Our mission is to engage the community in restoring salmon habitat in the Skagit watershed. We have several ways for the community to get involved, from monitoring fish populations to planting trees along riparian areas.
We hope you will join us.
We recruit and train volunteers to achieve our goal of increased public awareness for salmon habitat restoration. All volunteer projects are based on learning through hands-on activities. We have opportunities for volunteers of all ages and in all seasons.
Check out our opportunities below!
Volunteer Opportunites
Planting Parties
Our planting parties are the perfect introduction to restoration work and our most popular volunteer opportunity! Planting parties are typically held on Saturday mornings from October through April. The goal of these parties is to help restore local streambanks by planting native vegetation that provides vital shade and bank stability for salmon habitat.
We host these plantings over the fall and winter as wetter conditions give new plants the best chance to thrive. Each event is a fun, approachable way to get your hands dirty, connect with your community, and see your impact firsthand.
Stay in the loop by signing up for our monthly e-newsletter, or visit our events page to see the full schedule and register for upcoming parties.
Get your hands in the soil and help grow the future Skagit River Valley habitat! Nursery volunteers play a hands-on role in raising and caring for PNW native plants that will eventually be used to restore local streams and ecosystems.
This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how a native plant nursery operates day to day, with tasks ranging from watering, weeding, and potting to loading and unloading plants and materials. Volunteers may also use tools such as shovels, wheelbarrows, hoses, and power equipment, and should be comfortable with physical activity including digging, lifting, hauling, and working outdoors in all weather conditions.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, there’s a meaningful role for you at the nursery.
Join our team of community scientists and help track the health of local salmon populations! Volunteers are trained by field technicians at an October workshop to identify and count returning adult salmon, document carcasses, and locate and mark redds (spawning nests) in local streams.
Surveys are conducted weekly from October through January, primarily on weekdays — though weekend coordination with your team is possible. This role requires a commitment of one day per week for three months, with a typical time investment of 1–6 hours per week.
Help us track the success of our restoration efforts! Vegetation monitors play a key role in assessing the growth and health of native trees and shrubs planted at local restoration sites, providing valuable data that guides our ongoing conservation work.
Volunteers are responsible for identifying and evaluating native plants, maintaining accurate field records, and entering data into our database. No prior experience is necessary — field technicians provide a full one-day training each spring, after which schedules are arranged flexibly based on site needs.
Education Programs
Help inspire the next generation of salmon stewards! Our school programs engage students in grades 3–12 through hands-on classroom lessons and field service-learning experiences. We need enthusiastic volunteers to help make them a success.
Volunteer support may include assisting with instruction, coordinating activities, and ensuring student safety during both classroom sessions and field trips. It’s a rewarding way to connect kids with the Skagit River Watershed right in their own backyard.
Time commitment: 4–6 hours per field trip | Weekdays throughout the school year
Are you passionate about salmon and healthy watersheds — and love sharing that passion with others? Join us at community events like the Mount Vernon Farmers Market and help spread the word about our conservation work!
Outreach volunteers assist with setting up and staffing our booth, engaging with the public, and representing our mission in the community. It’s a fun, social way to make a difference and connect with people who care about the health of our local environment.
Time commitment: Varies | Primarily weekends during the summer months
RESOURCES FOR VOLUNTEERS
- Volunteer Policies
- What to Do if You Are Injured
- SFEG Individual Volunteer Time Sheet
- Upload Form for Volunteer Hours
- Minor Volunteer (Under 18yr) Sign-in
Monitoring Volunteers
- Spawner Survey Data Sheet (Available as a Google Sheet)
- Spawner Survey Data Sheet (Available as a fillable PDF)
