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There's a place here for you!

The Eastern Neck NWR
VOLUNTEER CORPS

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge relies on volunteers for many of its programs and activities: from maintaining trails to conducting wildlife surveys — and more! Volunteers also play a key role in our public outreach during special events.

Whether you're a student or a retiree … whether you're skilled or require training … whether you can contribute a few hours per week, per month, or per year — there's a place for you on Eastern Neck's Volunteer Corps.

The top ten benefits of volunteering at Eastern Neck NWR are:

  1. The opportunity to make a difference for America's wildlife, environment, and people.
  2. The challenge of gaining new knowledge and learning new skills.
  3. The joy of meeting people — visitors, partners, other volunteers, and FWS folks.
  4. The gratification of sharing your talents with others.
  5. The pride of serving as one of a national coalition of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Volunteers.
  6. The sincere gratitude of Eastern Neck NWR's staff.
  7. The fun of volunteer recognition dinners, training workshops and special events.
  8. The chance to demonstrate your philosophy of "giving back" to your community.
  9. The privilege of seeing areas of the refuge that are closed to the general public.
  10. The free T-shirt!

Application form

If you're ready to get involved at your national wildlife refuge, or if you have questions about any of Eastern Neck's volunteer activities, please contact Visitor Services Specialist Cindy Heffley by e-mail or by calling (410) 639-7056. A free application packet will be mailed to you that'll help match your interests and schedule to our opportunities!

 

Click below to find out more about:

 

 

 

Ongoing Volunteer Positions
Position
 
Description
  
Time and Skill Requirements
Visitor Center & Friends' Bookstore Worker   Our visitor center is bustling with exciting activity seven days a week all year, and we need your help to keep things running smoothly for both staff and visitors. Activities include answering the phone, greeting visitors, answering questions about the refuge, and handling bookstore sales.   Friendly attitude towards the public and adaptabilty to a variety of basic tasks are essential. You can choose half- or whole-day shifts 7 days a week.
Data Entry Assistant   If you enjoy entering data, the staff would surely love to talk to you.   Variable times available. Knowledge of Microsoft Excel, FileMaker Pro and/or other data information programs.
Outdoor Maintenance Assistant   Enjoy working outdoors? Volunteers are needed to help with activities such as trail maintenance, sign construction, vehicle maintenance, and more.   Experience with general maintenance, hand and power tools, and carpentry is helpful. Regular time commitment preferred, but we are flexible.
General Office Assistance   Assist Staff with filing, mailing preparation, and other office duties.   Ability to follow general directions. As needed basis.
Biological Surveys and Invasive Species Control/Monitoring  

So many species, so little time! If you have interest and/or experience in wildlife monitoring, this opportunity is for you.

Current monitoring efforts include waterfowl, songbirds, marsh grasses, water quality and invasive species.

Invasive Species Volunteer Information Sheet
Marshbird Survey Information Sheet

  Wildlife and plant identification skills would be very useful, but not necessarily required if the desire to learn is strong. Time requirements vary throughout the year.
Birding Related  

Maintain birdhouses throughout the refuge.Lead bird walks.

   
Deer Hunts   Assist staff with check-in and check-out of hunters.    
Environmental Education   Assist staff and/or teachers with environmental education visits.    
Gardening   Assist seasoned volunteers with planning and maintaining Bayscape garden.    
Events Assistant   Assist staff and volunteers with on-site and off-site events. This includes Youth Fishing Derby, clean-ups, Refuge Day, Earth Day and others as scheduled.    

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The Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc.


The Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports the missions of the USFWS and Eastern Neck NWR through financial, advocacy, and volunteer support.

To learn more about the Friends of Eastern Neck, Inc., call (410) 639-7056. Check out the latest issue of The Rookery (newsletter). To learn more about what Refuge Support Groups and Friends Groups are and how they support National Wildlife Refuges across the country, visit the official Refuge Support Group Web site.

 

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