Opportunities From: Calvert Stewards

Volunteer Management assist the staff Volunteer Coordinator with recruiting, coordinating, and managing volunteers. They assist with volunteer recognition and retention efforts, working closely with other committees to fulfill the organization's needs. Their goal is to create a positive and effective volunteer experience that contributes to the organization's mission and objectives.

Tasks include:

Recruit Volunteers – Post opportunities online, attend outreach events, and communicate with potential volunteers.Manage Volunteer Communications – Send updates, reminders, and event details via email, phone, or social media.Plan Recognition Efforts – Organize appreciation events, send thank-you messages, or highlight volunteer contributions.Collaborate with Program Managers – Work with staff and teams to match volunteers with organizational needs.

Skills Needed:

Organizational Skills – Scheduling, record-keeping, and event coordination.
Strong Communication – Recruiting, engaging, and supporting volunteers.
Teamwork & Leadership – Motivating and collaborating with volunteers and staff.
Problem-Solving – Handling conflicts and ensuring a positive volunteer experience.
Tech & Outreach – Managing volunteer data and promoting opportunities online.

Training:

You'll receive training by staff and other volunteers to succeed in your role.

Schedule: Volunteers will generally make their own schedule, and spend 4-10 hours per month. Attendance at monthly board meetings is encouraged.

Qualifications: None

For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327,  Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

There is often a need for new and replacement Prothonotary Warbler  boxes on our trails. We will provide the instructions and building materials, you provide the construction using your skills and tools, and done on your own schedule. 

Skills Needed: Basic Carpentry Skills

Tools required: table saw, drill, screw drivers

For more information please contact Gene Groshon at Gene.Groshon@calvertcountymd.gov

Calvert County Parks & Recreation Natural Resources Division and Calvert Nature Society are partnering with the Izaak Walton League to monitor and reduce the impact of road salt on our streams and rivers. Road salt, while essential for winter road safety, can have detrimental effects on water quality, aquatic life, and the environment. Calvert Stewards will play a crucial role in collecting data that helps us understand these impacts.

You will document and report chloride levels in local streams. Your efforts will contribute to a national database that informs community leaders and policymakers about the environmental consequences of road salt.

As a Salt Watch Volunteer, you will contribute to important research efforts aimed at documenting water quality in our local stream. You will gain hands-on experience in water quality monitoring and data collection, engage with a network of like-minded individuals, and raise awareness in your community about the environmental impact of road salt.

Qualifications

Volunteers must first attend a training or field session to learn the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively monitor and report chloride levels.
Register for the training sessions: https://calvertstewards.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/?need_id=961266 

Responsibilities Collect water samples from designated locations at least once per month. See Schedule below.Use provided test strips to measure chloride levels in the water samples. Record and submit your findings directly to Camryn.Adhere to safety guidelines when accessing streams while sampling and testing to ensure your well-being and the accuracy of data.

We recommend volunteers wear long sleeves and pants, bright clothing, and shoes or boots that are fine with getting wet and dirty.

Time Commitment

Approximately one hour/month.

Schedule

Volunteers can monitor on their own schedule, with a minimum of once monthly during the first week at their assigned streams.

In Winter (November-March), in addition to the first week sampling, if possible, monitor before a winter storm, to find out the "normal" level of salt in your stream; then after salt has been applied to roads, then after the first warm day or rainstorm following a snow or freeze, and then after the next rain event.

Requirements A strong interest in environmental conservation and water quality.Ability to commit a few hours each month for water sampling and testing.Reliable and punctual in conducting sampling and submitting data.Willingness to complete a brief training session on sampling techniques and data submission. Work Conditions Exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitoes, snakes, spiders and other wildlife.Parking and walking along shoulders of public roadsEntering streams and creeks to collect water samples. Banks may be muddy and slippery.Izaak Walton League Salt Watch Resources Online Overview Videos:Introduction to Salt Watch How to Take a Salt Watch Sample (first 4 minutes of video) Most volunteers will not directly submit data to IWL, but send data sheets to Camryn who will enter the data. Online Reference Materials: https://www.iwla.org/water/stream-monitoring/salt-watch/salt-watch-faq

Calvert County Bluebird Trails

Calvert County is located in Southern Maryland. A peninsula bordered on the west by the Patuxent River and on the east by the Chesapeake Bay, much of the county is rural with major agricultural crops being corn, soybeans and tobacco. Large, open fields bordered by woodlands are conducive to the presence of Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) who are year-round residents.

