need written permission from their parent or guardian.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?
For further information and to receive an application, write or call the Volunteer Program Coordinator at 510-792-0222 ext. 361.

Volunteer Program Coordinator
San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge
9500 Thornton Ave
Newark, CA 94560

For more information contact:
Don Edwards San Francisco Bay
National Wildlife Refuge
9500 Thornton Ave
Newark, CA 94560
510-792-0222
or e-mail us at San Francisco Bay NWR Complex

Last updated: February 7, 2010

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