Volunteer Orientation - In Person

We are citizens from all walks of life with an interest in protecting the environment and serving the public.  Volunteer to be a Friend of Outer Island. Our Mission is to: - Preserve the natural resources of Outer Island - Provide environmental education and wildlife dependent recreation - Assist with maintenance and improvement of island facilities We support the National Refuge System. The National Wildlife Refuge System is in crisis. Threats to refuges are growing, while staffing and funding for key conservation programs are diminishing. Friends of Outer Island volunteer their time to assist in the upkeep of the refuge and provide visitor services. We are a member of the Stewart B. McKinney NWR Coalition, an umbrella organization that advocates for the entire refuge. Volunteers participate as often as they like, weekdays and weekends for four hour shifts, during the open season on Outer Island between May and October. Volunteers can choose to casually welcome, guide, and/or educate the visiting public; do light maintenance of the island areas; seasonal plantings; and participate in the wildlife educational programs hosted for public schools. See the "Roles" tab for more information. Ferry transport to and from Outer Island is provided. For more information, you can contact USFWS visitor services manager Shaun Roche at shaun_roche@fws.gov