Volunteer at Jug Bay
"Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn."
- Benjamin Franklin -
Since the Sanctuary's founding in 1985, volunteers have played a critical role at Jug Bay by helping with a wide variety of projects. Every year, more than 160 volunteers donate over 6,500 hours of their time, knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm.
The Sanctuary strives to maintain and foster a supportive and educational volunteer program in which volunteers learn about the natural world while contributing to the Sanctuary's education, scientific understanding, and habitat protection goals.
Already a Volunteer?
Log Your Hours - Your Work is Valuable to Us!
Thank you very much for volunteering with us!
By reporting your hours you will help the Friends of Jug Bay pursue grants and other resources, besides giving them bragging rights about the wonderful work you do.
Volunteer Opportunities
Many of our ongoing education, research, and stewardship projects are dependent on volunteers. Roll over the links below to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
Volunteer Naturalist
Lead school students and the public on immersive and engaging outdoor learning programs.
Animal Care
Families and individuals can care, feed, and tend to our three resident box turtles.
Canoe/Kayak Guide
Become a trained canoe/kayak guide and lead trips along the beautiful Patuxent river.
Citizen Science
Join our citizen science-led research programs spanning a rich diversity of topics from stream chemistry to bird-banding.
Trail Monitor
Adopt a Jug Bay trail and walk it monthly to keep it pristine and safe for all to enjoy.
Field Work Fridays
Join a Naturalist to tackle a stewardship project in need of support every Friday, rain or shine!
Trash Clean Ups
Join a global movement to keep our rivers, bays, and oceans trash free. Pick up by canoe or on land.
Invasive Species Management
Join the fight against invading plants and animals that threaten the ecological health of the Sanctuary.
Pollinator-Preserve Wednesdays and Butterfly Garden
Create and care for native pollinator gardens and perform preserve stewardship chores year round.
Visitor Center Greeter
Smiling faces needed to warmly welcome visitors to the Sanctuary.
Other Opportunities
The Sanctuary to-do list never ends! Contact us for more opportunities and to join our volunteer team today.
How to Become a Jug Bay Volunteer
Volunteering at Jug Bay is fun and no experience is necessary. To join our Jug Bay volunteer community, view our Event Calendar for upcoming programs. If you find an opportunity that interests you, you can register to join us by signing up within the event listing. Additionally, you can contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Debra Gage, at 410-222-8006 or rpgage00@aacounty.org for more information.
While some programs require training, many are available to begin immediately and you can learn as you go.
Volunteer Categories
One-time and Short-term Volunteers
Service learning students and other temporary volunteers may sign up directly for any stewardship opportunities listed in our calendar of events that do not require training; or contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Debra Gage, at 410-222-8006 or rpgage00@aacounty.org.
Volunteer Naturalists
If you want to join our staff Naturalists leading K - 12 students in hands-on learning experiences at Jug Bay, don't hesitate to contact the Education Coordinator at 410-222-8006 or complete the linked Google form.
Groups
Volunteer groups may sign up for stewardship opportunities that do not require training by completing a Group Program Request.
Projects are often seasonally based and may include invasive plant removal, garden maintenance, habitat monitoring, and river clean ups along the shore .
Projects are not guarenteed and are offered on an as needed basis by park staff. Some seasons have more need than others. If your group has fewer than 10 participants, please check out our Field Work Friday program, Pollinator Wednesdays, or Butterfly Garden Tuesdays. Check out our Event Calendar for more information.
Scout Service Projects
Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary encourages scouts interested in doing their Eagle or Gold Award Projects at Jug Bay to contact Ranger Greg by emailing rpimho25@aacounty.org. Greg will provide project ideas that will promote Sanctuary's education, research, stewardship, and protection goals.