Volunteer Opportunities
Become better acquainted with Washington’s marine and coastal environments while helping to protect and restore valuable resources and habitats.
Sound-Wide
State of the Oyster Study
Owners of waterfront property on Puget Sound and Hood Canal can participate by bringing oyster and clam samples from their beaches to a pick-up location. WSG arranges for laboratory testing of the samples, which are analyzed for harmful bacteria or bacterial indicators of fecal contamination. Contact Teri King, guatemal@u.washington.edu, 360.432.3054, for more information.
Seattle Area
Orca Bowl
Each fall, Washington Sea Grant (WSG) organizes Orca Bowl, the regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, for high school students. Volunteers are needed to serve as judges, moderators, timekeepers, scorekeepers and runners. Training is provided. Contact Julie Hahn, jkhahn@u.washington.edu, 206.685.9117, for more information.
Kitsap County
Kitsap County Beach Naturalists
Become a beach naturalist and learn about riparian habitat, geology, water quality and marine plants and animals, plus beach etiquette and field trip and beach walk coordination. Then, share your knowledge with others on the beach. For information about this WSG and WSU Kitsap County Extension program, contact Jeff Adams, jaws@u.washington.edu, 360.337.4619.
Hood Canal and South Sound
Canal Watchers
Join a network of people reporting on algal blooms, fish kills and other unusual events on Hood Canal and throughout South Sound. Contact Teri King, guatemal@u.washington.edu, 360.432.3054, for more information.
Allyn Bird Monitoring Project
Join other Mason County residents in monitoring bird and wildlife activity in the area of Allyn Waterfront Park to determine potential bird contributions to fecal coliform bacteria in North Bay. Contact Teri King, guatemal@u.washington.edu, 360.432.3054, for more information.
Collaborative Efforts
Washington Sea Grant staff also contribute to the following programs:
Kitsap County
- Port Townsend Marine Science Center Plastics Monitoring Project
- Puget Sound Marine Invasive Species Monitoring (MISM) Program
To become a volunteer for one of these program in Kitsap County, contact Jeff Adams, jaws@u.washington.edu, 360.337.4619.
Mason County
To assist with monitoring for one of these programs in Mason County, contact Teri King, guatemal@u.washington.edu, 360.432.3054.
Whatcom County
For more information about these programs and other opportunities to volunteer in Whatcom County, contact Sue Blake, sgblake@wsu.edu, 360.676.6736.