Volunteering
Volunteers make a difference!
Our refuge volunteers lead tours, assist with special events, help restore habitat, conduct plant and wildlife surveys, remove invasive plants, teach students about the importance of healthy ecosystems in the Everglades, and so much more.
To apply for a volunteer position, please fill out and return a Volunteer Service Application to [email protected]. Please include 鈥淰olunteer Application鈥� in the subject line.
Note: A volunteer who is under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and the parent or legal guardian must sign the parental agreement section on the Volunteer Service Agreement.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Visitor Center Front Desk Assistant
Front desk volunteers welcome and orient visitors the refuge. They answer questions, provide maps, relay recent wildlife sightings, and help orient visitors to the refuge. View the Volunteer Job Description for Visitor Center Front Desk Assistant. Volunteers should expect to work a 4 hour shift, one day a week (9:00 am - 12:30 pm, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm).
Environmental Education and Interpretation Assistant
Volunteers work with schools, formal groups, and the public to deliver educational and interpretive programs. Volunteers also interact with visitors in the visitor center and on refuge trails by roving to provide information on other recreational activities available on the refuge and surrounding area. View the Volunteer Job Description for Education and Interpretation Assistant.
Maintenance Assistant
Volunteers maintain refuge lands, trails, facilities, and equipment in safe and fully functional condition to support public use and refuge operations. View the Volunteer Job Description for Maintenance Assistant.
Biology Assistant
Volunteers work with the biology staff on a myriad of projects from migratory bird monitoring, data collection, water quality, and exotic species removal from the refuge. View the Volunteer Job Description for Biology Assistant. Volunteer spots for biology assistants are extremely limited. Our highest priority are volunteers who have invasive plant species experience and volunteers who are experienced birders.
Weekly Volunteer Opportunities
Weekly Clean Up Crew- Every Monday
Clean up crews are not glamorous- but they are an integral part of the keeping the refuge functioning. As part of the clean up crew, you will assist with litter pick up and trash can removal. Help us keep the habitat clean, the animals free from pollution, and the refuge beautiful. To apply, please send your application (linked above) with the heading "Clean Up Crew." Additional days may be available based on the number of volunteers.
Upcoming Volunteer Events!
Clean Up the Everglades - Saturday, September 20 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
A National Public Lands Day and International Coastal Clean Up event!
Help us keep our National Wildlife Refuge beautiful by helping us pick up litter and trash. Email [email protected] for more information or to register your group. Include the location you would like to work in and how many people will be working in your group. All participants will be asked to signed a volunteer agreement and be provided with safety equipment such as gloves, trash pickers, hand sanitizer, etc. A portable toilet is located at both Loxahatchee Road and 20 mile bend. The only indoor facility at the Headquarters area. A water station with ice will be provided at each station as well as disposable cup. Participants are encouraged to bring their own re-useable water bottle.
Boardwalk Clean Up - Saturday, September 27 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
A National Public Lands Day event!
We need your help cleaning our Cypress Swamp Boardwalk! The Cypress Swamp at the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest remaining remnants of the once sprawling cypress habitat in Florida. To properly maintain the boardwalk, we would like volunteers to clean the gaps between the boards. Cleaning the gaps helps water and debris drain instead of accumulating on top of the boards and creating a slippery and dangerous surface. To apply, please email [email protected]. In your email, please describe:
- Number of volunteers in your group
- Has anyone in your group has volunteered at the Refuge before
- Have you visited the Refuge before
- Are any volunteers in your group are under 18 years old
- Name of your organization (if applicable)
Our Partners
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
