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!
Join Us at a Saturday Steward Event
The first Saturday of every month, South Slough Reserve holds a hands-on stewardship activity somewhere in the Reserve. The event, which runs from 10am - noon, is a great way to visit different parts of the Reserve, meet new people, and help care for essential lands and waters. Upcoming Saturday dates:
June 7, 2025
July 5, 2025
August 2, 2025
September 6, 2025
October 4, 2025
November 1, 2025
December 6, 2025
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.
Upcoming Training: Please join us on Saturday, June 14th at the South Slough Visitor Center from 10:30 AM-12:00 PM for an information/training session to see what being an Estuary Ambassador is all about!
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.
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