Volunteers play a vital role in the management of the Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges. They perform a variety of essential tasks, ranging from assisting with education and outreach to helping restore critical wildlife habitat. We greatly appreciate the exceptional work our volunteers have done and continue to do on refuge lands.
We post all of our volunteer opportunities on the Volunteer.Gov website. Please visit that site for a current listing of volunteer positions or you can inquire about opportunities by send your resume to our volunteer coordinator.
Current Refuge Volunteers
Karen White
Karen White is an avid sculptor, environmental installation artist, photographer and writer who utilizes and emulates nature as the source of her creativity. She incorporates her philosophies of sharing art experiences with the public in her on-site installations, teaching artist series, writing, and creative environmental education programs. As a former artist in residence at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology, Karen moved from the mountains of Colorado to blend her life, art, and creativity by becoming the full-time resident at the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge on the central Oregon coast. Karen and her son Ben have been enjoying daily hikes; beach walks; nature studies; and creative interactions with wildlife while living on the refuge and writes about those experiences. For more information about Karen and to view her artwork, please visit www.kwsculptures.com.
Pam Wright
Following a career in the hospitality industry recruiting front desk staff and developing training programs in Jackson Hole, Wyoming Pam embarked on a journey doing volunteer work and exploring North America. Her journey led to an oceanography institute in Baja California where a mother grey whale lifted her calf with her fin next to the tiny boat Pam was in. "To touch a whale... I should say, to be touched by a whale.....such a privilege changes your life". Pam came to the Oregon coast to volunteer for SEA (Shoreline Education for Awareness) as a wildlife interpreter in April 2008. Currently serving as SEA's national volunteer coordinator, Pam is "passionate about helping people connect to the amazing wildlife resources here and nurturing their understanding for the need for conservation and preservation." Pam also volunteers for Free Flight, a wildlife rehabilitation and education center for whom she presents educational raptor programs at schools and civic events.
