Volunteer Opportunities

Skagit Fisheries Enhancement Group

Planting Parties:  Several tree-planting parties are scheduled each spring and fall. These plantings help to restore the stream banks so they provide shade and bank stability. Time commitment: 4 hours on 1-4 Saturdays.

Planting Party Instructor/Coordinating Assistant: Individuals are needed at each of our plantings to instruct volunteers on proper planting techniques and to offer assistance throughout the day. Help is also needed in obtaining plants and transporting plants, tools, and snacks to the site.  Time commitment: 5 hours on 1-4 Saturdays.

Project Coordinators:  Individuals with an interest in stream and riparian restoration projects are needed to coordinate projects.  This includes initiating the project by researching the scope of work, designing a work plan, obtaining landowner agreements as well as permits and funding if required.  Individuals will also coordinate volunteers at the project site, and if sufficiently experienced, will supervise installation of in-stream structures by volunteers or hired workers.  Time commitment:  varies with project but may span 8-12 months.

Future Projects Research:  An individual is needed to search out future enhancement possibilities and present concise descriptions of proposed projects to the SFEG Project Priorities Committee. This individual should have excellent public relations skills for coordinating with landowners and should have experience in stream restoration. A general knowledge of the streams in the local area would be helpful. Time commitment is variable but will be a continuous effort throughout the year.

Vegetation Maintenance:  SFEG has completed stream restoration projects throughout Skagit County which require plant maintenance. This is especially critical during the spring and summer when grass threatens to shade out seedlings. Maintenance volunteers may be responsible for weeding, and/or watering plants.  A coordinator is also needed with experience in stream restoration and an interest in working with people.  Responsibilities will include providing initial guidance to maintenance volunteers on how to care for their site.  Time commitment varies with project site.

Vegetation Monitoring:  Trees and shrubs planted at restoration sites for stream bank stabilization and shade need to be monitored throughout late spring/early summer to be sure they are alive and well.  Duties include plant identification and assessment, accurate record keeping, and database entry.  A one-day training session will be provided in spring by our crew and then schedules can be arranged.  Time commitment varies with site.

Spawning Surveys:  Volunteers will be trained by crewmembers to assist with conducting spawning surveys.  Volunteers will identify and count spawning salmon, salmon carcasses, and count and mark redds (nests).  Surveys must be consistently done on a weekly basis, and most surveys will occur on weekdays.  Committing to one day a week for several weeks is preferred.  Time commitment:  1-3 hours per week, October-February.

Stream Monitoring:  Volunteers are needed to conduct surveys of restoration sites and record data of habitat availability and stream structures.  Data collected in these surveys will then be compiled in our database.  Volunteers will be trained by our crew and learn on the job.  Time commitment:  3-5 hours per week, June-September.

Educational Outreach Presenter:  SFEG needs individuals interested in education to present an existing "Restoration Education" slide show to students and community groups in the Skagit Valley. Time commitment: 1 hour per slide show.

Display Booth: SFEG needs occasional assistance setting up and staffing our booth at community events such as fairs, festivals, and workshops.  Time commitment varies.

Artistic Talent: Designs for SFEG merchandise, brochures, and publications are always needed.  Any ideas always appreciated.

Bulk Mail Assistance:  Periodic bulk mailings take place for newsletters, notices and announcements. Volunteers interested in assisting with office duties are encouraged to help. Time commitment: 2 hours every 2-3 months.

The beautiful salmon watercolor picture at the top can be found at: www.helmintoller.com/streamside/