Central Oregon Environmental Center: Volunteer Opportunities

Volunteer Opportunities With the Environmental Center and our Member Groups

Current Literature Editor Position, the Natural Areas Journal. The person in this volunteer position would review the large scientific and management literature related to natural areas and the interests of members of the Natural Areas Association. Key citations would be gathered into categories, and short summaries or reviews (1-3 sentences) would be provided for key papers. The resulting Current Literature column is turned into the Managing Editor of the Natural Areas Journal four times per year on specific due dates. This work will take about 4 hours per week, and is best suited for a person of broad conservation interests who is already perusing much of this literature. Please contact NAA Journal Editor Steven Link at slink@wsu.edu.
Indoor Fall Clean Out Project! The Natural Areas Association needs two or more volunteers (could be a small group project, too) to help clean out and organize our downtown storage unit. We can't get to our supplies! This is an opportunity to roll up your sleeves and work 'behind the scenes', to make a difference in just one afternoon. The date is open; you let us know! For more information contact Carla at info@naturalarea.org, or 541-317-0199.
Mentor Students with Wolftree! They are currently looking for individuals with some natural resource, education, or science background (or those that are just passionate about our natural environment) that are interested in coming out to assist in mentoring youth about our local streams and forests. Programs usually run from around nine to two, and last from one to two days. If you have any questions or would like more information about our organization visit our website or call us at (541) 549-1459.
ADOPT THE AREA YOU PLAY IN! Take care of our waterways by adopting them! With the Oregon Adopt-A-River program SOLV provides the materials and project support, so that you can successfully keep your special place beautiful.
To find out more about Oregon Adopt-A-River <http://www.solv.org/programs/oregon_adopt_a_river.asp> or contact Monica Kearsley, monica@solv.org, 503-844-9571 or 1-800-333-SOLV (7658).
CREATE YOUR OWN PROJECT! Find yourself wishing you could clean up an area in your neighborhood? With Project Oregon, anyone who wants to organize a volunteer event anytime, anywhere in the state can become a SOLV Site Coordinator and receive materials and support to pull off a project of your own. For more information on Project Oregon visit <http://www.solv.org/programs/project_oregon.asp>, or contact Monica Kearsley, monica@solv.org, 503-844-9571 or 1-800-333-SOLV (7658).
Volunteer mappers needed to "ground truth" eastern Oregon Wilderness Proposals. Maps and instructions will be provided. A great way to get out in the woods and do some hiking and camping to verify boundaries of roadless areas that they hope to designate Wilderness in their ongoing Oregon Wild wilderness campaign. Volunteers should have experience navigating using a map and compass. Call 541-382-2616 or email tl@oregonwild.org.
106.7 KPOV Bend's Community Radio Station is looking for energetic volunteers to do everything from database entry to editing radio interviews. Training provided. Contact 322-0863 or email info@kpov.org.
The Opportunity Foundation of Central Oregon has ongoing volunteer needs in their Bend, Redmond and Madras thrift stores, assembly programs and wood mill, along with a need for help with special events, fundraising and activities for their residents. To help call 541-548-2611 or visit www.ofco.org.
The Central Oregon Audubon Society is seeking volunteers for a variety of project and programs, including Migratory Bird Day, leading field trips, editing newsletters and fundraising. Contact 317-3086 or email dfagan746@hotmail.com.
The Deschutes Land Trust needs volunteers for November 13-14: mailing help. Help get fall mailings out the door. Sign, stuff, and seal letters. Flexible times. Contact Lisa Bagwell if you can help: lisa@deschuteslandtrust.org or 541] 330-0017. December 2, 5-7pm: call Land Trust members. Make phone calls to remind Land Trust members to renew. This is especially important this year! Help with this simple, fun task and get to know other Land Trust supporters. Contact Sarah if you can help: sarah@deschuteslandtrust.org or 541] 330-0017. December 6, 10am-2pm: Metolius Preserve Tree Hunt! Come help out with this fun annual event. We'll need help serving hot drinks, directing traffic, and helping folks identify the correct trees to cut. Sign up for a 2 hour shift or stay for the whole day. Contact Sarah if you can help sarah@deschuteslandtrust.org or 541] 330-0017.
Volunteer with the Juniper Group, Sierra Club. They need volunteers for monthly environmental education nights, newsletter editing and people to help with hands-on restoration and forest monitoring projects. The Juniper Group has a great selection of volunteer opportunities for anyone who enjoys spending time outside. Check out a complete list of their volunteer needs.
The Sunriver Nature Center and Observatory needs volunteers to work as program guides, gardeners, at special events and in the Second Tern Thrift Store. Contact Kathy at 541-593-4442.
Volunteer with Bend Habitat for Humanity. Help with on-site construction and supervision, as well as other special projects. Interested persons should contact their Volunteer Coordinator, at ewilliams@bendhabitat.org or 541.385.5387 x227.
Bend Area Habitat for Humanity ReStore has ongoing volunteer needs for people to sort and stock donations and help in sales, customer service, pricing, collections and pickups, as well as other retail opportunities. For more information visit http://www.bendhabitat.org/Volunteers.html or call Di Crocker at 312-6709.
The Central Oregon Trail Alliance always needs volunteers for trail building and maintenance activities. COTA is a volunteer group that works in conjunction with the USFS, BLM and other land managers to build and maintain trails in Central Oregon. COTA is an IMBA affiliated club, interested in creating, enhancing and preserving trail opportunities for mountain bikers. Our objective is to get fellow trail users to join us out on the trails. Check our website for trailwork opportunities. The trails need your help!
East Cascade Bird Conservancy Most of our projects focus on Central Oregon in three counties (Deschutes, Crook and Jefferson). We are highly dependent on volunteers to help complete the field work. Most projects require little or no birding experience. All we require is that you have enthusiasm and a sense of fun. Full training is provided. View our current opportunities at www.ecbcbirds.org

If you'd like to talk with us about your volunteer interests, please call 385-6908 or email karyn(at)envirocenter(dot)org. We're happy to help match you with volunteer projects!