Wildlife Survey Volunteers
Locations: Lenox, MA
Sanctuaries: Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Start and End Dates: March – May
Schedule and Time Commitment: Varies depending on volunteer interest and availability. Contact us or join an Info Session to learn more.
Info Sessions:
- Saturday, February 3, 2024, 1 pm – 2 pm (online)
- Thursday, February 15, 2024, 6 pm – 7 pm (online)
How to Apply:
For more information, or to apply, please contact us.
About this Position:
Do you want to learn more about wildlife conservation and science? Do you enjoy spending time in scenic New England forests? Do you want to improve your scat identification skills? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then join the Mass Audubon Science Team as a wildlife survey volunteer and collect data on deer as you trek for conservation!
White-tailed deer are overabundant in parts of Massachusetts. With so many deer present and no natural predators to control their population, they add stress to their respective ecosystems. Deer overbrowse tree saplings, shrubs, and forest herbs. This understory vegetation provides habitat for a wide variety of birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and insects. Furthermore, white-tailed deer prefer to eat native plant species, which allows non-native plants to invade. Overabundant white-tailed deer have contributed to declines in biodiversity and habitat loss for many native species.
The Mass Audubon Science Team is implementing a white-tailed deer monitoring program in sanctuaries across Central and Western Massachusetts. This monitoring program will survey Mass Audubon sanctuaries using pellet count methods to estimate white-tailed deer abundance. This science-driven program aims to evaluate population sizes and ultimately help determine the best management practices for each sanctuary.
We’re inviting all interested volunteers to join the forefront of fieldwork. You’ll be trained on how to identify scat, navigate off trail using Gaia (a GPS app), and practice those new skills in the field as you survey the sanctuary for deer pellets. As a wildlife survey volunteer, you’ll work in small teams using Gaia to trek along 0.5 to 1-mile-long transects and stop at predetermined points. With a pencil and paper, you’ll record what you find before moving on to the next point. This fieldwork will only take place on fair-weather days.
Volunteers should expect to navigate steep, muddy, and thickly brushed terrain at times. Volunteers will be expected to dress in long pants/sleeves, wear appropriate close-toed shoes, bring their own day bag with snacks, lunch, and water, wear bug repellent, and dress in layers.
Responsibilities:
- Complete scat ID and surveying protocol training, which includes the following:
- how to navigate using Gaia
- how to count pellet groups and record data.
- how to ID scat of various mammals.
- Navigate to sample plots and stay on the transect.
- Collect and record the number of deer pellet piles at sample plots.
- Return the datasheet to the supervisor once completed.
Qualifications:
- Passionate about land and wildlife conservation.
- Want to learn more about scat ID and conservation science.
- Want to gain experience working in the field.
Requirements:
- Physical
- Can hike 1-2 miles off trail, possibly with steep slopes or muddy ground.
- Comfortable carrying a backpack with lunch and water for a few hours.
- Comfortable spending time outside in various weather conditions, in case the weather changes.
- Equipment
- Close-toed shoes with good tread, preferably hiking shoes.
- Backpack
- Water bottle and snacks. Bring your own lunch.
- Long pants and sleeves
- Raincoat (in case the weather changes)
- Dress in layers
- Your cell phone
- Transportation
- Volunteers are encouraged to carpool or drive themselves to the meeting point.
- More information on the meeting location, time, and day will be provided at the info session.
How to Apply:
For more information, or to apply, please contact us.
