The Story of a National Wildlife Refuge Resident Volunteer Experience

Karan and David Barber are new residents of the area near the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys National Wildlife Refuges and new members of our Friends group. This is a story by Karan about their previous experience as NWR Resident Volunteers:

For my husband and myself, being resident volunteers was truly a bucket list experience. We served at the Lake Mattamuskeet National Wildlife Refuge. Lake Mattamuskeet is the largest natural lake in North Carolina and world renowned for the over 200,000 migratory waterfowl who winter there. We had visited the Refuge a couple of times before applying to be  resident volunteers. The lake is located in coastal Hyde County, one of the lowest populated areas in North Carolina. This is very important to note if you plan to get fuel on a Sunday (or after 9 pm) or groceries or fast food or restaurant or camp nearby.

Eagle launching

Our visits did not achieve our goals to see; a 20,000 flock of Snow Geese, all the Northern duck species, not to mention the Ibis, Black Crowned Night Heron, Tundra Swans, bobcats, river otter, gray fox, and many, many others on my list. This was very frustrating as there was a constant chorus of Snow Geese heard throughout the day and night. So we decided to apply to become NWR Resident Volunteers.

Ducks in flight

Once our applications were approved and we were properly vetted the adventure began. We signed up for a three month stay during the peak of migration from January to March 2016. The wildlife was glorious! What we learned was amazing and the natural world we witnessed was incredible. We manned the Gift Shop and Visitor Center. And I was able to shadow the wildlife biologist in my off hours to assist in the daily bird counts. Here are a few of the amazing scenes we captured.

Bobcat

Currently the Lower Suwannee NWR has two sets of Resident Volunteers. Kathy and Dusty Dusterwinkle have served have been coming seasonally and staying on the Dixie County side of the Refuge for 10 years. Robin and Rick Gallup have served ion the Levy County side of the Refuge for 4 years. They are all Friends members and Robin was just elected to the board.
If you have a spot you love and want to truly experience APPLY!

Otters at play

Below is some good-to-know information about becoming a NWR Resident Volunteer below. I have to say -- If you have a Refuge you love and want to truly experience APPLY!

Snow Geese

What is the program?

• https://www.fws.gov/volunteer-opportunity
  
  • Or Volunteer.gov
    
• How to apply https://www.volunteer.gov/s/global-search/all-results
  
• Types of opportunities;
  
  • Administrative/Support IRM
    
  • Interpretation & Education,
  • Maintenance
  • Gardener - Ecosystem, Forest, and NR Management
  • Visitor Services Recreation Management, Visitor Center
  • Campground Host
  • Friends Group Gift Shop
• Activities
  
  • Botany
    
  • Campground Maintenance
  • Campground/Site Host
  • Computers
  • Conservation Education
    

• Locations - Nationwide
  • https://www.fws.gov/our-facilities
• Benefits
  • Being on the Refuge 24/7 while enjoying the wildlife, night skies and solitude.
  • Learning from the staff vast knowledge of the refuge, their mission, and experiencing their environment.
  • Resident Volunteers (RVs) live in their own recreational vehicle on pads provided by the refuge at no cost.
  • Sometimes there is a stipend.
• Requirements
  • Security Clearance, Background check and reference check
  • Average work hours one person 32 or two 24 each per week.
  • Length of commitment normally 3 months minimum can be longer.
• How do I sign up?
  • https://www.volunteermatch.org/s/srp/orgOpps?l=Miami,%20FL,%20USA&opp=3741411&org=1206329
    

• Suggestions
  • Pre-Volunteer Site Visit:
    • Meet and Greet the Staff as you will spend many hours with them.
      • What will your responsibilities include and primary work duties? This is very important so you do not imagine being the Wildlife Biologist’s Assistant and end up staffing the gift shop and cleaning bathrooms.
        
      • Weather concerns? Flooding? Wind?
      • Will it be Hunting Season during your stay?
      • Are Pets allowed? . . . Number? . . . Species? . . . Rules?
        
      • May RV Volunteers have visitors and are there limits?
      • Is time off or rescheduling work hours allowed?
    • See the RV site
      • Is the pad a hard substrate (concrete, gravel) or soggy soil?
      • Is potable water, sewer, and is 50 amp electricity provided at each site?
      • Where is the trash and recycling disposal?
      • Is there Wifi somewhere accessible? Is there mobile phone coverage at this location?
      • Other possible features: Outdoor shower, laundry and communal freezer?
      • Is there proper Security of RV Site location? . . . Is it a Fenced area? . . . On a Private drive or busy thoroughfare.
        
    • Check out the Community Amenities
      • How far are facilities such as, Medical Care, ER/Hospital, Veterinarian, Grocery, Restaurants, Shopping 
        

This information is based on Karan's own personal experience and the lessons she and David learned while participating in the National Wildlife Refuge Resident Volunteer Program. If you have questions, comments, and new information, Karan would be pleased to hear from you. Email [email protected] and we will forward to her for you.