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Across the country and throughout the Service, dedicated volunteers venture to national wildlife refuges and fish hatcheries to lend their time, knowledge, and experience to make public lands better for people and wildlife. Each year, tens of thousands of volunteers donate their time by serving at national wildlife refuges, often totaling over one million hours per year. When combined, their hard work is equivalent to hundreds of full time employees. We are beyond proud to be working together in conservation with such a dedicated community of volunteers.
One extraordinary group makes themselves right at home — by bringing their RVs. These so-called Resident Volunteers exchange hard work for a free RV hookup and are developing quite the reputation and resume. So what drives RV volunteers to give their time?
For many, RV volunteering is an affordable way to see the country. Some even sell their homes and choose to travel lightly (well, minus the weight of a mobile home). That leaves volunteers free to pick up and go wherever they please without breaking the bank.
Alaska to the lower 48
Bill and Irene Craine spent 35 years living and working in Alaska. Now, the retired couple are seasoned RV volunteers and have been all over the country, making new friends along the way.
“My favorite thing is greeting everyone that comes to visit and giving them information about the refuge,” said Irene. “You also never know when you’re going to spark someone’s interest and inspire them to come back.”
Sea birds, seals, sea lions, and gray whales off the Oregon coast highlight the wildlife sightings the couple have been able to share with refuge visitors. They have also worked in the museum and archives at D.C. Booth Historic National Fish Hatchery and Archives in South Dakota.
“Our first year at D.C. Booth NFHA, 10 other RV couples were situated in a nearby park. We all got along so well that we still stay in touch. Some live near us in Arizona, and some stop by when they travel. Last summer we met another couple while volunteering at Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey, and they recently stopped by for dinner!”
Long way home
John Jennings volunteers 32 hours a week at Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. He completes maintenance projects, biological work, and participates in visitor programming.
“The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service are the best agencies to work for. You just tell them what you’re capable of and where you work best and they put you right to work!” said Jennings.
Though he has traveled and volunteered extensively at parks and refuges across the country since his retirement, John moved home to the Rappahannock River Valley to be closer to family. He plans to volunteer at the refuge as long as the staff needs him, but has plans to explore out west in the future. He also wants to start a vlog of his volunteer lifestyle to encourage others to get outdoors and visit public lands.
And not only do our volunteers get to live in some of the most beautiful places in the world, they get to help keep them pristine for both wildlife and people to enjoy.
The coast is for (p)lovers
Carol and Russel Thompson began volunteering at Rhode Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The two spent their time building bluebird boxes, trimming trails, and helping cleanup efforts stemming from the North Cape oil spill in 1996. Rhode Island is also where Carol found her love for piping plovers. Giving her time as a plover monitor, Carol has witnessed the local population grow from 14 to more than 100 nesting pairs.
“Since we’ve begun working on refuges and getting more involved, we’ve only discovered that we want to do more and support the conservation work happening on refuges.” Carol explained.
The couple and their two parrots, Strider and Mad Max, have traveled to and volunteered at at least nine different national wildlife refuges and national parks in Arizona, New Mexico, Florida, North Carolina, and Maine. The pair have always been conservation minded, and actively work to help the planet where they can.
“We have so many memories; I don’t think I have just one favorite,” Carol said from their current location — Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge in Alabama. “But right now, just outside the door, some cranes are meandering on by. I’ll send you a photo!”
For those not already hooked on he RV volunteer lifestyle, there’s always the chance to try something new. Every refuge is different and offers a unique experience to see different wildlife, habitats, and volunteer opportunities. For some, volunteering is a way to learn or try something new that can’t be done at home!
Pythons and Christmas trees
Kevin Jones and Cheryll Compton have been volunteering for 14 years and are committed to a lifestyle of adventure and discovery. Along their adventure, the pair have been to 17 national wildlife refuges, captured invasive pythons, and even helped with the annual Christmas Tree Drop at Bayou Savage National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana. Trees dropped by helicopter are piled in the marsh where they help rebuild marshland habitat for migratory birds and make the coast stronger against future storms.
By traveling across the country, meeting new people, and becoming locals in new towns, Kevin and Cheryll get to experience new things they otherwise would not if they were just visitors. After staying in town for a few months at a time, you get to be a tourist, but also learn the ins and outs of a new place, meet the locals, eat at the best restaurants, and find the fun hiking spots.
We’re incredibly proud of and grateful for our volunteers, friends, and partners across the country who shared their incredible knowledge and experience with us and worked to help us achieve our conservation goals. We can't do it without you!
