From its start in 1903, the National Wildlife Refuge System has owed its very existence to concerned citizens eager to protect America's natural resources.

More than 200 nonprofit Refuge Friends organizations support national wildlife refuges, whether they work with a single refuge, a refuge complex or an entire state. Friends members are crucial to conserving and protecting our nation’s wildlife and teaching millions of Americans that their actions today determine the conservation legacy of tomorrow.

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. Become a volunteer or Refuge Friend to contribute your strength on behalf of America’s natural resources.

Turnbull's Volunteer Program

Interested in making a contribution to the preservation of our natural heritage? Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge has opportunities for individuals with special skills and interests to assist with wildlife research, environmental education, administration, maintenance, habitat restoration, and trail maintenance.

For information on volunteer opportunities, call: (509) 235-4723 ext. 228, or send an email to: Sandy Rancourt, Visitor Services Manager

Friends of Turnbull

The Friends of Turnbull NWR (FOTNWR), is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that helps support the Refuge's programs. Their mission is to support the mandate of the refuge to protect and enhance wildlife and their habitats through education, research, habitat preservation and restoration.

Visit FOT's web site for more information and for Friends of Turnbull activities offered to the public.

YCC (Youth Conservation Corps)

Youth Conservation Corps Job Announcement

Turnbull NWR is now accepting applications for a summer Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) Crew. A final determination regarding the continuation of the program for 2016 will be made in late March or early April. We will hire four teens to work 40 hours /week from June 20 through August 12, 2016. YCC crew members will earn the state minimum wage per hour. Work projects may include trail maintenance and construction, fencing, painting, hand pulling invasive plant species, office and grounds maintenance, lawn care, and other physical outdoor work activities. Application forms must be complete and postmarked no later than April 15, 2016 to receive consideration for the position.

To be eligible to apply for the Youth Conservation Corps, the following criteria must be met:
 

• Be between the ages of 15-18 during the summer employment period. 
• Be able to provide your own transportation daily to the Turnbull NWR headquarters, which is located 6 miles south of Cheney, WA. 
• Be willing to perform physical outdoor work activities. 
• Work the entire season with only emergency days of absence excused. 

To apply, complete a Youth Conservation Corps Application form and return it to:

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge
26010 S. Smith Road
Cheney, WA 99004-9326

Applications can be picked up at local high schools, the Employment Security Department, the Refuge office or downloaded from the following link: YCC Application

If you have any questions you may call the Refuge office at (509) 235-4723.