We are always looking for volunteers to help out our teachers and students with various education and conservation projects! Below are a few of the programs we need help with:
South Sound GREEN’s environmental education program is centered around student water quality monitoring. Over 1,000 students of all ages will adopt a water body and conduct scientific tests to examine its health. We rely on volunteers to assist teachers in the field on our two monitoring days in October and February.
South Sound GREEN offers as a way for students to connect their freshwater monitoring experience with the marine waters of Puget Sound. It is held at Zittel’s Marina and Johnson Point, and gives students an introduction to marine biology. At Zittel’s they collect and identify plankton with Pacific Shellfish Institute and interact with a diver who brings up sub tidal critters like sea stars and crabs for them to see up close. At Johnson Point they explore the low tide, identifying intertidal creatures with South Sound Estuary Association’s Beach Naturalists and participate in a beach survey (crab ID or possibly a forage fish egg survey).
In the fall of 2021, the Teens in Thurston (TnT) volunteer group started at the Thurston Conservation district. This is a group open to all high school students in Thurston County who are interested in environmental conservation, education, and sustainability. Students participate in monthly meetings and will take on their own individual or partner volunteer project with a local community partner or organization. If you or your child/student is interested in joining TnT, you can find more information here or you can reach out to Sam Nadell at snadell@thurstoncd.com.
Envirothon
The South Puget Sound Regional Envirothon Competition is an annual competition for high school students from Thurston, Mason, Pierce, Kitsap, and Lewis counties. You can find more information on the Washington state Envirothon website or reach out to Sam Nadell at snadell@thurstoncd.com.
Background Checks
Schools require background checks for anyone interested in volunteering. Please follow the links below and fill out the requested forms so you can be approved to volunteer (if you have already done this, it does not need to be done again). Schools will need a week or so to process your information, so please fill out the requested information as soon as you can.
If you’re looking to get involved in conservation work or are in need of community service hours, volunteer with South Sound GREEN! To get started, please fill out the form below.