Volunteer with the Refuge
The Missisquoi NWR depends on dedicated volunteers for a variety of tasks. If you have some extra time, it’s a wonderful and much needed way to support the Refuge.
Here are some ways you can choose to volunteer:
Front Desk Volunteers: These volunteers are responsible greeting visitors coming into the Visitor Center. This involves answering visitor’s questions in person and on the phone as well. Periodic office work is also a possibility. These volunteers are also asked to open the Friends Bookstore which directly supports refuge projects. This is a rewarding way to volunteer for those who enjoy meeting new people and answering their nature and refuge specific questions.
Trail Work Volunteers: These volunteers work at maintaining the trails. This involves weed trimming with a string trimmer, cleaning and light carpentry repair work on board walks, moving rock to improve trail surfaces, and pruning back trees and shrubs that are growing into the trail.
Water Chestnut Volunteers: Each year, volunteers are sought to accompany a staff members out onto the Refuge in boats to help hand pull invasive water chestnut rosettes. This project occurs in mid to late summer and volunteers need to be flexible as the staff only goes out when weather conditions are appropriate.
Biological Survey Volunteers: Volunteers who have an interest in science can work with the staff to become trained in helping with various plant and wildlife surveys on the Refuge.
Other: There are various other projects from time to time where help is needed. These are generally short-term maintenance projects where more hands make the work go faster and easier.
Interested in helping in one of these valuable ways?
Contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteer.mnwr@gmail.com.