Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
Northeast Region
 

Get Involved

Annually, close to 38,000 people volunteer with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.  Wouldn't you like to be one of those individuals who help to conserve, manage, or protect our nation’s natural resources?  Get involved by volunteering at one of your local National Wildlife Refuges and help us to protect some of America's greatest national treasures.

Refuge Volunteer Opportunities

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?
  • Volunteers help maintain the refuge and support wildlife management.
  • Assignments include:                        
    • Leading tours and providing interpretation to the visiting public and groups.                                           
    • Taking part in special projects and events (Eagle Festival, Clean-ups, special work projects).
    • Performing clerical and administrative duties.
    • Representing the refuge at community functions.
    • Performing routine maintenance tasks (Trail maintenance)

Volunteer clearing off trails after a snow event at EH Mason Neck NWR.Volunteer working on plumbing at the maintenance compound at EH Mason Neck NWR

HOW MUCH OF MY TIME IS REQUIRED?
  • The amount of time that you volunteer is up to you. 
  • You may volunteer a few hours a week or month, or during a particular season.
WHO MAY VOLUNTEER?
  • No special skills are needed to be a refuge volunteer.  However, if special skills are necessary, on-the-job training is provided.
  • Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. 
WHERE DO I START?
  1. A brief list of possible volunteer opportunities are listed above under the section titled, What do Volunteers Do? Look for those jobs that interest you.
     
  2. Complete the application form (PDF 560Kb) and mail it to:
     
    Marty McClevey, Park Ranger/Volunteer Coordinator
    Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex
    12638 Darby Brooke Court
    Woodbridge, VA 22192
    email:    Marty_McClevey@fws.gov

  3. We will contact you once a volunteer position is available. All volunteers are expected to attend an orientation session and occasional training depending on how you plan to volunteer.

Other Opportunities

Friends members at the Fall FestivalIf being a refuge volunteer is not the opportunity you were looking for, maybe supporting a non-profit organization will fit your needs. The Friends of the Potomac River Refuges was founded in 2002 as a non-profit 501(c)3 organization to promote conservation, awareness, and appreciation of the wildlife and habitats of the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex and to provide assistance to refuge programs. To find our more about the Friends of the Potomac River Refuges, click below.

Friends of the Potomac River Refuges

 

 
Last updated: January 8, 2013