Marin Islands NWR Workparty Volunteer

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About Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge : The Marin Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located in San Francisco Bay less than a mile away from mainland San Raphael, CA, and is closed to the general public. It is comprised of two islands and submerged tidelands, and is frequented by waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds. The West Marin Island historically hosted one of the largest heron and egret rookeries in Northern California. The 10.28 acre East Marin Island incorporates seven distinct habitat types and over 100 species of native plants.

Volunteer Position Overview: This volunteer will participate in volunteer workdays at the East Marin Island under the guidance of a Refuge staff member or a Volunteer Crew Leader. Workday activities will include weeding, picking up woody debris, trash collection and hauling all material to designated locations on the island. All activities will release native flora from competition and/or suppression, enabling struggling natives to thrive. Transportation to the Island will be via motorboat or kayak between Loch Lomond Marina boat launch and the East Marin Island.

Responsibilities include:

• Contacting Refuge Park Ranger and signing up for a workday
• Providing own transportation to Loch Lomond Marina
• Removing invasive vegetation, woody debris and/or trash, and performing other related tasks

Qualifications: Must be in good physical health as the Island sides are moderately steep, and volunteer activities require walking up slopes, bending, pulling/cutting and hauling material. Knowledge of plant identification is helpful but not necessary as the volunteer will receive training on the job. Must wear all proper protective clothing at all times. Must be willing and able to board, disembark and ride in a small motorboat or kayak.

Work Environment Including Job Hazards: San Rafael Baylet between Loch Lomond and Marin Islands is on average two feet deep. Boats may run aground when tides are less than 2ft NAVD. Therefore, tides must be 2ft NAVD or above for the duration of the trip to the Islands. Two sandbars spread out to the north from the north side of the East Island. These should be avoided to keep propellers safe. Winds can pick up suddenly in this section of the Bay, especially after noon. This volunteer must stay alert to weather conditions and call an end to the volunteer trip if winds exceed 10mph.

The Refuge is an unpopulated island with no services (cell service does work). Poison oak is abundant across the islands, scorpions are present though scarce, and island sides consist of cliff faces and/or friable terrain. Within the past five years approximately 90% of the Monterey Pine trees on East Island have died, and trees are in various states of falling. Broken and fallen tree branches pose special hazards. Protective Tyvek suits and rubber gloves are available to prevent contact with poison oak. You will be working outdoors in a relatively remote area with emergency services 3/4 of a mile away by boat. Accessing the island requires transiting from boat to a dock.

Reasons to Volunteer: Actively contribute to the mission of the USFWS: to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. Make a significant difference to the health and conservation of Marin Islands Refuge habitats through critical environmental management. Access a San Francisco Bay Island gem that is generally closed to the public, and experience firsthand this outdoors natural history museum. Receive environmental education/ interpretation and learn about the history of this special location in the Bay. There will be opportunities to meet and network with other volunteers and Refuge staff.

Contact: Nick Asfaha (Park Ranger) at 510-737-1252 or nicholas_asfaha@fws.gov

Start Date - 2024-10-01

End Date - 2025-09-30