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.
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! (13 yrs.-adult).
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
Winter Internship Opportunity!
The South Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve in Charleston, Oregon is seeking a GIS Intern to support updates to the Coos Bay Estuary Management Plan. This 10‑week, part-time internship offers hands-on experience in environmental GIS, coastal science, fieldwork, and project communication.
Interns will work with a GIS mentor to review and organize spatial data, help refine estuary boundaries, assist with field GPS verification, and create maps and materials used by planners and community partners.
Pay: $19/hour
Start Date: January 4, 2027 (flexible)
College-level internship applicants must be at least 18 years old, and high school-level internship applicants must be at least 16 years old.
Questions? Contact Deborah Rudd at Deborah.rudd@dsl.oregon.gov
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
fossnerr@gmail.com