The Calvert Bluebird Council, headquartered at the Nature Center at Battle Creek Cypress Swamp oversees the monitoring of 24 official trails with 420 boxes throughout the county. At season's end the results are compiled. See the data on www.calvertparks.org/bluebird_project

For more information please contact Lydia Wells at lydia.wells@calvertcountymd.gov or Mary Hollinger, canoe2@comcast.net   

 

 

Volunteers who are interested can explore County-owned property to find and identify orchids.

Map locations accurately online via iNaturalist (obscure the location data). Photograph the orchids at the different stages (leaf, flower, fruit).

Skills and Abilities: Ability to use iNaturalist

Training: This is an on-going, self directed opportunity. 

Qualifications Needed: None

For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327,  Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

For Volunteers trained for the Orchid Conservation Research Project:

Submitted your observation into iNaturalist, https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/calvert-orchid-conservation-research-project Completed the paperwork Report your data on this form: https://forms.office.com/g/C99cXB70c9

 

Land Management Volunteers oversee the stewardship and sustainable use of land which the Society owns or hold conservation easements. This person reviews land management plans, ensures compliance with environmental regulations, and coordinates conservation efforts. They collaborate with other committees, stakeholders, and experts to monitor land conditions, manage habitats, and promote biodiversity. Their goal is to maintain and enhance the ecological health and sustainability of the land under the organization's care.

The Calvert Steward Land Management program has something for almost everyone: kids and young adults, retirees, professionals, corporate teams, students, community service organizations, and individuals and groups in search of meaningful outdoor and stewardship projects.

If you like people and care about our county's natural resources, the Calvert Nature Society needs your time and talents.

Perform annual inspections of easement properties.Under supervision, assist with regular trail maintenance and special projects at property owned and managed by Calvert Nature Society.Communicate with eagle scouts, service organizations and other volunteers.Coordinate cooperative projects with the Natural Resources Division.

Projects include:

Trail monitoring Trail trimming, brush clearing Small repair projects Sign installation and repair

For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327  Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

Marketing Volunteers are responsible for developing and executing marketing strategies to promote the organization’s mission, programs, and events. They create marketing materials, manages social media and online presence, and coordinate public relations efforts. They work closely with other committees to ensure consistent and effective messaging and engage with target audiences. Their goal is to increase visibility, attract and retain members or supporters, and enhance the organization's overall brand and reach.Fundraising volunteers assist the Calvert Nature Society Board of Directors in many ways.

Tasks include:

Developing and managing a distinct online presence for the Society on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and InstagramCreating content for website and social mediaDesigning marketing materialsAssisting with email campaigns, event promotion, and membership initiatives Connecting with individual and corporate sponsorsAttending events relevant to the marketing initiatives

Skills:

Excellent written and oral communication skillsProficiency in content creation toolsAble to work as a team in accomplishing Society goals and objectivesAbility to use discretion when communicating about privileged information

Training will be provided by staff and other volunteers

Schedule: Volunteers will generally make their own schedule, and spend 4-10 hours per month. Attendance at monthly board meetings is encouraged.

Qualifications: None

For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327 Ext. 16,  Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

Membership volunteers maintain, recruit and communicate with members of the Calvert Nature Society. They manage the online membership databases, recruit for new members, and develop strategies to enhance member satisfaction and involvement. They collaborate with other committees to organize events, communicate benefits, and address any member-related issues. Their goal is to ensure a vibrant, active membership base that supports the organization’s mission and goals.

