Spring 2019 VOLUNTEER VOICE

Join us for our 1st Annual "Friend-Raising Event Thursday, July 18th 6:30PM - 8:30PM You are cordially invited to celebrate the collaborative relationship between the Reserve and the Friends of the Waquoit Bay Reserve at our first annual Friend-Raising meeting!  The Waquoit Bay Reserve has benefited greatly from the contribution of volunteers since its inception. Volunteer support is critical for realizing the Reserve's mission in the community and ultimately supporting the achievement of our research, education and stewardship goals. 6:30PM - Meet and Greet Light Refreshments & Libations 7:00PM - Become a Friend 7:30PM - 75th Anniversary D Day Presentation: Learn what role Washburn Island played in WWII training

Visitor Center - Spring Clean Up Friday, May 17 10:00AM  Bring along your garden gloves and your green thumb! We will be sprucing up the outside of the Visitor Center before the busy summer season.   Meet at the Visitor Center.

If you would like to volunteer at the Reserve, or have additional questions please contact Laurie Tompkins, Volunteer Coordinator at laurie.tompkins@state.ma.us or call 508-457-0495 x108. All volunteers are welcome and encouraged to attend our upcoming training sessions. Monday, June 3 - Working with the Public: First Time Volunteer Training Monday, June 10 - Introduction to the Waquoit Bay Reserve Wednesday, June 19 - Meet the Staff and Field Trip Click here for full details & descriptions of session .

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Oyster Aquaculture Project The Reserve and partners are involved in a 2-year study looking at oyster aquaculture and water quality.  We are looking for 1 additional volunteer to assist with the care of the Reserve's oyster demonstration site on a weekly basis. The demonstration site mimics as the research site and has been set up to educate the public about oyster aquaculture Main duties include removing any accumulation of seaweed, algae, or barnacles from the shellfish equipment as well as rotating and shaking out the oyster bags. Expected time commitment is 1-2 hours per week. The equipment is heavy, so the ability to lift and move at least 30 pounds is recommended. Training and supplies provided.

Garden Crew Do you have a green thumb? We are looking for at least one experienced gardener and a few enthusiasts to help us clean up, plant and maintain our two gardens at the Visitor Center.  We've been "trying" to maintain a vegetable garden, and a pollinator garden. If you'd like to head up a small garden crew or spend a few hours getting us started, we'd appreciate the help!

Visitor Greeter    Greeters assist our staff with engaging the public during the summer months. Greeters also help with family programs, and keep the Visitor Center stocked with educational materials and brochures. Greeters may also help with or conduct interpretive programs, estate tours, seining in the bay, story times, and arts and crafts projects as needed. Greeters will learn about the ecology of Waquoit Bay, current projects happening at the Reserve, and coastal management issues facing Cape Cod. You will also learn to answer the most frequently asked questions about the Reserve and the many recreational opportunities available to visitors. We have a few openings in our summer schedule contact us about which days are available! Training is required - please click here for full schedule and details . Monday, June 3 - Working with the Public: First time Volunteer Training Monday, June 10 - Introduction to the Waquoit Bay Reserve Wednesday, June 19 - Meet the Staff & Field Trip

REGISTRAR - Summer Science School Our Summer Science School needs one volunteer each week to help out with registration on Monday morning for approximately 1-2 hours. Meet at 8:15AM on Mondays to help open up the classroom and set up a welcome table for parents to check in and drop of their children on the first day of the session. One volunteer is needed each week. This position can be split up if one person is not available every week.  Monday, June 24 Monday, July 8 Monday, July 15 Monday, July 22 Monday, July 29 Monday, August 5 Monday, August 12

ANNUAL MEETING & SPECIAL EVENTS HELP Do you like interacting with people of all ages?  Annual Meeting - the Friends are looking for 1-2 volunteers to help plan, organize and publicize upcoming activities and the first annual Friend-Raiser meeting. Special Events - Come and help our education team staff special events at the Reserve and at local community events .

IN THE FIELD Join our research, monitoring and stewardship staff on projects including vegetation surveys, beach clean ups, or trail maintenance. Projects are implemented on an as needed basis and are done a few times per year.

OPEN TO VOLUNTEERS

QI GONG Tuesday mornings on the Bluff at 8:00AM Join volunteer Alex Lancaster for some stretching overlooking beautiful Waquoit Bay.