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… I’ve personally witnessed so many more people — of all generations — creating positive change in our local rivers and ocean.”
Volunteers Make the Difference
We believe in the values and rewards of volunteer participation in the monitoring of our natural resources. Local citizens with their unique knowledge and perspectives are critical to achieving the goal of effective stewardship of our region’s resources. Volunteers learn about their local environment while making a real contribution to our scientific understanding and improvement to the ecological health of our region’s habitats.
We offer volunteer opportunities, whether you want to get your hands dirty and learn about wetland ecology in our saltmarsh monitoring program or participate in something as simple as a beach cleanup or mailings. We always welcome your ideas on how to improve the waters and beautiful coastline that make up Salem Sound.
Events
Help staff tables at local festivals and farmer’s markets. The popularity and continued success of our major fundraiser, Run for the Beach 5K held every June, relies on many volunteers. Help us with setup, registration, merchandise, water and food stations, marine education, clean up, and more.
Beach Stewardship
Plastic pollution in the ocean is a very serious problem affecting all marine and coastal life, much of which comes from storm drains on the streets. Through our Beach Clean-up Days, Adopt a Beach, and Storm Drain Stenciling Programs, you can help keep our beaches and ocean free of plastics.
Water Quality
In the summer months, volunteer with our Clean Beaches and Streams program. You will collect water samples at a local beach or stream to help determine the cleanliness of the water flowing on to our beaches and into Salem Sound. Other volunteer opportunities include storm drain stenciling and maintaining a rain garden.
Invasives
Volunteer to help remove invasive plants, such as pepperweed and bittersweet. You can also join our marine invasives monitoring in the summer at docks, tidepools, and the rocky shore. We will train you to be citizen scientists.
Nature Restoration
Help us maintain our many natural areas throughout Salem Sound, including our pollinator and rain gardens. Plant, weed, compost, and maintain the overall health of some of the most effective land ecosystems that help protect and restore the ocean. You can also help maintain living shorelines that create natural storm barriers.
In-Office Help
Volunteer for in-office tasks, such as mailings, graphic design, and creating archival scrapbooks. We are always in need of extra help with our end of the year appeal and for special events.
Service Opportunities
We work with businesses, organizations, students, and adults who want to give back to their communities. Service projects can help protect and improve our coastal watershed, shoreline, and ocean. Examples of past service projects include stenciling storm drains, removing invasive plants, planting a rain garden, and participating in cleanups. We welcome your ideas for projects on how to improve the beautiful waters and coastline of Salem Sound.
Get Involved as a Volunteer
Sign up for year-round, seasonal, or event volunteering