Tasks include:

up-to-date maintenance of database (Wild Apricot & Galaxy DIgital) including input of records, processing gifts, creating reports coordinate membership initiatives compiling renewal letters for emailing and mailing on a monthly basis

Skills Needed:

Technical Skills: Proficiency in managing online membership databases, using marketing tools, and leveraging social media platforms. Training will be provided on the specific membership and volunteer database programs in use.Communication: Strong written and verbal skills for recruiting and engaging members, resolving concerns, and promoting benefits. Event Coordination: Experience organizing events to attract and retain members. Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategies for member recruitment, satisfaction, and retention. Collaboration: Teamwork skills to align efforts with other committees and organizational goals. Organizational Skills: Efficient time management to balance recruitment, event planning, and communications. Passion and Reliability: Genuine enthusiasm for the Society’s mission and consistent follow-through on commitments.

Training:

As a Membership volunteer you'll receive training by staff and other volunteers to succeed in your role.

Orientation: Learn about our mission, goals, and membership program. Database Basics: Get hands-on experience with our membership management system. Communication Skills: Tips for effective outreach, recruitment, and member engagement. Event Planning: Guidance on organizing events and activities. Member Support: Training to address member concerns and enhance satisfaction. Collaboration: Work closely with other teams and committees. Ongoing Learning: Access additional resources and mentorship for continued growth. J

Schedule: Volunteers will generally make their own schedule, and spend 4-10 hours per month. Attendance at monthly board meetings is encouraged.

Qualifications: None
For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327,  Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

Maintenance as needed on existing bluebird trails, or installing new trails. Includes replacing or adding boxes, predator guards and/or posts. This will often be done by the trail monitors, but larger efforts may involve teams.

For more information please contact Gene Groshon at gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov or Mary Hollinger, canoe2@comcast.net   

The Calvert Nature Society Board of Directors are elected yearly by the Society membership. 

This Opportunity is for current Directors to track their hours.

For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327 Ext. 16,  Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

Calvert Steward volunteers work as a team to arrange for transportation of injured wildlife to licensed wildlife rehabilitators.

The Battle Creek Nature Center receives many calls from members of the public who want to help rescue wildlife, but are unable to transport the animal. Volunteer transporters provide a vital, life-saving action to both the Center and the community by facilitating the rescue/transport of wild animals. 

If a citizen calls and needs transporting assistance, the Program Managers will determine the best course of action for the animal in need. 

If rescue/transport is needed, several volunteer transporters will be notified to assist with transportation.  Transporters are always free to tell a caller that they are unavailable, knowing that the caller has been given other transporter numbers.

Requirements: Transporters must have a valid driver’s license and be willing to drive contained, injured or orphaned wild animals to/from the Center in their own vehicle. 

Availability: Transporters are on-call from approximately 7 am-7 pm, including weekends.

For more information please contact Gene Groshon at Gene.Groshon@calvertcountymd.gov or Mary Hollinger at canoe2@comcast.net

Scheduling & Reporting Hours: Volunteers are asked to spend time counting birds within assigned regions and report the data to the coordinator at the end of the day. Count areas are assigned by the coordinator. There is usually a post count gathering the evening of the count to tally the results.  

Examples of Bird Surveys include:

Breeding Bird Atlas: A five-year survey of the breeding birds of Maryland and Washington, DC.  Birders are assigned very specific areas to search for all nesting species. Nesting behavior such as bringing material or food to a possible nest, or observing fledglings ready to fly, must be observed and recorded.   Christmas Counts: Each winter, volunteers from all over the U.S. conduct bird counts for the National Audubon Society. Now more than 100 years running, the Count provides important data on the long term trends of bird populations in our area.  Calvert County participates in 2 of these Counts. The Jug Bay circle encompasses the northern third of the County and the Patuxent River Count extends into the southern third. Count dates usually occur the third Sunday of December and the Sunday following Christmas respectively.

Contact Gene Groshon at gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov for additional information or to participate. 

Spring Warbler Id Charts. From Cornell Lab

 

Calvert Stewards assist the Naturalists in capturing, banding and releasing hawks and falcons.

