For more than twenty years, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge’s daily operational goal has been the rehabilitation and release of orphaned and injured wildlife indigenous to Northwest Florida. The Refuge provides wildlife rescue services and environmental outreach to five counties in Northwest Florida; our staff is on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to assist local and state agencies in managing wildlife. The ECWR works with local governments, private businesses and individuals to protect habitats and the wildlife that live there.
As a leader in conservation education for the Emerald Coast, we offer educational programs for law enforcement and interested members of the community. The Refuge also partners with public and private schools to educate our youth on the importance of conserving our native species.
As we head into the future, the Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge will continue to pursue the highest level of medical care, environmental education, and conservation efforts. Join us today as we take responsibility for the preservation of our precious lands and wildlife.
The Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of volunteer opportunities. Six categories are recognized, with each having its own set of related opportunities.
Wildlife Caregivers work at the refuge and assist with the day to day operations, including wildlife care, facilities maintenance, and diet preparation. Other actives may include rescues, releases, fostering, animal training, animal enrichment, and rehab care. Wildlife Caregivers undergo training conducted by the volunteer coordinator and the refuge staff; progress through 5 Wildlife Care Volunteer levels, each requiring a set number of hours, higher levels of responsibility, and new skills.
•Minimum of 8 hours a month required to maintain active volunteer status.
•Age requirements: 18 and up to complete all five levels.
•16 and up working with senior volunteers and staff
•12 to 15 may volunteer with a parent or legal guardian
Docents play a critical role as a representatives of the Refuge in classrooms, community events, and other educational settings. Docents participate in our in-house and outreach educational programs alongside Refuge staff. Other activities include program content develop and operant conditioning training. Docent training will include wildlife handling skills, wildlife transport, and the study of natural history and zoology.
•Minimum of 8 hours of a month required to maintain active docent status.
•Age requirements: must be at least 18
Wildlife Capture and Rescue Team are trained to assist Refuge staff with the capture and transport of large animals that have become injured or distressed. Specialized training is required.
•Age requirements: must be at least 18
Wildlife Transport and Pick-up is great for those who are unable to come to the Refuge on a routine basis, but still want to play an important role in our mission by volunteering to pick up and transport animals in your area to the Refuge.
•Age requirements: must be at least 18
Fundraising and Event Committee plays a vital role to the refuge’s mission and future. Committee members work to promote the Refuge through fun and exciting communities events and membership drives. Activities include event planning, public relations, sponsorship recruitment, and more.
Stranding Team Volunteers are specifically tasked with responding to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings or injuries along the Emerald Coast. For more information on the stranding team check out The Stranding Team page.
For more information on volunteering contact volunteers@ecwildliferefuge.com
