Volunteer
The Audubon Society of Portland is one of the Pacific Northwest's
leading conservation organizations, offering a wide range of natural
history and environmental activities to members, the community, and especially volunteers.
Why Volunteer?
When
asked, Audubon volunteers know they make a difference. In fact, that’s one of our Volunteer Vision
and Value Statements:
- Volunteers are the stewards of the natural world.
- Volunteering makes a difference.
- Volunteers engage the community as contributors and learners.
- Volunteers enjoy the diversity of wildlife, nature, and people.
- Volunteers are valued.
- Volunteering is fun and invigorating.
Who Can Volunteer?
There are four levels of volunteering at Audubon, including:
- Community Volunteers
- Special Event Volunteers
- Youth Volunteers
- Regular Audubon Volunteers
- Community Volunteer opportunities are designed for people who would like to give back to the community and help the Audubon Society of Portland by participating in a one-day event. Often these opportunities include sanctuary work parties, building painting and renovations, and our Wild Arts Festival. The minimum age is 10 for some opportunities, with 14 being the minimum for sanctuary-related work parties. All volunteers between the ages of 10-16 must be accompanied by an adult volunteer at all times. (Attendance at Volunteer Orientation and Training is not required of our Community Volunteers.)
- Special Event Volunteers are those whose schedules don’t permit volunteering on a regular basis. They still want to be supportive of Audubon’s efforts and do so by helping at such special events as the Wild Arts Festival, Native Plant Sale, and Swift Watch. (Although General Volunteer Training is optional, Volunteer Orientation is required.)
- Youth Volunteers, ages 10-16, are able to volunteer at Audubon while accompanied by an adult who is also volunteering. They can act as Audubon Docents during the spring and summer months, can help with any of our special events; and, if they are 14 years of age, can also help with our sanctuary work parties. (Attendance at Volunteer Orientation and Training are required.)
- Regular Volunteers are those, 17 years of age and older, who are able to volunteer on a more regular schedule. You may volunteer 4 hours each week to the Nature Store, the Wildlife Care Center, and the Receptionist area, among other programs. If a regular weekly shift doesn’t fit in your schedule, though, you can still be a “regular Audubon volunteer” by offering your time on a semi-routine basis. These valued volunteers help in the education department or with sanctuary work parties, conservation efforts, tabling, gardening, etc. as their schedules allow.
If you’re interested in volunteering, please complete a Volunteer Application and plan on attending our next New Volunteer Orientation. If you would like more information, please contact:
Deanna Sawtelle
Audubon Society of Portland
5151 NW Cornell Road
Portland OR 97210
(p) 503.292.6855 ext 108
(f) 503.292.1021
volunteercoordinator@audubonportland.org
