Taking care of the Reserve involves many volunteers with different backgrounds. Whether you're interested in helping scientists in the field or welcoming visitors around the cozy hearth of our Visitor Center, there is an opportunity for you.
Outdoor Opportunities
We are looking for people to join our community of Reserve volunteers to protect and restore this important watershed. Do you have a passion for plant/animal identification or scientific research? An interest in keeping the Reserve clean and free of invasive species? Would you like to assist with restoration, research, or trail maintenance? We want your help!
Become a Saturday Steward and help South Slough Maintain a Healthy Watershed
The South Slough Reserve partners with the Friends of the South Slough Reserve (FOSS) to continue hosting the Saturday Stewards program. Monthly stewardship events will be held on the third Saturday of each month (except for January). Participants will engage in a variety of tasks including weed pulling, native plant enhancement and appreciation, and invasive species use. Since the location will vary, sign up for emails to receive information on meeting location as all events this year will start elsewhere due to the South Slough Visitor Center entryway construction.
Become a Trail Steward
Trail Stewards are a unique community of volunteers given extra training so they can volunteer when their schedule allows as well as drop-in on larger projects, like repairing trails or removing large amounts of invasive plants. You help represent the Reserve and identify areas where attention is needed.
Learn more about becoming a Trail Steward by contacting
Deborah Rudd.
Become an Estuary Ambassador
Are you passionate about protecting natural habitats and fostering a shared appreciation for our coastal environments? Do you want to contribute to the scientific understanding of the South Slough Reserve and help educate the community about its importance? If so, we invite you to join our Estuary Ambassador Program! If you're excited to share your love for nature, meet new people, and make a real difference in our community, the Estuary Ambassador Program is for you. Together, we can help protect and preserve these vital habitats for future generations!
Learn more about becoming an Estuary Ambassador by contacting Deborah Rudd.
General Opportunities
Whether it is one hour a week, one day a week, or just assisting with a one-time special project, the efforts of our volunteers help make this a special place. We have positions for people that love engaging with the public, enjoy taking photographs, and more.
Please submit a volunteer application if you'd like to explore options with us:
Intern at the Reserve
The Reserve’s internship program creates opportunities for interested college and high school students, as well as adults, to gain knowledge, skills, and work experience in the field of natural science. Reserve staff work with interns to create individualized programs that match their interests in the sciences, research, education, stewardship, forestry, customer service and more.Join the South Slough Reserve this summer for a hands-on internship in coastal science and education! This 10-week position (June 1-August 7, dates flexible) offers a $19/hour stipend and a chance to gain experience in estuary research, wetland restoration monitoring, and science communication. Interns will split time between fieldwork with our science team and assisting in summer science camps for youth.
If you are passionate about coastal ecosystems, enjoy working outdoors, and want to build skills in research and education, we'd love to hear from you!
Location: Charleston, Oregon
Time Commitment: 30-35 hours/week
To learn more: Contact Deborah Rudd at Deborah.rudd@dsl.oregon.gov or call 541-294-9866
Click the button below to apply
Support Friends of South Slough Reserve
If you're interested in helping with fundraising events, writing grants, or seeking community partnerships, volunteering with Friends of South Slough Reserve (FOSS) might be a great option. FOSS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that was formed in 1988 to promote and assist the Reserve in its educational and research activities and to obtain grants and other funding to promote the South Slough and its programs. FOSS also maintains a bookstore at the Visitor Center, where members help interpret South Slough's ecology and natural features for visitors while making sales that benefit the Reserve.
Contact FOSS to join their efforts in supporting the Reserve or ask questions about becoming a member.
Friends of South Slough Reserve
PO Box 5446
Charleston, OR 97420
541-888-5558 ext. 123
fossnerr@gmail.com