Name of Organization: Mass Audubon South Coast Sanctuaries
Contact: Jennifer Costa
Address: 1280 Horseneck Road, Westport MA 02790
Phone: (508) 636-2437v
Email: jcosta@massaudubon.org
Website: www.massaudubon.org

Background

Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 34,000 acres of conservation land, provide educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Mass Audubon's mission and actions have expanded since our beginning in 1896 when our founders set out to stop the slaughter of birds for use on women's fashions. Today we are the largest conservation organization in New England. Our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries, in 90 Massachusetts communities, welcomes visitors of all ages and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.

Volunteering Opportunities

 Duck Derby Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA

Join in the fun! The Duck Derby is our largest fundraiser, held in August at the Sanctuary. Duck Derby volunteers are instrumental in the event’s success and provide a myriad of support, from selling ducks pre-Derby, gathering items for the silent auction, staffing the Derby Festival, distributing event information, assisting with the actual race and more! These volunteers are busiest from May to August.

Outreach Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Outreach volunteer will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to represent the Sanctuary at local events and to assist in educational program development and execution. We are looking for motivated, self-starters with the confidence to speak and present to the public and who also exhibit a thirst for knowledge and sharing that knowledge with others. Examples of Outreach volunteer duties include staffing a table at an outreach event, assisting a Teacher Naturalist in delivering a program to groups of all ages on or off of the Sanctuary and researching/developing program ideas for special events.

Qualifications: Individuals should be able to travel to local destinations and should be comfortable on their feet. Experience teaching environmental science(s) is helpful but not necessary.

Publicity Volunteer
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Publicity volunteer will work closely with the Volunteer Coordinator to promote Sanctuary events throughout the year, including the Allens Pond Duck Derby fundraiser which occurs in mid-August. We are looking for creative individuals with an interest in communicating about the Sanctuary and reaching a broad audience through varied media such as newspaper, TV, radio and internet. The Publicity volunteer will assist in promoting Sanctuary events by posting them to online calendars, emailing to media lists and distributing to local businesses and non-profits in person.

Qualifications: Individuals should have good writing and communication skills. Experience writing press releases is helpful but not necessary.

Shrubland Restoration Volunteer
Location: Westport/Dartmouth, MA

Shrubland Restoration Volunteers are needed at Allens Pond to help restore native plant species on sanctuary grounds. The main goal of this ongoing project is to eradicate invasive plant species, namely Multiflora Rose and Asiatic Bittersweet. The lands that have been invaded by these species are important winter habitat for bird species such as the Brown Thrasher and the Eastern Towhee. Northern Harriers also use this habitat. Upon the removal of invasive species, Allens Pond also needs assistance with planting native species. The presence of native flora will facilitate the use of this habitat by native bird and other animal species as well. Work may be, at times, physically demanding, but rewarding and instrumental in preserving the ecological integrity of areas in and around the sanctuary.

Weekend Docent
Location: Dartmouth, MA

The Weekend Docent will staff the field station during weekend days and will be available to greet visitors, provide information about the Sanctuary and assist in weekend program registrations.