The project occurs December through March and is weather dependent.

** In order to participate on a banding day volunteers must complete the Identification Qualification for Raptor Road Survey opportunity and conduct 3 Raptor Road Surveys **

 

Gene will email volunteers with enough surveys completed about upcoming dates. 

Volunteers will travel in a county van to locations throughout Calvert County to band and measure raptors.

For more information:
Gene Groshon
410-535-5327
Gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov

 

There is a steady need for new and replacement bluebird boxes on our trails. We will provide the instructions and building materials, you provide the construction using your skills and tools, and done on your own schedule.  Tools required: table saw, drill, screw drivers

 

For more information please contact Gene Groshon at Gene.Groshon@calvertcountymd.gov 

To keep predators at bay, especially snakes, racoons, etc, we use metal cones attached to the posts. These cones are cut from metal sheets and riveted into cone shapes. with a 4" center to slide over the posts. We provide the instructions and materials. The volunteer creates the cones using their own skills and tools, and on their own schedule.

 

For more information please contact Gene Groshon at gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov

Help us document the distribution and abundance of plants, animals, fungi and other species found throughout Calvert County 

Use iNaturalist to photograph and map your observations in a few easy steps.

You can also help verify other people's observations to improve our data quality, come to a scheduled iNaturalist survey, or even hold your own event. You can also explore on your own.

Spread the word—it's a big area! 

 For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327 Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

ANIMAL CARE TRAINING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED WHILE WE RELOCATE OUR ANIMAL COLLECTION FROM FLAG PONDS NATURE PARK TO THE BATTLE CREEK CYPRESS SWAMP NATURE CENTER. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN BEING TRAINED FOR ANIMAL CARE IN THE FUTURE, PLEASE EMAIL KIM CURREN (Kimberly.Curren@calvertcountymd.gov) AND SHE WILL NOTIFY YOU WHEN WE ARE READY TO BEGIN TRAININGS AGAIN.

Adults and children ages 13 and up.  (under 18 with adult)We are always looking for an extra hand to take care of our captive live animals. As you assist staff in routine responsibilities, you will learn how to clean cages, feed the animals and handle some of them. Once volunteers have demonstrated their skills and abilities they can be scheduled to complete these tasks independently.

PLEASE CONTACT Kimberly Curren  at Kimberly.Curren@calvertcountymd.gov TO SCHEDULE A TRAINING.

Email: Kimberly.Curren@calvertcountymd.gov

Naturalist in charge: Kimberly Curren

Location: **Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Nature Center (when training resumes)

This opportunity is suitable for an organized group (ex: scout, church, school group, etc.) looking to perform a service project in the park. The project is removing old boardwalk along the Cocktown Creek trail and replacing it with a slightly elevated walkway. A total of approximately 110 feet of boardwalk needs to be constructed. This project can be divided into smaller projects as needed.

Duties include:

Fundraising as needed for tools and supplies (park may provide some support) Removing old boardwalk Building new boardwalk following park-provided specifications

Schedule: Interested group should contact Park Manager for a site visit and to schedule desired workday.

Materials and Equipment: Group will be responsible for acquiring building materials and tools. Volunteers should bring work gloves, water bottles, long pants, closed toe shoes, and lunch/snacks as needed.
Note: Park may provide some of the needed lumber.

Special Skills: Most work will be performed outside under varying weather conditions. Frequent exposure to weather and temperature extremes, noise, dust, and dirt should be expected. Work performed requires the exertion of moderate to heavy physical effort and may involve lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Work also includes: Exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitos, snakes, spiders and other wildlife.

For any additional information, please contact Jenny Yoder at jennifer.yoder@calvertcountymd.gov

Description:  This opportunity is suitable for an organized group (ex: scout, church, school group, etc.) looking to perform a service project in the park. The project is removing old boardwalk along the Fisherman's trail and replacing it with ADA accessible boardwalk. A total of approximately 420 feet of boardwalk needs to be constructed. This project can be divided into smaller projects as needed. 

