Volunteer Opportunities

BEEC depends upon its many volunteers, they make much of what we do possible. If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out the volunteer form (attach pdf here) and send it in, or contact the BEEC staff person listed after the following descriptions.

Here are some of the ways you could volunteer:

Hikes & Ambles

Hike Leaders
The Hikes & Ambles outings rely on the interest and enthusiasm of volunteer leaders. If you know of great places to hike, and would like to share them with a group, please email Patti Smith.

General Office Help
Prepare bulk mailings, data entry
Email Bob Winston

Programs and Special Events
Help set up, bake, greet people or assist with parking
Email Bob Winston

Trail work
Email Bob Winston

Landscaping
Email Bob Winston

Salamander Crossing Brigades Project
On warm rainy nights at the end of March and throughout April, amphibians of several species move from upland habitat to the vernal pools were they breed. Where this migration takes them across roads, populations are in jeopardy. Each spring, dozens of volunteers head to one of the 35 known salamander crossing sites, and give salamanders and frogs a helping hand. This project always needs new volunteers.

Crossing Brigade Site Coordinator
Each crossing site needs a coordinator—someone who will make sure there will be volunteers out on potential crossing nights, and to be responsible for collecting data and putting up and taking down signs at the beginning and end of each night. The coordinator may delegate these tasks to other volunteers.

Coordinators receive a handbook, a list of volunteers, and depending on which site they manage safety lights, a reflective vest and “Salamander Crossing” signs to put up at either end of the site.

Salamander Crossing Volunteer
Volunteers report to salamander crossing sites on spring evenings when the amphibians are likely to be out. Volunteers walk up and down a section of road with a bright flashlight, and carry amphibians across when they appear.

Coordinators and volunteers can expect that there will be between three and six nights a year when their services will be needed.

Email Patti Smith if you’re interested in volunteering to help with salamanders.

Forest of Mystery
BEEC’s annual theatrical fall fundraiser, the Forest of Mystery, takes place on candle-lit trails on two nights in the Halloween season. This event relies upon volunteers in many capacities. The following help is especially useful:

• Acting
• Costumes and masks
• Props and puppets
• Trail preparation
• Music and sound effects
• Refreshments
• Pumpkin carving

Email Deb Smith

Special Projects
Do you have skills and interests you’d like to share? Let us know. We might have a special project that could use your abilities. We can use help with the following projects and more: building exhibits, monitoring vernal pools, articles for our newsletter.
Email Patti Smith

Camp Counselors

Winter and Spring Vacation Camp Counselors
Earn community service credits and valuable skills as a counselor at a BEEC vacation camp. These camps take place during the school vacation weeks in February and April. You will gain valuable experience and knowledge in natural history, sensory awareness, teaching, and peer leadership by participating in one or more of our camp sessions. Prior experience in environmental education is not necessary but a desire to work with children is. Counselors must be 14 years or older.
Email Joan Carey for more information and to request an interview.

Summer Camp Junior Counselors
Want to do something fun and worthwhile this summer? Come volunteer at as one of our dedicated staff of junior counselors. You will gain valuable experience and knowledge in natural history, sensory awareness, teaching, and peer leadership by participating in one or more of our camp sessions. You may also earn valuable Community Service credits through your school. Prior experience in environmental education is not necessary but a desire to work with children is. Junior Counselors must be 14 years or older.
Email Joan Carey for more information and to request an interview.