Volunteering for the Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge 

More than 42,000 people volunteer their time and ideas each year to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  Whether they work on the land, in a visitor center or with youth, they contribute to the conservation mission that reaches back more than a century.  Volunteers for the refuge have a lot of exciting options.

For 24 (for a couple) or 32 (for a single) hours a week, the refuge will provide full RV hook up, utilities, propane and washer/ dryer.  A minimum three month commitment is required during the winter season (October through December or January through the end of March). Depending on your interest and the opportunities available, volunteer RV pads are available at Falcon State Park or on the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge.  

If you think you are interested in volunteering for the refuge, please call  (956)784-7500 or apply through the www.volunteer.gov/gov.

Roma Bluffs World Birding Center: 
Visitor Center volunteers help with the daily operations of the Roma Bluffs World Birding Center site. They operate cash registers; let the public know where wildlife is being seen; answer phones and generally help out with whatever needs doing.

Biology:
Biology volunteers conduct bird and plant monitoring and surveys, assist with invasive species management, and construct duck boxes among other outdoor activities. Volunteers are needed to help maintain water pumps, monitor water levels and manage wetlands projects. They may also repair structures, mow and replace pipes.

Refuge Operation Specialist:
ROS volunteers help monitor remote refuge tracts for illegal poaching, ATV use, dumping of trash and other violations. These volunteers spend their time helping build and maintain fences, replacing signage and addressing the management repair needs on the refuge to aid in the protection of important habitats.

Reveg:
The refuge works to restore native trees and shrubs throughout the southern four counties in Texas. Reveg volunteers help collect, process and weigh seeds. They spend much of their time filling plant bands, surveying previously planted areas, maintaining seed beds and assisting with seed inventory. Landscape caretakers and master gardners are also needed to care for refuge grounds.