Research Monitoring
BayWatchers Program - Initiated in 1993, the WBNERR BayWatcher program is comprised of volunteer, citizen-based monitors who conduct field sampling and water quality measurements throughout the year. Monitors measure several key environmental parameters in Waquoit Bay and its associated water bodies (Waquoit Bay proper, Childs and Moonakis estuaries, and Hamblin, Jehu, Sage Lot, and Eel ponds). BayWatchers form a key data collection component of the WBNERR Water Quality Database. The Reserve’s program is a component of a broad-scale national database served by all the Reserves in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System. This long-term record allows for tracking seasonal variation in environmental parameters to facilitate detection of local, regional, and global changes.
Research staff provide several training sessions at the WBNERR lab as well as in the field. We will also provide equipment and supplies to each volunteer. BayWatchers will be contributing to the WBNERR Water Quality Database only after successful completion of training and demonstration that unassisted field-testing produces repeatable results. Each BayWatcher is responsible for an assigned study site, some sites are accessible by boat, and others are located on public or private docks.
CoastWatcher Program – Volunteers assist researchers with monitoring coastal erosion on South Cape Beach and Town Beach. Research staff will train CoastWatcher volunteers during a field session at two beach field sites. Volunteers will take measurements of the beach four times per year and just after major coastal storms. Membership to the program is open; citizen volunteers may join the program at any time.
If you are interesting in becoming a BayWatcher or CoastWatcher please contact the Research Department at 508-457-0495 ext 109 or email MaryKay.Fox@state.ma.us.
Monitoring
Trail Stewards/Land Stewardship Observation - Waquoit Bay and its tributaries include more than 1200 acres of protected lands in Falmouth and Mashpee. Volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of activities to help take care of the lands that make up the Reserve and the surrounding Mashpee National Wildlife Refuge. If you enjoy walking on wooded roads and trails and are willing to commit to a regular schedule of walking a certain trail or checking on piece of conservation property this is a perfect position for you. We are looking for committed folks who enjoy getting out there and who could report to us about what is happening on the land, as well as educate others they meet in the woods about our land protection efforts. Land Steward Observation Form
Endangered Shorebird Monitoring Program - Shorebird Monitors patrol South Cape Beach and Washburn Island at least once per week to check on the Piping Plovers and other endangered nesting shorebirds. Education and Interpretive staff trains volunteers prior to heading out to the beach. Monitors walk for 2-4 hours one morning or one afternoon each week from March – July/August. In addition to monitoring the birds, volunteers also help to educate the public about the birds.
Some bird watching experience is a plus. Monitors need to be willing to walk long distances on the beach (possibly in the hot sun). Folks who have a boat in Waquoit Bay or Eel Pond might want to participate by monitoring on Washburn Island.
Monitoring forms can be sent in Attn: Nancy Church via fax 617-727-5537
or mailed to Waquoit Bay NERR, P.O. Box 3092, Waquoit, MA 02536
Public/Outreach/Education
Osprey Watchers
The Reserve has had an eye on more than 20 osprey nests around Waquoit Bay for the past several years. The Osprey usually return from their southern winter homes in March, we are interested in knowing when they arrive in the spring, when they nest, and how many chicks hatch. To help us to better understand the local population and the activity of these magnificent birds we are recruiting volunteers interested in becoming an Osprey Watcher. Our interpretive staff will provide you with training, information and observation forms.
Education & Community Outreach
Visitor Greeters – Greeters assist staff with greeting the public in the summer months, greeters are needed each day Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. and, Saturday mornings. The time commitment is 3 hours per week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Our education and interpretive staff provide all necessary training.
Special Events – The Reserve hosts many events throughout the year; if you would like to help with registration, parking, greeting, hanging posters around town, or even serving ice cream, let us know.
Environmental Education – The education staff is always in need of help for a variety of programs at the Reserve and in schools around the community. An education background or anyone aspiring to become involved in the education community is helpful.
Administration – The administration staff has occasional opportunities for volunteers with clerical skills including data entry, mailings, copying and special projects.
Art/Illustrations - Photographs of plants and animals in and around the bay can be used to help with presentations to schools and other community groups. We are always in need of illustrators who can draw plants, animals and other line drawings for our newsletters, other publications, and special events.
To inquire about volunteering at the Reserve, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator at 508-457-0495 x108 or Nancy.Church@state.ma.us.
Yes, I would like to be a WBNERR Volunteer. Please contact me:
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