Support Audubon SC >

Support Audubon SC
Helping Out

Beidler Forest Receives TogetherGreen Grant to Provide Volunteer Opportunities
The National Audubon Society has created TogetherGreen, a dynamic and innovative nationwide program funded by Toyota Motor Sales, USA, that aims to provide inspiration, leadership and opportunities that will encourage people everywhere to take action at home, in their communities and beyond to improve the health of our environment. One part of TogetherGeen is the Volunteer Days Program, which provides grant support for Audubon Centers, Sanctuaries, and Chapters nationwide to create and conduct a series of at least six volunteer events throughout the year. All volunteer projects must be in support of at least one of three TogetherGreen focus areas… Land, Water, or Energy Conservation. For more information about the TogetherGreen program, please go to www.togethergreen.org.

Upcoming Volunteer Day Events at Beidler Forest

December 14, 2009 Christmas Bird Count
On December 12th, Audubon South Carolina will be conducting ours second Four Holes Swamp Christmas Bird Count. The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is a long-standing program of the National Audubon Society that began more than 100 years ago as method of monitoring winter bird populations throughout North America. Each year thousands of volunteers across the US, Canada and 19 countries in the Western Hemisphere participate in the CBC.

To conduct a count, CBC volunteers follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile (24-km) diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. It’s not just a species tally—all birds are counted all day, giving an indication of the total number of birds in the circle that day. Interested participants should contact Mike Dawson via email.

April, 2010 Swallow-tailed Kite Survey
An endangered species… Swallow-tailed Kites are suffering from … Across the Lowcountry, volunteer spotters will fan out on the state’s waterways looking for Kites and noting locations and numbers. The information gathered will be used to determine prime habitat areas for protection. You will need to provide your own boat and coordinate with Ann Shahid via email.

April, 2010 Shorebird Virtual Roping
Nesting shorebirds are frequently stressed out by human and dog activity along our states beaches. Help be part of a team that will be creating “virtual roped off” areas, designed to keep people out of nesting areas until the end of the season. Wear hat, sunglasses, and be prepared to be out in the sun. Bring your lunch and plenty of water. You will need to coordinate with Jeff Mollenhauer via email.

May – June 2010 Coastwide Wilson’s Plover Survey
An endangered species… Wilson’s Plovers are suffering from habitat loss and other stresses related to coastal development. We will be surveying coastal areas for… The information gathered will be used in developing management plans for the bird in South Carolina. You will need to coordinate with Jeff Mollenhauer via email.

April – June 2010 Project PROTHO
Beidler Forest staff continue to net and band Prothontary Warblers, then visitors and volunteer spotters record sightings along the boardwalk, carefully noting locations and behavior. Information being gleaned from this study is contributing to the management plan at Beidler Forest as we determine what will best benefit this Watch List species. Bring your binoculars and dress for the weather! Be prepared to walk the 1.75 mile boardwalk trail at the Forest.

Volunteer Day participants can receive special TogetherGreen totes, t-shirts, or hats and passes to Beidler Forest! For general information or to sign up, call 843-462-2150 or email Mike Dawson.

VOLUNTEERS

An Experience You'll Treasure...
As the largest remaining virgin stand of cypress-tupelo swamp in the world, the Beidler Forest is truly a unique experience for any who venture to the sanctuary. The staff and friends of Francis Beidler Forest are dedicated to the preservation of this wonderful natural treasure. But simply owning the land occupied by the swamp is not enough.

The mission of the National Audubon Society and the staff at Beidler Forest is not only to protect this precious wetland habitat. Our mission is also to involve the public in conserving our natural world and to educate the public about the wonderful and mysterious workings of our environment. People will protect what they value most and our goal to educate as many people as possible about the value of the last wild places on Earth.

Volunteers are important to the mission of Audubon and to Francis Beidler Forest. The hours and services selflessly donated by caring people to the goals of the Sanctuary are invaluable. And in the end volunteers at Francis Beidler Forest usually find that while they gave much of themselves, they received much as well...

What you would do:

Volunteers have the option of being involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Working in the visitor center and Swamp Shop
• Maintenance of the Boardwalk and other areas of the Sanctuary
• Working as a Naturalist, assisting with group tours
• Leading with canoe trips in the Spring and Summer
• Providing office assistance
• Working at special events
• School appearances on behalf of Beidler Forest

What's in it for me?

• Being a participant in Beidler Forest's work towards education and conservation
• Free admission to the Sanctuary
• Swamp Shop discounts
• Invaluable experience working with public
• Being a part of the Beidler Forest Family
• Once/year use of on-site log cabin
• Receive a Reciprocal Pass that will allow free admission into most Charleston-area tourist attractions (museums, gardens, historic sites, parks, etc.)

If you are interested in volunteering at the Center and Sanctuary at Francis Beidler Forest please contact Michael Dawson, Sanctuary Manager, at (843) 462-2150 or via email.