Volunteer with the Friends of Blackwater
Join our team and help us protect Blackwater NWR!
The Friends of Blackwater is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization that provides labor, funding, and advocacy support to Blackwater NWR. We have over 500 members and we're part of the larger network of over 200 Friends groups that support the National Wildlife Refuge System around the country. Blackwater NWR has a large and active volunteer program, and you can be part of this community. Volunteers at the Refuge receive training and enjoy special volunteer events, such as an annual crab feast, awards for hours/years served, and special trips to thank them for their service.
Current volunteer needs include:
- Information desk/gift store
- Environmental education for schoolchildren and adults
- Spotted turtle assessment
- Wildflower planting in Nanticoke unit
- Butterfly garden maintenance
- General maintenance and carpentry
- Operation of heavy equipment
- New hunter mentoring
- Graphic design for outreach materials
- Event and festival support
- Resident volunteers (RV pad on-site)
Even if you don't volunteer, you can still become a dues-paying member of the Friends of Blackwater and support our work at the Refuge. Visit our Join/Donate page to learn more.
The Friends of Blackwater also have a board of directors, and we are always looking for new members to help on our various committees. If you'd like to talk with us about serving on our board, please email our president Rick Abend at rdabend@yahoo.com.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Michele Whitbeck, Refuge Volunteer Coordinator, at 410-221-8157, or email michele_whitbeck@fws.gov to find out more about volunteer opportunities at the Refuge.
