Volunteer

Opportunity Details

zHistoric - Raptor Breeding Monitor | Meadowside Nature Center

Location:

Meadowside Nature Center
5100 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, MD 20855

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Maryland, and Montgomery County Parks in particular, are lucky enough to have a wide variety of raptors (aka Birds of Prey) located in our natural areas. We are seeking volunteers to help us track the raptors who are breeding in Rock Creek Regional Park.

This program helps the Nature Center Naturalist staff and the Park's Natural Resources Division learn more about how many raptors are in the area, and how these birds of prey use our parks for breeding and nesting.

Volunteer Commitment: Volunteer Monitors must commit to walking on a designated trail to report observations of raptors at a minimum of twice a month throughout the breeding season (March through June). Depending on the trail a volunteer choses to monitor, it can take about 30 minutes to an hour to accomplish these tasks. Virtual training will be provided in February and consists of two 1-hour online workshops. Optional monthly walks with the Volunteer Supervisor (a Naturalist) provide additional opportunities for training on bird identification and to get to know your fellow volunteers.

Benefits: This is a great volunteer position for those who love being outside, learning new skills, and watching animals, like birds! This is also great experience for anyone interested in pursuing careers in wildlife management, biology, or environmental sciences.

Website: www.meadowsidenature.org

Background check required: Yes

Minimum age of volunteers: 16

Job type: Short-term (1-8 weeks), Seasonal (2-6 months)

Volunteer type:  Adult, Family, Senior (55+), Youth

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Accomplish online and in-person trainings in February. These trainings will be on species identification and reporting protocols. Live online trainings will be recorded in case a volunteer cannot attend the training at the date/time it is being offered.
2. Hike a designated trail at a minimum of 2 times per month through the breeding season (Mar-Jun). There are multiple trails to chose from.
3. Report each sighting through an online Form. It takes about 30 minutes to an hour to walk the trail, record findings, and report findings.

QUALIFICATIONS:
1. Interest in learning more about raptor behavior and the local ecosystem.
2. Can walk/hike on natural surface trails.
3. Ability to work independently.
4. Reliable.

REQUIREMENTS:
1. Meet required minimum visits per breeding season.
2. Report all findings to staff in a timely manner.
3. Record volunteer hours using volunteer database.
4. Wear designated volunteer identification.

Meadowside Nature Center

Lucila Fernandez

(301) 258-4033


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