Ways to Get Involved
Share a Wild Experience
Imagine banding birds at a National Wildlife Refuge, conducting wildlife surveys, leading a tour, or restoring fragile habitat. You can do this by volunteering at National Wildlife Refuges. Volunteers play a vital role in helping the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service fulfill its mission of conserving, protecting, and enhancing America's fish and wildlife and their habitats.
Volunteering
What Do Volunteers Do?
Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks, including:
- Conducting fish and wildlife population surveys.
- Leading tours and providing information and interpretation to the visiting public.
- Assisting in biological monitoring; taking part in special projects, such as bird banding.
- Performing clerical and administrative duties.
- Working with computers and other technical equipment.
- Photographing a variety of natural and cultural resources.
- Assisting Refuge maintenance workers with mowing, repair, sign installation, and vehicle and building maintenance.
- Assist Refuge staff with management of invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species .
The amount of time you volunteer is up to you. You may volunteer full-time, a few hours per week or month, or during a particular season.
Who May Volunteer:
No special skills are needed to be a U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service volunteer; however, on the job training is provided, if needed.
While there is no age limit, anyone under 18 years must have written parental approval. Organized group participation is welcomed and encouraged. Individuals under 16 years of age may want to volunteer as part of a supervised group, such as a Scout Troop or 4-H Club.
Volunteers are welcome regardless of race, religion, age, gender, nationality, or disability. U.S. citizenship is not required.
How to Apply:
Contact us for future volunteer opportunities.
Phone: 406-727-7400
Our Partners
The National Wildlife Refuge System is committed to building partnerships which encourage conservation and preservation of our natural and cultural resources. Partnerships with the Refuge System bring innovative approaches to solving land management and water disputes in the most environmentally protective manner. Scientifically-informed and technologically-based stewardship of our public lands, waters, wildlife and special places must be collaborative efforts between the Refuge System, other government agencies, and private organizations if conservation efforts are to succeed.
Below are partner groups that Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge works with:
Sun River Watershed
Upper Missouri Breaks Audubon Society
Russell Country Sportsmen
Education Programs
The Refuge offers joint-sponsored outdoor education with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. These courses include the "Youth Waterfowl Safety Classes and Hunt," and the "Becoming an Outdoor Woman" series. Upon request, staff may provide children's programs to groups such as, the Boys & Girls Club, Homeschoolers, and Boy Scouts of America. Contact the Refuge staff for scheduling and availability.
Let's Go Outside Backpacks
Two Let's Go Outside Backpacks to check out and use to help visitors of all ages explore the Refuge.
Visitor Center Displays
Interactive visitor center displays for kids to look at and touch are available Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 4:00pm.
Educational Programs
Upon request, staff may provide children's programs to groups such as, the Boys & Girls Club, Homeschoolers, and Boy Scouts of America. Contact the refuge staff for scheduling and availability.
Let's Go Outside
Let's Go Outside! is an U.S. Fish & Wildlife program and partner, set up to get more nature in your kids!