Opportunities From: Mass Audubon

We’ll be working together to weed along trails and in garden areas and remove invasive plant species to support native wildlife. We may even get to revamp the fernery path! This is a great opportunity to get outdoors, meet fellow community members, and make a lasting impact on the sanctuary. All tools and materials will be provided.

Dress for the weather and working outside. Bring your favorite work gloves and water bottle/beverage. Children under 16 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

This program is part of Mass Audubon's Second Saturday Volunteer Series. Volunteers help support Berkshires Wildlife Sanctuaries through a variety of stewardship and property-related tasks.

Help Mass Audubon conservation scientists monitor seasonal amphibian activity by checking a series of coverboards placed in key habitat areas around Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary.

Volunteers will carefully lift the boards to look for salamanders, frogs, and other small wildlife that use them for shelter. Observations will be recorded to help track amphibian presence and seasonal activity.

This opportunity is designed for 2 volunteers and takes place in May and September.

Volunteers will participate in 6 surveys total (3 in spring and 3 in fall). Each visit lasts approximately 2 hours, for a total commitment of about 12 hours over the season. No prior experience is required. Full protocol details and instruction will be given at a mandatory training course led by a Mass Audubon staff member.

About This Volunteer Position

As an Education Programs Volunteer, you will...

Assist experienced naturalists who lead adult and/or family audience nature learning experiences at sanctuaries and other natural areas

Help Mass Audubon in achieving our goal of helping adults and families connect with nature and learn how to protect nature now and for future generations

This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who ...

Enjoys interacting with the public and sharing their passion for nature experiences and conservation

You will have the opportunity to ...

Spend time learning with and assisting experienced naturalists/educators

Meet and interact with people who share your interests

Learn more about the natural world, conservation science, ecological stewardship

Responsibilities

As a volunteer, you will assist the program leading with...

Greeting participants as they arrive

Checking in program participants

Distributing equipment to program participants

Supporting participants with using equipment following program leader instruction

Serving as “sweep" on programs, taking up rear to ensure no one gets separated from the group

Assisting program leader and participants with spotting wildlife, plants, etc. 

Informally share knowledge about nature subjects with participants and staff

Volunteers may also be asked to ...

Assist program leader with loading and unloading canoes, supplies, or other program material; training will be provided

Assist program leader with collecting, cleaning, and stowing program equipment

Qualifications

A well-qualified volunteer will have...

An interest in sharing your love of nature and conservation with adults and/or families

Personal experience with bird watching, hiking, canoeing, etc.

A general knowledge of local plants and animals and interest in learning more

This volunteer position is suitable for...

Adults aged 18 and older

Requirements

Background Checks:

CORI and SORI background checks are required for all volunteers

Physical:

Walking and standing on uneven terrain in a variety of weather conditions (sun, heat, light rain, etc.) during nature walks, birding programs, and hikes

Assist with loading/unloading/moving canoes and other equipment for short periods/distances before and after canoe programs

Equipment:

Mass Audubon will provide all program specific equipment

Volunteer is responsible for personal clothing and footwear

Time Commitment:

Ability to confirm and commit to assisting scheduled programs

Programs range in length from 1-3 hours and volunteer would need to be available for the duration of the program and approximately 30 minutes before and after the program time

Tracking Hours:

Volunteers agree to log their completed volunteer hours in our online volunteer portal. This can be done on a personal phone, computer, or tablet.

Training on how to enter hours will be provided as part of volunteer orientation.

Safety
Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon.

Volunteers should dress in long pants/sleeves, wear study, closed-toed shoes, and bring their own snacks and water

Any additional safety training required for this position will be provided for volunteers*

*Additional safety training required for canoeing

Schedule/Shift Information
Volunteer shifts are posted and shared with volunteers for each season of the year and may occasionally be subject to change due to weather or other program scheduling needs

Next Steps
To express interest in this opportunity, click the "Respond" button. In the "Response Notes," share in a few sentences why you are interested and why this is a great volunteer role for you. Please note that this step is only to express interest in this opportunity. A volunteer coordinator will follow up with you about the next steps, which will include a brief conversation and a background check before you begin volunteering.