Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society — Organization and Volunteer Support

Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society

100 Conservation Way
Manteo, NC 27954
christina_rothrock@fws.gov
(252) 473-1131

About

The Coastal Wildlife Refuge Society (CWRS) is a non-profit organization that a group of local citizens established and incorporated in 1989. Its work centers on two purposes:

1. Raising funds for programs and activities at Alligator River and other national wildlife refuges in eastern North Carolina, with particular emphasis on public education and information.
2. Supporting the recruitment of refuge volunteers.

The Society generally backs programs and initiatives designated by the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service across any of the nine National Wildlife Refuges in eastern North Carolina, with special focus on Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges.

Volunteer Opportunities

Refuge volunteers may staff visitor centers, assist with guided tours, create outreach and informational materials, and care for trails and signs. Some opportunities also involve biological surveys, fire management activities, or other one-time volunteer events.

Needs span a range of commitments and projects, including labor-intensive efforts for scout or church groups, full-time internships, and recurring weekly or monthly assistance across the various refuge program areas.

Resident Volunteers

Through the Resident Volunteer program, participants stay in their own recreational vehicle on pads supplied at the refuges. In exchange for volunteer hours each week, the Society provides water, electric, sewage hook-up and laundry facilities.

Summer Internships

Summer internships are available for college students interested in biology and natural resources management.