“Volunteering is one of the best, most certain ways we can find a purpose and meaning in our life,” Val Walker, author
Looking for a way to join others to support conservation, restoration, and environmental education in Pacific County? The Friends has a place for you! We have exciting opportunities for everyone to help, regardless of physical ability or previous experience. Volunteering is a wonderful way to meet others with similar interests, while performing meaningful work.
Contact the Friends of Willapa volunteer coordinator at willapa@fws.gov.
We will add you to the volunteer list and contact you when there is an opportunity for the tasks that interest you. You will also receive the Friends newsletter and can check our Facebook page for other volunteer activities.
Here are some examples of how Friends volunteers can help. Some of these options are outdoors, and while we cannot guarantee perfect weather for our work, we can promise a fun time!
September 2023 Volunteer Update Project NestWatch Results
The results are in! Refuge volunteers Rachel and Sarah were hard at work monitoring the many nest boxes for Project NestWatch and all chicks have now fledged! This program is used to monitor the status and trends in the reproductive biology of birds.
This information is added to a database used to see how climate change, habitat degradation and loss, expansion of urban areas, and the introduction of non-native plants and animals affect bird populations.
The Refuge complex was home to 60 nest boxes in three different sites, and 311 chicks successfully left the nest this year. These chicks were mostly tree swallows, but a few barn swallows also used some boxes. Nest boxes, like the ones on the refuge, make great nesting homes for a variety of species such as western bluebirds, mourning doves, chickadees, and more.
Participating in NestWatch is easy and just about anyone NestWatch can do it, although children should always be accompanied by an adult when observing bird nests. Simply follow the directions on our website to become a certified NestWatcher, find a bird nest using our helpful tips, visit the nest every 3-4 days and record what you see, and then report this information on our website. You can also download the NestWatch Mobile App for iOS and Android and record what you see at the nest in real time. Find more information and tips in our FAQs.
Your observations will be added to those of thousands of other NestWatchers in a continually growing database used by researchers to understand and study birds. Simply put, without your help it would be impossible to gather enough information to accurately monitor nesting birds across the country. And while you are contributing extremely valuable information to science, you will learn firsthand about birds and create a liflong bond with the natural world.
Trail Maintenance
Refuge trails need periodic maintenance, and Friends volunteers rotate through the various trails throughout the year or as needed. Most of this work involves light physical labor, and tools are provided. Time involved: about two to three hours.
Invasive Species Removal
We also help remove invasive plant species, such as holly, gorse, and Scotch broom. This work involves medium/light physical labor. Time involved: about three hours.
Environmental Education
From February through May, Friends volunteers visit 4th grade classrooms in Pacific County to teach about our environment and the importance of wildlife refuges. At the end of the program in May, volunteers lead the 4th graders on a Refuge field trip to put into practice what they have learned. See our Environmental Education Program for more information.
Information Booths
Volunteers provide information about the Friends and the Refuge at local festivals, markets, and other events.
Wings Over Willapa and Other Events
Planners, greeters, ticket takers, moderators, set-up, and clean-up crews—just a few of the volunteer opportunities needed at Friends events. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge, contact us at willapa@fws.gov. Can’t volunteer but still want to support us? Join as a member!
Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 845 Ocean Park, WA 98640 Email info@friendsofwillaparefuge.org
“Volunteering is one of the best, most certain ways we can find a purpose and meaning in our life,” Val Walker, author
September 2023 Volunteer Update Project NestWatch Results
Trail Maintenance