Toggle nav
Share
Bird Nest Box Monitor | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | Ongoing Opportunity | Ages 18+The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) currently maintains a total of 24 nest boxes to support Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity nesting species, as well as to collect bird breeding behavior data. The MPEA Bird Nest Box Monitor volunteers will independently visit between 9-13 assigned bird nest boxes a minimum of once per week to record observed breeding behavior, will perform light maintenance on the nest boxes (including cleaning, minor repairs, and trimming of surrounding vegetation), and submit a year-end summary.A phone interview will be required for any prospective volunteers.Job Description:To provide nest boxes to support Eastern Bluebirds and other native cavity nesting species, and to collect bird breeding behavior data.Duties:- Visit assigned bird nest boxes a minimum of once per week and record observed breeding behavior; - Perform light maintenance on nest boxes (including cleaning, minor repairs, and trimming of surrounding vegetation); - Complete nest box inspection records; - Submit year-end summary.Qualifications:- Ability to work outdoors alone and walk approximately 1 mile per visit; - Rudimentary bird identification skills; - Ability to keep records; - Familiarity with utilizing online resources.Training:- Onsite training and relevant supplies will be provided.Location:Assigned nest boxes within the MPEA.Time Commitment:- Minimum of 1 hour per week, 2 hours per week preferred during nesting season (mid-April to early-July); all hours must be reported.
Minimum age: 18
Ongoing Opportunity
3 Positions available!
Trotter Parking Area5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029MAPFrom Route 29 at Route 32: Take 32 west to the Great Star Drive exit. Turn right onto Great Star Drive. Then make a right onto Summer Sunrise. Continue to Trotter Road and make a left. Proceed about 1 mile to the parking area on the right just beyond the small traffic circle.From Route 29 at Route 108: Take Route 108 west and continue past Centennial Lane. Proceed past Harpers Farm Road to Trotter Road and make a left. Continue to the parking area on the left. If you reach the small traffic circle, you've gone too far.
Allen Dupre
adupre@howardcountymd.gov
(410) 313-4035
Opp Available Positions: 3
Butterfly Survey Volunteer | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | Ongoing Opportunity, April-October | Ages 18+The Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA) seeks volunteers to assist with independent surveys of butterflies found within it's borders. Volunteers will keep of a tally of each individual butterfly of each species they observe and identify during survey sessions, and report findings to MPEA staff.A phone interview and onsite training will be required for any prospective volunteers.Job Description:To assist Middle Patuxent Environmental Area staff with the ongoing Howard County Butterfly Survey within the MPEA.Job Duties:- Walk selected areas of the MPEA while observing, identifying, and recording butterfly species;- Maintain accurate tally sheets and photographic records as needed;- Report findings on designated forms.Qualifications:- Ability to walk one or more miles per survey session on primitive trails, and potentially bushwhack through tall grasses;- Ability to work alone;- Record-keeping, computer use, and organizational skills;- Rudimentary butterfly identification skills and ability to follow identification guides;- Ability to take photos;- Possession of binoculars and/or a zoom-lens camera is recommended.Training: - Onsite training provided as needed.Location:Middle Patuxent Environmental AreaTime Commitment:- Minimum 1 hour per two weeks (April-October). All hours must be reported.
6 Positions available!
Opp Available Positions: 6
2023 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Projects - Spring | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | Mar 21 - Jun 20, 2023 | 9:00am - 11:30amThe MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project (CSP) addresses the issue of invasive exotic plant species in the Middle Patuxent Environmental Area (MPEA). These species reduce native floral diversity by competing for sunlight, resources, space, and provide insufficient food & habitat for native wildlife. CSP events help combat this problem through the removal of invasive plants & the restoration of ecologically appropriate species, and include an educational component concerning the target species/area of the day. Additional Info:- Minimum age 18 (or 13-17 with a guardian present)- Training and relevant tools will be provided- Precautions for thorns, ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should be taken- This event may be cancelled in the case of adverse weather conditions (such as moderate to heavy precipitation, high winds, or lightning)Please Bring/Wear:- Drinking water- Snacks, if desired- Work gloves- Long pants- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes- Appropriate clothing for the weather
Minimum age: 13
Dates: 03/21/2023 - 06/20/2023
Schedule Slots Available!
This opportunity has a schedule. Click view schedule belowon the left to see available times.
Please see individual opportunity listing. Trotter Parking Area: 5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029From Route 29 at Route 32: Take 32 west to the Great Star Drive exit. Turn right onto Great Star Drive. Then make a right onto Summer Sunrise. Continue to Trotter Road and make a left. Proceed about 1 mile to the parking area on the right just beyond the small traffic circle.From Route 29 at Route 108: Take Route 108 west and continue past Centennial Lane. Proceed past Harpers Farm Road to Trotter Road and make a left. Continue to the parking area on the left. If you reach the small traffic circle, you''ve gone too far.South Wind Circle Trailhead to MPEA: 6495 South Wind Circle, Columbia, MD 21044Route 29 to Route 108 west towards Clarksville or Route 32 to Route 108 east. Turn onto Trotter Road to South Wind Circle (about 1 mile).Enter the circle and proceed to trailhead on left (opposite Misty Top Pass).
Opp Available Positions:
2023 MPEA Plant Propagation Project | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | Ongoing Opportunity | Ages 18+MPEA habitat restoration efforts often include removing non-native invasive plants and replanting areas with native plants, and a significant quantity of native plant material is needed for these efforts. Many species can be propagated from plants on site, providing local ecotypes as well as species not readily available for purchase. The MPEA is seeking independent volunteers for the project, who will:Job Duties:- plant starter plants from seed into flats, quarts, or gallons- water established plants and repot as needed- under staff direction, transplant or collect seeds of designated plant species within the MPEA- assist with planting grown plants in designated habitat restoration areas- review written and online literature to assist with the creation of a propagation notebook for a habitat restoration species listFlexible hours. Gardening experience preferred. A phone interview and onsite training will be required for any prospective volunteers.
Dates: 01/01/2023 - 12/31/2023
9 Positions available!
Trotter Parking Area5795 Trotter Road, Clarksville, MD 21029From Route 29 at Route 32: Take 32 west to the Great Star Drive exit. Turn right onto Great Star Drive. Then make a right onto Summer Sunrise. Continue to Trotter Road and make a left. Proceed about 1 mile to the parking area on the right just beyond the small traffic circle.From Route 29 at Route 108: Take Route 108 west and continue past Centennial Lane. Proceed past Harpers Farm Road to Trotter Road and make a left. Continue to the parking area on the left. If you reach the small traffic circle, you've gone too far.MAP
Opp Available Positions: 9
