Opportunity Search Results

Description

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 Area

Time Commitment:
- Minimum 1 hour per two weeks (April-October). All hours must be reported.

Requirements

Minimum age: 18

Description

2024 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: Shelter Clearing | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | May 11, 2024 | 9:00am - 11:30am

Non-native, invasive plants pose a continuing threat to our habitat restoration efforts, particularly within areas hosting trees & shrubs planted and sheltered by staff and volunteers. On this day, we''ll remove vines and vinelike plants from some of these areas, freeing our young trees & shrubs from the threat of smothering.

Job Duties:
- Hand-pull, dig, and (if necessary) bag Mile-a-Minute, Japanese Honeysuckle, and any other non-native invasive species found

Notes:
- Training, tools, and supplies will be provided

- Precautions for the ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should also 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
- Eye protection (recommended)
- Appropriate clothing for the weather, including sun protection

Additional info:

- Minimum age 18 (or 13-17 with a guardian present)
- Weather may cause us to cancel. There is no makeup date.

Requirements

Minimum age: 13

Description

2024 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: Shelter Clearing & Breeding Bird Atlas | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | May 21, 2024 | 9:00am - 11:30am

Non-native, invasive plants pose a continuing threat to our habitat restoration efforts, particularly within areas hosting trees & shrubs planted and sheltered by staff and volunteers. On this day, we''ll remove vines and vinelike plants from some of these areas, freeing our young trees & shrubs from the threat of smothering. Additionally, participants will receive an introduction to the Breeding Bird Atlas community scientist survey.

Job Duties:
- Hand-pull, dig, and (if necessary) bag Mile-a-Minute, Japanese Honeysuckle, and any other non-native invasive species found
- Learn about the Maryland & DC Breeding Bird Atlas 3 project, and any birds observed or heard during the event

Notes:
- Training, plant removal tools, and supplies will be provided

- Precautions for the thorns, ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should also 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, including sun protection

Additional info:

- Minimum age 18 (or 13-17 with a guardian present)
- Weather may cause us to cancel. There is no makeup date.

Requirements

Minimum age: 13

Description

2024 MPEA Conservation Stewardship Project: Japanese Barberry Removal | Middle Patuxent Environmental Area | Jun 18, 2024 | 9:00am - 11:30am

Japanese Barberry is an abundant foe of the environmental area, and controlling this species requires continued efforts every year. Luckily, this invader is relatively easily uprooted; as such, on this day we will revisit an ever-expanding restoration site to continue digging and hand-pulling these spiny shrubs.

Job Duties:
- Dig or hand-pull invasive Japanese Barberry shrubs

Notes:
- Training, plant removal tools, and supplies will be provided

- Precautions for the thorns, ticks, poison ivy, & stinging insects that may be encountered should also 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
- Eye protection (recommended)
- Appropriate clothing for the weather, including sun protection

Additional info:

- Minimum age 18 (or 13-17 with a guardian present)
- Weather may cause us to cancel BUT may be scheduled.

Requirements

Minimum age: 13