Midwest Region Refuge System

Phone: 618-997-3344
8588 Route 148
Marion, IL 62959
Email: CrabOrchard@fws.gov

Volunteer Opportunities

		The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge needs YOU--your talents, your enthusiasm and some of your time! If you enjoy working with people and appreciate and are concerned for our nation's natural resources, our volunteer program may interest you.

WHAT DO VOLUNTEERS DO?
Various opportunities exist at the Refuge for volunteers to gain valuable and rewarding experiences. Volunteers assist Refuge personnel in achieving management goals by working in a wide variety of volunteer jobs.

WHERE DO VOLUNTEERS WORK?
Refuge Volunteers are called upon to contribute their services in many areas on the Refuge, and even sometimes at locations off Refuge. They are first requested to spend part of their time at the Visitor Center learning simple Refuge procedures and becoming familiar with the activities offered on the Refuge.

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

Volunteers provide interpretive wildflower hikes every Spring.

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 conservation, is both satisfying and rewarding. Others find their duties fulfilling and challenging as old talents are employed and new skills are 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 everyone. Those under 18 years of age, however, do need written permission from their parent or guardian.

HOW DO YOU APPLY?
Please call or stop by the Crab Orchard NWR Visitor Center and complete a volunteer application. Once your application is reviewed, you will be interviewed at the Refuge Visitor Center. If selected, you will be required to attend the volunteer training and orientation program, periodic training seminars, and donate a minimum of 8 hours of your time each month.

Volunteers assist visitors with questions.

For further information, write or call Neil Vincent, Volunteer Program Coordinator at (618) 997-3344.

Last updated: February 19, 2009

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