Volunteer Opportunities with the Nanticoke Watershed Alliance
Creekwatchers Program:
Creekwatchers monitor the water quality of the Nanticoke River or one of its major tributaries as part of a sophisticated program to obtain objective, scientifically credible water quality data for the Nanticoke River. Data collected by Creekwatchers allow us to identify sources of impairment such as nutrient or sediment pollution and to locate any potential health threats (for both humans and other life that depend upon the river).
Responsibilities:
- Commit to monitoring one or more “sites” once every two weeks from April to December.
- Drop off samples at pre-arranged points.
- Participate in orientation and learn how to use water monitoring equipment.
- Care for your own water monitoring kit.
Time: 1-3 hrs/bi-weekly (Tues. or Weds.)
Benefits:
- Being involved with the oversight and protection of your watershed.
- Having your results used by the EPA and the scientific community (and seeing those results in reports such as NWA’s State of the Nanticoke Watershed).
- Learning how to use high standard scientific equipment.
- Meeting great people, getting out on the water and having fun!
More about the Creekwatcher Program
Shoreline Restoration/Clean-Ups:
Volunteers can participate in group events that serve to enhance and protect the health of the Nanticoke River watershed. Activities may include removing trash, creating shoreline buffers, planting trees and/or native plants and weeding out invasive species. These efforts will reduce pollution, clear obstructions/traps and provides valuable habitat for wildlife. A well vegetated shoreline will prevent erosion, absorb excess nitrogen, and keep waters cool (important for many fish species).
Responsibilities:
- Be present and active in given activity.
- RSVP when asked.
Time: 2-5 hrs/event (Commitment made per event – there is no requirement to attend all events)
Benefits:
- Doing something worthwhile for your environment and community.
- Deciding your level of involvement (come to as little or as many as you’d like).
- Meeting great people, getting outdoors, stretching your legs and having fun!
Education/Outreach:
Volunteers can assist NWA’s education and outreach efforts by represent our organization at festivals and events throughout the Nanticoke watershed and surrounding areas. These volunteers will encourage members of the community to become further involved in the protection of their watershed and cultural heritage.
Responsibilities:
- Attend and table at events within the Nanticoke watershed and surrounding areas.
- Respond to questions and inquiries posed by the public.
- Be informed on NWA and issues concerning the Nanticoke watershed.
- Set up and take down table and displays (in some cases).
Time: 2-5 hrs/event (Commitment made per event – there is no requirement to attend all events)
Benefits:
- Sharing your love and knowledge of the Nanticoke.
- Deciding your level of involvement (come to as little or as many as you’d like).
- Learning more about the Nanticoke and the great things being done to protect it.
- Participating in exciting community and cultural events for free!
The Nanticoke Watershed Alliance is working to develop a more in-depth volunteer education program. Activities will include conducting field trips and outdoor excursions for schools, groups, and individuals and giving presentations and demonstrations in the classroom. Formal training will be provided. Stay in touch to learn how these developments progress and please contact us (Volunteer Coordinator Kara Kukovich) if you’re interested!
General Volunteer Opportunities:
If you would like to help out at NWA in any other way we would love to have the extra hand. Individuals can share their special interests, skills and talents to chip in where they can and make NWA a stronger, more effective organization.
Examples:
- General Administrative (staff office, perform mailings, help maintain files and basic databases)
- Photographer/Videographer
- Fundraising/Grant Writing
Responsibilities:
(Will vary for each volunteer)
Benefits:
- Using your unique gifts and interests.
- Deciding your level of involvement (including time spent)
- Being part of a growing organization that works to protect our watershed!
For more information, please contact Kara Kukovich, Program Coordinator. Other wonderful volunteer opportunities can found through our many partner organizations and with our newest volunteer partner group RSVP of Sussex County in Delaware.
