Friends and Volunteers, We Need You!

We need your smiling faces. Our Wildlife Center is looking for more volunteers in order to provide the same service that we have been known for since we opened in 2008. Come be part of the hub of the refuge, greeting visitors, sharing your love of the refuge, helping folks plan their visit, and selling nature items from the store.

Join this group of dedicated and remarkable people that help make the refuge tick. What better way to spend a couple of hours? Even on the rainy days, there are visitors to talk to, a big window and spotting scope to study the refuge, and lots of natural history books to peruse and learn from. Don't worry, we will provide training for everything you need to know and make sure you have a staff member nearby or a Wildlife Center volunteer with you during your shift. What we ask of you is to dedicate two 3½ hour shifts a month. And, of course, to share your enthusiasm for this place. Not sure you can help out yourself? Then help us spread the word. Have an idea of where we might seek new volunteers? Please share.

Please contact Jenna Mendenhall at 503-625-5944 or jenna_mendenhall@fws.gov.

Won't You Join Us?

The Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge relies heavily on the support and help of volunteer individuals and groups. The Friends of the Refuge is the major sponsor of many of the volunteer projects that take place on the refuge. You do not need to be a member of the Friends to volunteer but your membership provides increased opportunities and support for refuge projects. We are in need of volunteers for the following:

Work Parties
You can take part in our monthly 2nd Saturday work parties. Also, there may be opportunities for your organization to provide a group service project. Please review the Work Parties section of this page frequently to see available opportunities.

Long-term Projects
You can work with refuge staff with long-term projects and surveys. While the projects are long-term, your service can be provided on a limited time basis depending on the type of project.

Specialists Needed
The refuge may have openings for persons with specific skills. These may also be paid positions.

Nature's Overlook
Friends Members volunteer in the Wildlife Center to assist customers in Nature's Overlook store and to staff the visitor information desk. Training is provided. Each volunteer is asked to work a minimum of two shifts (about 8 hours total) per month. Each volunteer schedules his own time so you may work your volunteer time around your schedule.

The Wildlife Center and Nature's Overlook is open from Tuesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. (5:00 on Saturday and Sunday from Memorial Day through Labor Day).

You can learn more about the volunteer positions available by downloading our Volunteer Cover Letter and Volunteer Application or by calling the refuge at 503-625-5944.