Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are the heart of our organization and a driving force behind conservation across Nova Scotia. We hope to find the right fit for you!
Current Opportunities
Increasing the knowledge of wood turtle distribution and habitat use within the Annapolis River watershed, identification and protection of nest sites during their incubation period. This data is shared to support provincial recovery efforts and support CARP’s private land stewardship program.
Visual surveys
What: Volunteers are required to conduct visual surveys for wood turtles in various areas across the watershed. Trained volunteers can work independently and new volunteers can be paired with staff or experienced volunteers. Volunteers must complete effort cards and turtle observation cards, which capture data such as measurements, location, etc.
Where: There are multiple locations across the watershed between Paradise and Aylesford.
When: Late April to early July. ONLINE TRAINING TO BE SCHEDULED IN APRIL 2021***
Nest surveys
What: Volunteers are required to visit potential nesting sites to check for nesting activity. If nesting is observed it is document and a protective cover is placed on nests after all nesting activity has been completed.
Where: Multiple locations. This will be shared directly with trained volunteers.
When: June.
Nest monitoring
What: Volunteers are required to conduct daily nest checks to look for emerging turtle hatchlings at covered nests after 60 days of incubation. If turtle hatchlings are observed data is collected for each individual.
Where: Multiple locations across the watershed between Paradise and Aylesford.
When: late August-October (variable).
Angler data will create long-term data about fish species present in lakes and watercourses across the province. This data will be used to look for long term changes or for the detection of aquatic invasive species.
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What: Anglers will be required to visit a pre-determined location each year and report catch, effort, and other data using a standardized protocol. Anglers may monitor more than 1 location.
Where: Lakes and watercourses across Nova Scotia. A list of priority places is being developed.
When: Regular angling season based on provincial regulations (varies based on location and target species).
Bird Species at Risk Breeding Surveys
We are in need of volunteers who are able to identify birds by both sight and sound to conduct breeding surveys in areas of potential habitat. This data is used to guide our stewardship programs and contributes to provincial knowledge about species at risk. Some sites are located in forested wetland habitats, so we are looking for a few volunteers who don’t mind wet and bugs.
"What: Volunteers will conduct point counts at assigned field sites. A survey protocol and data sheets will be provided.
Where: There are a variety of locations across our watershed.
When: Mid-May to end of July"
Field Activities
Each year we have a variety of field-based restoration and habitat enhancement projects on the go. The activities that these projects involve can include building structures to improve fish passage, tree planting, collecting or planting willow stakes, building or maintaining rain or pollinator gardens, etc. We need volunteers who don’t mind getting dirty. On occasion we also need people to help with some heavy lifting.
What: This varies from season to season. Check in to see what is on the go.
Where: Various locations between Digby and Aylesford.
When: This varies, but most field work happens between April and the end of October.
In conjunction with the Striped Bass Research Team, CARP is gathering data to determine the structure and composition of the Bay of Fundy striped bass population. This is important for developing appropriate and effective conservation efforts.
What: Recreational anglers can assist us by providing catch data for striped bass. We will provide logbooks and instructions on what data to collect.
Where: Coastal, estuarine, and other aquatic habitats across Nova Scotia
When: Anytime.
Special Events
Support for special events (workshops, lectures, etc.) such as assisting with set up, promoting events, taking registration, etc.
What: CARP hosts a variety of public outreach events. This included guided hikes, workshops, lectures, etc.
Where: Variable across the watershed.
When: Variable throughout the year.
Board of Directors
CARP's board provides direction, guidance and oversight to the organization's operations and finances. Board members have a responsibility to the organization, staff, volunteers, as well as the members of the organization. Board members meet monthly. Additional information, including Terms of Reference, are available to provide more information about this role.
What: Participation in monthly Board meetings; participation in committees as needed; support for Board driven events (fundraisers, membership drives, etc.)
Where: Meetings are currently held virtually due to COVID-19.
When: The third Tuesday of the month at 5:30 PM.
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