Website: http://www.stjohnsaudubon.com/about-shorebird-stewardship.html
Contact Person: Chris Farrell, Northeast Florida Audubon Policy Associate and Jean Rolke, Anchor Steward
E-mail: cfarrell@audubon.org, rrolke@audubon.org
Phone:
About: St. Johns County Audubon promotes the protection, preservation, and restoration of the habitats of birds and other wildlife through stewardship, education and science-based advocacy. St. Johns County Audubon collaborates with the FWC, The Department of Environmental Protection, Audubon Florida and National Audubon to advance our mission. Our current focus areas include imperiled beach nesting birds as well as involvement with other Audubon sponsored bird conservation programs for our area.
Activities: Volunteers are needed to assist with bird stewardship during nesting season. Bird stewarding mainly involves sitting near marked nesting areas at local beaches, serving as an "ambassador for the birds." This may involve educating people interested in the birds, or reminding individuals to leash their dogs or avoid disturbing the birds. Volunteers usually work 3 or 4-hour shifts at a local beach, as often as possible (every shift helps!), particularly on weekends and holidays. Park entrances are free.
Many volunteers bring their own chairs and sunshades, but these may be available for you to use at some locations. Binoculars and spotting scopes may be provided at some locations, too.
You will be provided with a short training session so you can learn about the birds nesting at your location and the role of the bird stewards in their protection. You will be provided with a handout that summarizes the key points about the birds and what to do as as a bird steward.
Volunteer Requirements: Orientation Training
