Volunteer Opportunities
The Loon Foundation is primarily a volunteer-run organization, and we rely on the generous contributions of community members to make what we do possible. We are always seeking new volunteers to join the team – whether you’re interested in supporting ecosystem monitoring in the field, joining events, or working at the Iris & Billy Griffith Nature Centre, there is always plenty to do!
Please note that volunteers are sorted by our staff and further details about time and location are provided by our Field Research Supervisor Jenn Blancard.
CURRENT OPPORTUNITIES
Pender Harbour Coastal Waters Monitoring Program (PHCWMP)
Opportunities available weekly!
Various Locations
Weekly opportunities to help monitor the waters of the Sunshine Coast
No Experience Required
Email us to volunteer
Salmon Escapement Survey
April to December
Myers Creek and Anderson Creek
~1 to 3 hours
Taking place in Myers Creek and Anderson Creek, these surveys are done by wearing chest waders and walking in the creeks to count the salmon that return to spawn. As these surveys can include walking on uneven surfaces and climbing around fallen trees, we recommend being cautious while moving. However, feel free to join on the easier sections of the survey without committing to the entire length if you are interested in joining!
Rocky Intertidal Survey
November to December
Irvines Landing
~4 to 5 hours
The intertidal surveys are our longest and biggest surveys with each taking 4 to 5 hours and occurring over multiple days. We survey along the rocky shore, counting all the animals we find in quadrats (squares). Additionally, good sturdy shoes are required for this survey and it’s also recommended to bring a cushion or knee pads for counting the critters on the rocks.
This winter we will be conducting our surveys in the dark! We tend to see a lot more creatures in the winter than in the summer, so it’s bound to be a lot of fun.
Forage Fish Surveys
October to December
Multiple locations
~1 to 2 hours
Beginning at the end of October and ramping to December, we will be conducting surveys on forage fish, or small prey/bait fish around the Sunshine Coast. Long-term monitoring of forage fish spawning events helps us to quantify the changes in population, shifts in spawning habitat, and the effects of changing climate and habitat conditions.
Additionally, there 2 upcoming forage fish events:
October 25th: 1st Annual Salish Sea Surf Smelt Day
TBA: 2nd Annual Pacific Sand Lance Day