Volunteer

Sunset by Sherri Winegardner

Be Part of What Makes This Refuge Thrive!

Whether you have one morning a month or love jumping into busy seasons, volunteers help make Ottawa NWR a place people remember—friendly welcomes, unforgettable events, and conservation stories that travel far beyond the marsh.

Apply to Volunteer

On-site and at-home opportunities available. We’ll help you find the right fit.

Choose Your Adventure!

In Person (High-energy, people-facing)

Nature Store Volunteer
Where conservation meets connection. Be the friendly face that helps visitors leave with a field guide, a gift, and a bigger love for the refuge. Preferred shifts are 4 hour blocks during store hours (10am–4pm, Thursday–Sunday).
Events Volunteer
Help make Biggest Bird Week, Howl-o-ween, Discover Ottawa Day (and more) run smoothly—greeting guests, helping with set-up, registration, and general event magic. Time commitment is flexible and ramps up before/during events.
Blue Goose Mascot Volunteer
Be the Goose — serve as the friendly, feathered face of conservation by bringing joy, energy, and unforgettable wildlife fun to refuge events as our official Blue Goose mascot. Scheduled appearances coincide with events throughout the year.

From Home (Quiet impact, big ripple effect!)

Bake Crew Volunteer
Join the Blue Goose Bake Crew — turn flour, sugar, and a love for wildlife into sweet support for conservation programs and refuge events.
Grant Research and Management Volunteer
Help identify and support grant opportunities that fund refuge and Friends projects. About 4 hours/month, mostly off-site.
Storytelling and Media Volunteer
Be the voice that brings refuge projects, wildlife moments, and community impact to life. About 2-4 hours/month, mostly off-site.
Blog/Vlog Contributor Volunteer
Capture the moments, milestones, and wildlife stories that deserve more than just a social media post. About 4 hours/month, mostly off-site.
Live Cam Community Volunteer
Help monitor our live wildlife cameras, share exciting sightings with the community, and bring the refuge to life online by capturing and celebrating unforgettable moments in real time. About 10 hours/month off-site.

Community Connectors (Out & About!)

Community Impact Ambassador Volunteer
Help build community support through business outreach, sponsorships, and local rewards programs. About 2–4 hours/month, with local travel (within ~30 miles).

Leadership

Board Member
Help guide the Friends’ mission, strategy, and growth—the ultimate way to shape long-term impact at Ottawa NWR. 4 hours/month.

How Volunteering Works
Step 1 — Apply!
Tell us what you’re interested in (and if you prefer on-site or from home).
Step 2 — Quick welcome chat
We’ll confirm fit, answer questions, and get you oriented.
Step 3 — Pick your pace
One-time events, monthly help, seasonal support—whatever works.
Step 4 — Make the Friends group better (immediately)
You’ll have a point person, clear tasks, and real impact.

Why volunteer here?
Volunteering for Friends of Ottawa NWR isn’t busywork. It’s:

A front-row seat to the marsh—and the people who travel to experience it
A way to protect habitat by supporting the day-to-day work that keeps this place running
A community of people who care about wildlife and each other
A chance to grow skills (events, outreach, writing, photography, fundraising, leadership)

FAQ

Do I need experience?
Some volunteer positions are most effective with certain skills outlined in the various position descriptions. We’ll train you for your role, and set you up to succeed!
Can I volunteer from home?
Yes—several roles are remote-friendly (baking, grants, communications, social media).
How often do I need to commit?
Most roles are 2–4 hours/month and flexible.
I’m only available seasonally—can I still help?
Yes! Event support is perfect for seasonal energy.
Where are you located?
Friends of Ottawa NWR, 14000 W. State Route 2, Oak Harbor, OH 43449.