Return to Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Get Involved

Updated November 9, 2026

Volunteer, Partner, and Educational Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities

Whether you want to support conservation, learn more about nature, or share your passion for the outdoors, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge offers meaningful opportunities to get involved. National Wildlife Refuges rely on volunteers, youth groups, community organizations, landowners, and local residents to help conserve natural resources and strengthen communities.

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge welcomes both local and RV volunteers throughout the year. Volunteer opportunities are available for all experience levels, from general maintenance and administrative support to visitor services and educational outreach.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Visitor Center Volunteer
Visitor Services Volunteer
General Maintenance Volunteer
Trails Maintenance Volunteer
Digital Communications Volunteer
Administrative Volunteer

Volunteering with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is both fun and rewarding. Volunteers gain new skills, meet new people, and contribute directly to wildlife conservation while helping ensure these resources remain available for future generations.

For current volunteer opportunities, visit Volunteer.gov:

Volunteer Opportunities at Laguna Atascosa NWR

For additional information, contact the Refuge Visitor Center at (956) 748-3607.

Youth Service Projects

Are you a Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or aspiring conservationist looking to make a positive impact? The refuge welcomes youth service projects that support conservation, recreation, education, and habitat improvement.

For information about project opportunities, contact a refuge ranger at (956) 244-2019.

Our Partners

Nature does not recognize political boundaries. Effective conservation requires collaboration among agencies, organizations, communities, and individuals. Through partnerships, Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge develops innovative solutions to conservation challenges and expands opportunities for public engagement.

Local Partners

Friends of Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge
City of Brownsville
Cameron County
South Texas Ecotourism Center
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)

Outreach Programs

The refuge participates in a variety of outreach and community engagement activities throughout the year, including:

Ocelot Conservation Day
Every Kid Outdoors presentations
Educational outreach programs for local school districts within the Laguna Atascosa area
Christmas Bird Count
Community conservation events and educational programs

For information about upcoming outreach opportunities, contact the Refuge Visitor Center at (956) 748-3607.

Education and Conservation Programs

Open the door to a life-changing conservation experience. Students and young professionals who participate in internships, fellowships, volunteer programs, or conservation corps positions often gain valuable skills, career experience, and a deeper appreciation for wildlife conservation.

Conservation and Career Development Programs

Youth Conservation Corps (YCC)
American Conservation Experience (ACE)
Student Conservation Association (SCA)
Hispanic Access Foundation

These programs provide opportunities to develop professional skills, participate in conservation projects, and explore careers in natural resource management and environmental stewardship.

For additional information about educational programs, internships, volunteer opportunities, or conservation career pathways, contact a refuge ranger at (956) 244-2019 or the Visitor Center at (956) 748-3607.

Explore more: