Ways to Get Involved

Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors, and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.

From volunteer activities to student internship positions and public events, there are several ways to get involved and enjoy a productive and rewarding experience.

Volunteering

Volunteers are very important to the refuge's success. Volunteers work alongside refuge staff and partners on virtually all refuge programs including interpretation and environmental education, wildlife and habitat monitoring and management activities, office assistance, maintenance and special events.

The Habitat Improvement Team meets the second Saturday of each month, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Visitor Center, 1020 Ranch Road in Loleta. Help restore habitat by removing non-native plants and maintaining native plant areas. Bring gloves and drinking water. Tools and snacks provided.

RV Host Volunteer Positions - The refuge has two RV sites that can accommodate a trailer or motorhome up to 30 feet in length. In exchange for volunteering a minimum of 24 hours per week, a site with water, electricity and sewer is provided. These positions are 3 to 4 months in duration.

To find out more and how you can get involved, contact denise_seeger@fws.gov or call 707-733-5406 Ext 5

Volunteer Application

Our Partners

Friends of the Dunes is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that has been involving the community in the conservation of coastal environments since 1982. They partner with the refuge in a variety of ways including community outreach, volunteer recruitment, habitat restoration, interpretive programming, guided walks and environmental education.

Humboldt Bay NWR also works with the Bureau of Land Management, Wiyot Tribe, U.S. Geological Survey, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt, Redwood Community Action Agency, California Coastal Conservancy, Humboldt County Resource Conservation District, California Waterfowl Association, California Department of Fish & Wildlife, Audubon California, Redwood Region Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, Pacific Birds Habitat Joint Venture, Motus Wildlife Tracking System, Aleutian Goose Working Group, local schools, communities, ranchers, and others.