Opportunities From: Mass Audubon

Become a Baywatcher at Allens Pond!  

For more than 30 years, dedicated Baywatchers have played a vital role in protecting the health of Buzzards Bay and its harbors, coves, and rivers through a long-standing program led by the Buzzards Bay Coalition. At Allens Pond Wildlife Sanctuary, community scientists have been collecting valuable water quality data since 1992, and we’d love for you to be part of this important work.  

We are currently seeking enthusiastic volunteers to help monitor water quality at Allens Pond from May through September. By joining the Baywatchers program, you’ll contribute firsthand to science that helps protect local ecosystems, informs environmental decision-making, and safeguards the future of Buzzards Bay.  

Volunteers participate in regular monitoring sessions, following established, easy-to-learn procedures to collect data on dissolved oxygen, water temperature, salinity, and water clarity. No prior scientific experience is required; just curiosity, reliability, and a love of the outdoors!  

All volunteers attend a training session in May, where you’ll learn best practices, sampling techniques, and the “why” behind the work you’ll be doing. Sampling typically takes place in the early morning, offering a peaceful start to the day in a truly special natural setting.  

Participants should be comfortable walking a short distance over uneven terrain and working near the water. Waterproof shoes are highly recommended.  

Whether you’re passionate about environmental conservation, interested in hands-on community science, or just looking for a meaningful way to connect with nature and your community, this is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference.  

Join us and help keep Allens Pond and Buzzards Bay healthy for generations to come.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

As a Trail Steward volunteer, you will monitor Allens Pond's 9-mile trail system and report any issues, such as fallen trees or rough trail conditions, that you encounter. Allens Pond's trails meander through wetlands, woodlands, and uplands, along boardwalks, and across beautiful landscapes. Volunteers will have the opportunity to get to know the sanctuary's trail system well and observe changes throughout the seasons.

Trail Stewards play a key role in helping Mass Audubon maintain safe, welcoming, and pleasant trails for visitors by alerting staff of priority areas to address along the trails. This volunteer position is a great fit for someone who loves spending time outdoors, hiking, and making trails and natural spaces both welcoming for visitors and protected for wildlife. It is also a great fit for someone looking for a flexible volunteer opportunity to do on their own schedule.

As a volunteer, you will be responsible for:

Hiking along trails on your own schedule when the sanctuary is open and submitting a report to staff with your findings

Clipping intrusive brush and branches, moving small-to-medium sticks and debris, and/or removing trash along trails as needed

Entering the hours you volunteered in our online volunteer portal with a phone or computer

Virtual training will be provided and required.

Submit and successfully clear CORI/SORI background check

Watch Trail Steward volunteer training

Be age 18 or older or always accompanied by parent/guardian when volunteering  

Commit to:

Hiking along at least one sanctuary trail at least once a month

Completing report form after each visit detailing what you found on the trails 

Responsibly using the provided Trail Steward equipment and alert Mass Audubon staff if any equipment needs replacing

Demonstrating and modeling responsible behavior on trails

Volunteers also 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. 

Maintaining a safe work environment is a priority of Mass Audubon. Volunteers should dress in appropriate outdoor clothing for the weather and sturdy shoes and bring a snack and water if you plan to be out on the trails for an extended period of time. Additional safety will be covered in the training. 

Trail Stewards can volunteer by hiking the trails at any time the sanctuary is open; dawn to dusk. Volunteers are asked to walk the trails at least once a month.

Trail Stewards offers a flexible and independent volunteer experience, but there will also be the opportunity to collaborate with other Trail Stewards and schedule times to work together.

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.

Any and all property, building, and volunteer maintenance located at Allens Pond WS. 

To express interest in this volunteer position, please click the “Respond” button and in the Response Notes, include a few sentences about why you are interested in this role and why you’d be a great fit. Make sure to click the “Submit Opportunity Response” button at the end to complete the process. Our volunteer coordinator will reach out to share more about the program and next steps.