Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers & Friends assist in a variety of roles throughout the year. If you would like to learn more about the ecology and habitat, that surrounds Waquoit Bay or if you are just interested hearing more about us please consider joining our dedicated group of volunteers.
To inquire about current volunteer needs or to sign up for any of the positions below, please email: Laurie Tompkins, Volunteer Coordinator or call 774-255.4268. To sign up for our e-newsletters to receive notices about upcoming events and additional volunteer opportunities click here!
Visitor Greeters
The Waquoit Bay Reserve is seeking volunteer Visitor Greeters to assist staff with greeting the public in the summer months, June, July, and August. Greeters are needed Monday through Friday; 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m., and weekend mornings.
Greeters assist our interpretive staff with family programs, help keep the Visitor Center stocked with educational materials and help manage inventory of brochures and pamphlets. Greeters will also help with or support interpretive programs, estate tours, seining in the bay, story times, and arts and crafts projects as needed. Our education and interpretive staff will provide all necessary training.
Greeters will learn about the ecology of Waquoit Bay, current projects happening at the Reserve, and issues facing Cape Cod such as wastewater, energy, and human impacts on our coastal ecosystems. You will also learn to answer the most frequently asked questions about the Reserve; as well as the many recreational opportunities available to visitors such as trails, swimming, and fishing and kayaking.
We are looking for individuals who want to learn about environmental issues facing Cape Cod, people who like to interact with the public and enjoy a relaxed, fun-filled environment. Training session will be held on June 11th at the Reserve’s Visitor Center.
Volunteer Trail Monitors
The Waquoit Bay Reserve maintains more than 1300 acres of protected land with more than 15 miles of trails in Falmouth and Mashpee. To help us take care of the Reserve lands, we are looking for volunteers to assist with monitoring activities on our trails.
If you enjoy walking the trails at South Cape Beach, the Quashnet Woods, or other Reserve areas, then we would love to hear from you! We are looking for committed folks who would be willing to walk a section of trail on a regular basis (about once every week or two) and report on any issues you encounter and/or interesting observations we could share with other Reserve visitors.
We are also launching a new pilot Photo Monitoring program project where volunteers would take a set of photos at specific points along reserve trails. No experience required, we will provide training on identifying plant and wildlife species of interest.
Training session will be held at the beginning of May.
Beach Ambassadors
Do you love visiting and walking South Cape Beach as much as we do? The Waquoit Bay Reserve is looking for several volunteers who enjoy walking the beach and trails, observing wildlife, love being outside and are willing to engage with visitors.
Volunteers will partner with our Education and Stewardship staff to welcome and inform beach goers about the beautiful place they are visiting. Volunteers will also learn about protected bird species and the natural habitat they call their home. Volunteers can opt to walk the beach, or partner with Education staff to assist with Pop-Up Education Events at South Cape Beach or the surrounding area. Volunteers will answer questions about the park, provide information, and highlight upcoming programs. Volunteers will begin working with a knowledgeable staff person to greet beach goers and share their information and local expertise.
We are looking for volunteers who have a willingness to talk with beach visitors and a desire to be a part of a positive presence on and off the beach. Training will be provided and will be ongoing. In addition to the primary training, we offer additional opportunities for volunteers to gain knowledge by attending our workshops and educational opportunities throughout the year. Training session will be held at the beginning of May.
Time commitment: 2- 4 hours per week, scheduling is flexible.
