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Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Volunteer and Intern Programs
Volunteer on Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge! Alligator River's diverse program utilizes volunteers of all ages and abilities. Whether the jobs are labor intensive projects for scout or church groups, full-time internships, or regular weekly or monthly assistance, there are always needs in the various Refuge program areas. Following are a few examples of volunteer needs. But don't hesitate to contact the Volunteer Coordinator to discuss a program tailored to your interests and abilities:
Public Programs
Despite its large size, Alligator River has relatively low visitation, most of which is associated with hunting and fishing. Two walking trails and a system of paddling trails are encouraging more non-consumptive users to visit this remote Refuge. During the summer, regular weekly programs are conducted for the general public. Other times special conducted programs are offered to school groups. Guided canoe tours are conducted for a fee March through November, both as educational tools and as a means of creating a funding base for other Refuge needs. These tours are jointly sponsored by the Refuge and the Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society. Often volunteers who conduct programs are local folks who can devote a day or more each week, or interns who are available on a full time basis.
Trail and Sign Maintenance
All refuges have an on-going maintenance program for trail work and signs. Alligator River is no exception. From weed-eating to carpentry work, there's always a need for a volunteer with an eye for quality and an attitude for hard physical work; minimum of one day a month or group project on a one-time basis.
Atlantic White Cedar Restoration
Another important project on the Refuge deals with regeneration of stands of Atlantic white cedar that dominated this land before logging. Spending all day in the field, the cedar crew always welcomes an extra hand to help with clearing trails, using GPS and surveying vegetation transects; minimum of one day each week or intern status required.
Resource Management
A great deal of biological, management and maintenance activities occur on the Refuge year-round. Assistance can be used with surveys, banding, administrative and maintenance work. Refuge policy and common sense dictate that volunteers who assist wherever needed will be considered first for the more "glamourous" biological activities. No minimums; however, the more time available, the more valuable and useful the volunteer!
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Office Assistant Surprisingly, one of the most important volunteer duties on the Refuge is assisting in the Manteo office. The office volunteer provides assistance with answering the phone (which can be a full time job), editing papers, running errands, faxing, photo copying and dealing with the walk-in public. It is a great way to learn about the many facets of both Alligator River and Pea Island Refuges. There are no restrictions on abilities or knowledge; however, patience will make the job more appealing. |
The Red Wolf Program
The Red Wolf Re-establishment Project coordinates red wolf reintroduction, as well as maintaining a captive breeding colony. Year-round, a red wolf intern literally lives with the captive colony in a cozy, but primitive, cabin in the center of the Refuge. Primary duties include feeding the captive colony, gathering scat, counting tracks, tracking with telemetry, conducting public programs and other miscellaneous duties. Usually, wolf interns commit to a least a 3 month program.
Other Intern Opportunities
Internship opportunities on Alligator River are limited only by the imagination. In addition to the Red Wolf Project, focused internships are available with the Atlantic White Cedar Project, the Public Use Program, Refuge Administration, Resource Management and other areas. More popular are internships that offer experience in a variety of these program areas. This past summer, the refuge intern program boasted its largest group ever with 14 interns! Their duties covered both Alligator River, Pea Island Refuges and the Dare County Bombing Range with jobs ranging from loggerhead sea turtle and Visitor Center work on Pea Island to red-cockaded woodpecker and southern pine beetle work on Alligator River and the Range. Each year, the intern program is adjusted to meet the current refuge needs. Future plans could include rotations among refuges in the area with interns spending one month on each of three refuges or more generalized internships that cover the whole realm of refuge work! Refuge staff provide the highest quality experience possible for interns while maintaining a balance that benefits the Refuge as well. Most internships require a twelve week commitment.
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