Volunteering

Two volunteers who just painted a viewing tower.
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Reelfoot NWR Volunteer Program 

What we offer at no cost:

  • 4 concrete pads, two of which are covered with metal awnings
  • Full hookup 30/50 amp, septic and underground water connection
  • Free Propane hookup (hooks directly to camper/RV)
  • Onsite storm shelter
  • Great wifi
  • 4’x6’ Storage containers for each camper pad
  • Large pull-down sun shades on camper pads with metal awnings (this helps to keep camper cool during hot summer months)
  • Onsite laundry facility 
  • Extra freezer space available
  • Large yard area (great for pets) located next to two ponds and hiking trail that leads to Visitor Center
  • Family-like atmosphere.  Flexibility.  Small staff.

What we ask of volunteers:

  • 24 hrs/week/person, this applies to couples and solos.  We do ask solos to be a bit more flexible and cover days that other volunteers may need to be out.  
  • Couples work the same consecutive days.  (3) 8 hour days, Mon-Wed, or Thurs-Sat.  IF three couples are present during your stay, schedule can change to 2 days/week/person.  This is preferred.  We are closed on Sundays and all Federal Holidays. Visitor Center hours are 8am-4pm. 

Visitor Center duties:  Keep Visitor Center open, answer phone calls, take messages, greet visitors, keep brochures filled, cleaning of lobby, exhibit area, classroom and offices, assist in environmental education programs (especially during field trip season), assist in processing quota hunt applications, notifications and permits for all refuges within the complex, assist in eagle tours, assist in events such as our annual Fishing Rodeo, Jr. Ranger Camp, Fall-Fest, Jr. Duck Stamp Judging and Award Ceremony, etc. 

Outdoor duties:  These duties change depending on the season.  Mowing, weed-eating, spraying, leaf blowing, picking up limbs and litter, pressure washing, light construction projects (replacing boards on piers, repairing signage), painting signs and viewing towers, cleaning gutters, assisting heavy equipment operators in various tasks and projects, cleaning and organizing shops, cleaning tools, repairing small equipment (weed eaters, blowers, etc.) assisting in Eagle Tours in winter, cleaning vehicles, trimming limbs, assisting in events such as our Annual Fishing Rodeo, Jr. Ranger Camp, Fall-Fest, Jr. Duck Stamp Judging and Awards Ceremony, etc. 

More information is available by SEASON.  Contact Tara Dowdy below.

To Apply

It's easy and simple!  Fill out the Volunteer Application and email to Tara Dowdy.  We do check references, so be sure to add 3 work/volunteer references to your email.  If you do not hear back in a couple of days, please call 731-538-2481.  

We look forward to hearing from you!  

Our Partners

Friends of West Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Friends of West Tennessee NWR Complex Facebook Page

The Friends was West TN Refuges was established to help spread awareness of the National Wildlife Refuges of West TN.  They assist in many programs, such as; 

  •  Annual Youth Fishing Rodeo: Collect donations, set up a booth and provide baked goods to participants.
  •  Jr Ranger Camp: Assist with programming/canoeing and provide young campers with a pizza party on graduation day.
  •  Jr. Duck Stamp Judging: Provide assistance in formal judging process and provide meal to judges.
  •  Jr. Duck Stamp Awards Ceremony at Discovery Park: Assist with set up of awards, power point presentation, handing out awards, and clean up.
  •  Annual Friends Canoe Trip: Leads interpretive canoe trip at Lake Isom or on Reelfoot NWR.
  •  Annual Membership Drive: Provides a meal to all participants and leads a canoe trip or bird hike afterwards.
  •  Assist in Field Trips in May: May is a busy month for the refuge and the staff depends on volunteers and Friends to help lead programs such as canoeing, birding 101, archery, scavenger hunt, hiking with big catchers, etc.
  •  Wounded Warriors Hunt: Provide meal to wounded warriors at Hatchie NWR.
  •  FallFest: Provides assistance during this fun day of interpretive hayrides and guest speakers.  Friends typically assist in traffic control and manning the USFWS booth.  

  •  Bluebird box monitoring:  Sign up 1 week or several to assist in checking bluebird boxes.

The Friends have offered various programs throughout the year, such as making your own bird suet and quarterly photography contests.  A 5k is being planned for the fall of 2026, as well as a Jr. Duck Stamp Camp for youth.

Meetings 

Meetings are held the first Thursday of each month from 10am - 11:30am at the Reelfoot NWR, 4343 Hwy 157, Union City, TN 38261.  Coffee and snacks are provided.  All are welcome!  Come check us out! 

If this sounds like something you’d like to be a part of, please contact friendsofwesttn@gmail.com for more information.  We would love to have you join our team!