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2009 Federal Duck Stamp Contest 6975 Mower Road Phone: 989-777-5930 |
Volunteering at the Refuge
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at Shiawassee 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 guided hikes, talks, and programs, 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.
Environmental Education:
Assisting refuge staff with school programs, day camps, teacher workshops, and special projects are but a few of the volunteer duties at the Green Point Environmental Learning Center in Saginaw or at the Refuge.
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, and construction. Also, opportunities exist for those with skills in such disciplines as plumbing and carpentry.
Adopt a Trail:
Volunteers "adopt" a trail and help maintain it by cutting back or removing small brush, picking up litter and letting refuge staff know when major repairs need to be done.
Adopt a Flower Bed or Pond:
Volunteers "adopt" one of the flower beds or small ponds at the refuge headquarters, Green Point Environmental Learning Center or Woodland Trailhead at Stroebel Road and maintain it throughout the year. Gardening/pond experience and your own tools are necessary.
Special Projects:
Volunteers may work independently in the areas of photography, photo collections, journalism, and other fields.
WHERE DO VOLUNTEERS WORK?
The Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge headquarters is located south of Saginaw. The Green Point Environmental Learning Center is at 3010 Maple Street in Saginaw. Most volunteers work in and/or out of these buildings. The Woodland Trail is located at the east end of Stroebel Road off of Center Road.
WHEN DO VOLUNTEERS WORK?
Many of the projects take place during the week when refuge staff are available. Some volunteers donate their services on weekends when most of the special events take place.
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 Coordinator at 989-759-1669 or e:mail the volunteer coordinator.
For more information contact:
Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
6975 Mower Road
Saginaw, MI 48601
Phone: 989-777-5930
or e-mail us at Shiawassee@fws.gov
