Native Pollinator Garden Volunteer

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Introduction

The Edwin B. Forsythe National Wildlife Refuge, located just six miles north of Atlantic City, New Jersey, protects over 48,000 acres of diverse coastal habitats. The refuge primarily consists of wetlands (82%), but also features woodlands, grasslands, dunes, and beaches. It is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering 15 miles of scenic trails, boat launches, a Visitor Information Center, and the popular 8-mile Wildlife Drive auto tour.

The Refuge’s location in one of the Atlantic Flyway’s most active flight paths makes it a critical stopover for countless bird species, and one of the region's premier birding destinations. Visitors can engage in a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, hunting, photography, and more. This blend of stunning natural landscapes and opportunities for exploration makes it a must-visit for nature lovers. For more information about the refuge, please visit: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/edwin-b-forsythe.

Native Pollinator Garden Volunteer

Interested in being a part of the Edwin B. Forsythe refuge? Join our volunteer team and learn about the various tasks that go on behind the scenes to help manage the refuge.

Description: Help is needed on the Garden Team to maintain the native pollinator garden and landscaping around the Visitor Information Center. This garden provides not only beautiful flowers and landscaping for our visitors to enjoy, but also needed food sources for local pollinator species including butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, etc. Our goal is to create a vibrant working garden that visitors can learn from and emulate.

Qualifications: Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, general gardening techniques, native plant propagation, and public interaction. Ability to meet physical requirements of the position. Willingness and ability to work with others as part of a team. Ability to attend the majority of Thursdays during gardening season.

Availability: Thursdays 10am - 12:30pm, March-June & September-November

Duties and Responsibilities:

· Use of gardening hand tools for vegetation removal, native plant planting, seed collection, watering, raking, pruning, trash removal, and other gardening tasks.

· Answer questions and explain the benefit of native plants and the purpose of removing invasives to the public.

· Help with additional projects and special events may be requested.

Training Required: Refuge staff and/or experienced volunteers will provide training and review position safety requirements. Volunteers are required to:

· Complete a Volunteer Service Agreement form and review the Volunteer Handbook annually.

· Attend orientation and receive training on duties, refuge policies and expectations.

· Only use tools and do tasks they are trained to do and feel safe and comfortable doing.

Conditions of Service:

Work is outdoors and may expose volunteer to various weather conditions, thorny/irritating vegetation, animals, biting/stinging insects, and allergens. Duties require a moderate level of activity including bending, reaching, pushing, pulling, and walking over uneven terrain. Volunteer must be 18 years or older, be safety-conscious and able to safely work outdoors, interact politely with the public, and actively communicate with their supervisor. A uniform will be provided and is required to maintain the professional consistency of the Service.

Start Date - 2024-09-05

End Date - 2025-09-04