What better way to celebrate Volunteer Appreciation month than by volunteering! Did you know that opportunities exist in both states for you to give back to the environment while you learn new skills and meet new people. Read on for a quick quiz to help you choose your adventure!
- Which term best describes you? a. Teacher/mentor b. Scientist c. Gardener
- In your spare time you like to: a. Relax with a book b. Learn a new skill c. Be outside
- Are you: a. An extrovert b. An introvert c. Somewhere in the middle
Scoring: for each “a” answer, award 1 point; “b” answers get 2 points and “c’s” get 3 points.
What’s this all mean? It is a quick way to see what Audubon opportunities may fit you best (but remember—it is choose your own adventure, so pick what sounds interesting and fun!)
3-4 points: Center Education Volunteers: you are gregarious, knowledgeable, and like helping people. Consider checking with the Rio Salado Audubon Center in Phoenix or the Randall Davey Center in Santa Fe to help with education programs, nature walks, kid camps, and general center activities. Both centers host special events and often need help with decorations, set up and event logistics.
5-6 points: Bird Surveyor: No, you don’t have to be an expert birder—just possess a curious mind, like learning new things, and feel comfortable working alone or in small groups. In New Mexico, we are looking for folks to assist with summer bird surveys on the Rio Grande and, depending on your experience, you will be teamed accordingly. Residents in the northern portions of both states are invited to participate in our Pinyon Jay Community Science effort, during which volunteers collect data on their smart phones using a free app; and recent college grads—we have a summer internship available to help Audubon biologist survey a listed species, the Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo in central Arizona.
7-9 points: Habitat Steward: You don’t mind getting your hands dirty and like seeing tangible results. Join Audubon for planting projects and invasive species removal events in Arizona at the Rio Salado Center, and similar projects undertaken in New Mexico with partners. Another great option is to sign-up for a Burrowing Owl burrow-building volunteer day (in Arizona) during which you become instrumental in helping rehome owls displaced by development. No experience is needed for any of these projects and all tools and directions are provided. Join a habitat steward project and you’ll be joining an effort that has been ongoing since 2011 and is the backbone of what makes Audubon special: engaging people just like you in on-the-ground conservation work.
Each year our staff looks back with gratitude on all the folks educated, the birds counted, the acres improved for birds, and the Burrowing Owls rehomed. We could not do it without volunteers and we thank each and every one of you! You up for an adventure? C’mon out!
