VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

As an all-volunteer organization, people are critical to the success of the SEA mission to increase public awareness of shoreline habitats, wildlife and environmental issues. The docents (wildlife interpreters) are our most visible volunteers. SEA also has opportunities for National Volunteers in residence. Finally, volunteers are needed to operate the SEA organization.

Docents (Wildlife Interpreters) – SEA docents are usually residents of local communities along the coast. They are well informed about the natural history and a wide range of interesting places along the southern coast of Oregon. With 10,000 visitor contacts annually, our docents are in demand. During SEA’s summer season, docents are on duty at Coquille Point in Bandon on weekends from 10 AM to 1 PM beginning the third Sunday in April continuing through to Memorial Day. Docents are also on duty at Simpson Reef near Charleston on weekends from 10 AM to 4 PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day. SEA annually provides its docents with extensive training through a series of seminars held monthly January to May. In addition, new docents are paired with a SEA mentor until they feel comfortable sharing information with visitors. Please contact our Docent Coordinator if you would like more information about interpreting with SEA.

National Volunteers – SEA also recruits people from outside of Oregon to serve as wildlife interpreter volunteers during the summer. With the support of the US Fish and Wildlife Service, SEA maintains three recreational vehicle (RV) sites. One is located at Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, another at Bullards Beach State Park, and a third at Sunset Bay State Park. National volunteers get a free RV hook-up in exchange for supporting SEA activities. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact our office for additional information.

Organization Volunteers – In addition to the officers and directors of the corporation, numerous other volunteers make things work at SEA. Please contact our office for current opportunities.