MWDI Volunteer Hours Top 13,000!

MWDI has numerous Volunteer opportunities which can be tailored to fit anyone’s schedule, regional preferences & logistics, time commitment desired, level of responsibility or seasonal desires.

MWDI Needs Volunteer Project Managers
MWDI is seeking Project Managers for 3 sites who can inspect and maintain wood duck nest boxes between late May - August:

1. The 3-box Piscataway program in Prince Georges County requires a boat which can be launched from the ramp at Piscataway. The program can probably be expanded moderately if desired. Time required once launched is about 1 hour for annual inspection and maintenance. Hip boots needed.

2. Also Prince Georges County, the 7-box program at Merkle Sanctuary is land-based and requires about 1 hour for annual inspection and maintenance. Short rubber boots will suffice.

3. The Chapman Landing 6-box program in Charles County requires a boat launched from Marshall Hall and about 2 hours for annual inspection and maintenance. Hip boots needed.

If you are interested in volunteering to lead any or all of these projects, contact Cliff Brown at Cliftonabrown@aol.com. This is also a great opportunity to bring the kids along to learn about Wood Ducks and conservation and enjoy a "Total Wetland Experience." They really like the mud!

See the MWDI Events Calendar for a tentative outline of upcoming field activities being planned. See the Education section for news on more youth involvement. Nest monitoring & inspection opportunities abound.

Spotlight on Scott Jasion
Field and Stream Magazine
"Hero of Conservation"

Volunteer hours now exceed 13,000 since late 2004. The Harford County Ducks Unlimited Chapter sponsored a box building program from kits made in May at the Rocks and Susquehanna State Parks as part of the Park’s Junior Ranger program. The Chapter’s 25-box program was accepted by the Parks and several properties will be involved. Two boxes currently exist in what will become MWDI’s 60^th public land’s site. Congratulations to Scott Jasion, Jason Schlosser and Chris Todd and the other Harford Co DU volunteers for making this happen.

The National Wildlife Federation, Maryland Waterfowlers Association, the Rockville chapter of the Izaak Walton League and the two Maryland chapters of Delta Waterfowl have been especially active the past few months. Cooperation and assistance from federal, state and local public officials continues to be exemplary as does the support of many non-profit organizations and their staff.

MWDI now has 59 active sites involving over 1,525 boxes this year. (up from 41 in 2007 and 25 in 2006). The project continues to grow and we need all the volunteers we can muster. Shame on us if we can’t find a nest monitoring niche for you!

We are jealous of our time and are certainly aware that your time is also precious. Our field work is planned to be focused and efficient for these reasons. Nest inspections & monitoring can be handled with the utmost flexibility. Projects may involve only a few boxes or several, perhaps 30-45 minutes twice a year or up to two days annually, whatever fits. Walk, canoe, boat as you please.

We can create the Total Wetland Experience for you!!

Volunteer Opportunities

Nest Inspections & Monitoring
Research
Education
Nest Box Building
Nest Box Installation
Journalism/Website
External Affairs
Certification Program
Internships

To volunteer, please contact: