Volunteers are Important
Do you enjoy the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge? Do you like meeting new people, being outdoors, opportunities for learning and having fun? If so, the Friends of Great Swamp and the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge invite you to join our volunteer team.
Why volunteer?
Volunteers play a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fulfill its mission of conserving, protecting and enhancing America’s fish and wildlife and their habitats.
In fiscal year 2021, 143 active volunteers donated more than 14,000 hours to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, significantly expanding educational and visitor service programs, improving habitat, and providing invaluable assistance to the refuge staff.
About Volunteering
How much of my time is required?
The amount of time you volunteer is up to you. You may volunteer on a regular basis for a few hours a week or month, help out during spring and fall migration seasons, or at a special event.
Who may volunteer?
No special skills are needed to be a refuge volunteer. While there is no age limit, anyone under 18 must have written parental approval. Anyone 16 or younger must be accompanied by an adult while volunteering.
Is there volunteer training?
The Friends conduct volunteer training sessions as needed throughout the year. There is on–the–job training for all volunteers. More extensive training is offered for volunteers in the Visitor’s Center and Friends Nature Shop, for those volunteers who staff the Wildlife Observation Center, and for group walk leaders.
Where do I start?
- Complete the online Volunteer interest form.
— or —
- Download and print a copy of the Volunteer brochure. You may mail it to the Friends offices at 32 Pleasant Plains Road, Basking Ridge, NJ 07920 or you may drop it off in person at the Helen C. Fenske Visitor Center. Check the website for current hours.
Once we receive your Volunteer Interest form, a team member from the Friends Volunteer Coordination Committee will contact you to let you know about upcoming volunteer activities that might interest you. There is no obligation.
Learn More
Existing volunteers who have been trained can now sign up for shifts online!
Become a Refuge Volunteer
A wide range of volunteer opportunities exist, although many are seasonal and several are only available on weekdays.
Many upcoming volunteer activities are listed on the Calendar of Events and new volunteers are always welcome at any scheduled activity.
The Refuge needs your help…
come and join us!
Seasonal (March-October)
Invasive Plant Control: Join a crew for manual and chemical control of invasive plant species. Regularly scheduled workdays on the Calendar of Events. Weekdays only.
GardenKeepers: Help plan and maintain display gardens at the visitor center. Regularly scheduled workdays on the Calendar of Events. Weekdays only.
Group Tours: Assist with guided walks for school groups and community organizations. Weekdays and weekends.
Outreach: Volunteer to staff an information table at partner events or present topical programs to groups. Weekdays and weekends.
Construction Crew: Various carpentry projects; building and repairing boardwalks, bridges and kiosks; maintenance projects. Weekdays only.
Year-round
Wildlife Observation Center Staffing: Greet visitors and introduce them to the refuge and the boardwalk area. Outdoors. Weekdays and weekends.
Trail Maintenance: Help maintain Refuge trails and boardwalks, including Wilderness Area trails. Once trained, volunteers may set their own schedule.
Visitor Center Host: Greet visitors and provide Refuge orientation. Handle sales in Friends Nature Shop. A minimum of two to three shifts per month is required. Weekdays and weekends.
Strike Team: Protect and restore the habitats of native flora and fauna by eradicating invasive plant species before they can establish themselves across Great Swamp NWR. Weekdays only.
Publicity, social media, writer, editor: Write press releases, help with website content, write for Swamp Scene newsletter or electronic newsletters.