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Connecting Communities & People With Nature

The Refuge began as a community idea and continues to be successful with community support. As one of only a handful of urban refuges in the country, Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge has a special goal of connecting people with nature to ensure the future of conservation.

Be Part of the Community Dream.  We need your help.

Enjoy and learn about nature...Meet new people...Give to your community...Learn new skills...Have fun

 

Want to be a Volunteer?  It's Easy!

1. Read the position descriptions below
2. Call or email Kim if you would like more information at 503-625-5944 or email Kim Strassburg
3. Download a Volunteer Application here (560KB)
4. Complete application.  Please be specific as to what positions you are interested in based on descriptions below. (**Not all opportuntites on the application are available at the refuge.)
5. Return via email, fax, postal mail, or in person.  We'll get back in touch with you as soon as possible.

Attn: Volunteer Coordinator

Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge

19255 SW Pacific Hwy

Sherwood, OR 97140

503-625-5944 (office)

503-625-5947 (fax)

email: Kim Strassburg

 

Join Friends of the Refuge

Friends of Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge is an all volunteer, community non-profit organization that is dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Refuge for the benefit of fish and wildlife, and for public education and recreation. Learn more. 

 

Second Saturday Work Parties

**Work Parties—Special Notice**

Due to funding and hiring limitations faced by the refuge this year, we will no longer be able to coordinate and manage the monthly Saturday volunteer work parties at this time. This is effective beginning in April and will continue until further notice. Meanwhile, the Refuge Manager and staff would like to thank everyone that has participated in a work party for all their hard work and dedication. You made a difference!  

 

 

Environmental Education Volunteer Naturalist

To help students experience the Refuge through their natural sense of discovery

•Welcome and orient school field trips

•Share nature observation skills

•Inspire students to explore nature

•Facilitate teacher-led activities

•Lead classroom activities

•Prepare educational equipment for field trips

Requirements

•Attend the 4-session training (February 28, March 7, 14, 21)

•Provide 30+ volunteer hours during the 2013 school year

•Offer weekday availability

•Desire to work with K-8th grade students

•Ability to work in outdoor and indoor settings

For more information, email Gardiner Platt

"It’s fun to share in a student’s excitement as they learn more

about the natural environment. I enjoy the challenge of engaging

them in nature. With me, it becomes more sharing of our

observations and experiences. It keeps me thinking and learning, as well."
--Larry, Volunteer Naturalist

 

 

USFWS Photo

Wildlife Center

Be the smiling face that visitors see when arriving at the Refuge. 
•Staff information desk
•Welcome Refuge visitors and answer questions
•Operate cash register at Nature’s Overlook store
•Orient visitors to trails, exhibits, and activities

Requires:
•An 8-hour commitment per month
•Active membership in Friends of the Refuge
•Attendance at initial training skill sessions

For more information, email Jenna Mendenhall

 

Volunteer Trail Rover
Be outside and meet visitors
•Walk Refuge trails to welcome visitors
•Answer questions and share nature observations
•Use education to reinforce Refuge rules

Requires:
•4 hours per month or one weekend shift per month (volunteers “self-schedule”)
•Attendance at initial training skill sessions

Email Jenna Mendenhall for more information.

 

I really enjoy being outdoors. I love meeting visitors on the trail and helping them explore and understand the Refuge. I've become passionate about bird watching and what better place is there to do just that! Not even the rain can keep me away as there is always something new to experience.
--Debbie, Volunteer Trail Rover