Duties include:

Fundraising as needed for tools and supplies (park may provide some support) Removal of old boardwalk Building new boardwalk following park provided specifications

Schedule: Interested group should contact Park Manager for a site visit and to schedule desired work day

Materials and Equipment: Group will be responsible for acquiring building materials and tools. Volunteers should bring work gloves, water bottles, long pants, closed toe shoes, and lunch/snacks as needed.

Special Skills: Most work will be performed outside under varying weather conditions. Frequent exposure to weather and temperature extremes, noise, dust, and dirt should be expected. Work performed requires the exertion of moderate to heavy physical effort and may involve lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Work also includes: exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitos, snakes, spiders and other wildlife.

For any additional information, please contact Brian Bussard at Brian.Bussard@CalvertCountyMD.gov

Description:  This opportunity is suitable for an organized group (ex: scout, church, school group, etc.) looking to perform a service project in the park. The project is building a new boardwalk to create a dry path for visitors on Duncan's Pond Trail. Boardwalk needs to be approximately 60 feet long and 6 feet wide. This project can be divided into smaller projects as needed. 

Duties include:

Fundraising as needed for tools and supplies (park may provide some support) Building new boardwalk following park provided specifications

Schedule: Interested group should contact Park Manager for a site visit and to schedule desired work day

Materials and Equipment: Group will be responsible for acquiring building materials and tools. Volunteers should bring work gloves, water bottles, long pants, closed toe shoes, and lunch/snacks as needed.

Special Skills: Most work will be performed outside under varying weather conditions. Frequent exposure to weather and temperature extremes, noise, dust, and dirt should be expected. Work performed requires the exertion of moderate to heavy physical effort and may involve lifting and moving objects up to 50 pounds.

Work also includes: exposure to poison ivy, ticks, mosquitos, snakes, spiders and other wildlife.

For any additional information, please contact Brian Bussard at Brian.Bussard@CalvertCountyMD.gov

Raptor Identification Qualification

Please respond to this opportunity to take the Raptor Identification Test in order to qualify to participate in the Raptor Road Surveys.

Download the test and email your answers to Gene Groshon gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov 

Once you have emailed the test to Gene he will go over any wrong answers with you and let you know if you qualify to conduct Raptor Road Surveys.  You will recieve the qualification on your Calvert Stewards profile which will allow you to respond to the Raptor Road Surveys opportunity.

Raptor Road Surveys

To assist with the Winter Raptor Research project you will be conducting surveys of raptors along specific driving routes. These surveys will not only help to aid in catching raptors for banding and further research but they will also be useful in estimating population sizes similar to Christmas Bird Counts.

You will be given a guide that includes raptor identification, the specific routes you can cover as well as how to enter your data into eBird. Volunteers will need to set up their own eBird account and provide your own transportation and optics. These surveys will be conducted October through March.

If you have issues downloading the test or have any other questions let me know!

Gene Groshon

Preferred: Gene.groshon@calvertcountymd.gov

410-535-5327

 

The Barn Owl nest boxes need routine maintenance outside of the nesting season. Activities can include trimming vegetation around the nesting area, repairing boxes, or moving or adding boxes.

If you performed maintenance as part of a routine nest box monitoring visit, please respond to the Barn Owl Nest Box Monitoring 

For Further Information Contact: Andy Brown, 3.andrew.brown@gmail.com or

Karen Anderson r_otters1@msn.com

Help us document the distribution and abundance of horseshoe crabs during their annual mating season along the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Calvert County and beyond! 

Use iNaturalist to photograph and map your observations in a few easy steps.

You can also help verify other people's observations to improve our data quality, come to a scheduled horseshoe crab survey, or even hold your own event. You can also explore on your own.

Spread the word—it's a big area! The area includes the entire Chesapeake Bay Shoreline in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. We are really interested in Calvert County sightings, but any observations along the Chesapeake are important.

 For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327 ; Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov

This opportunity is for trained Frog Watch USA volunteers to log their observation hours.

Frog Watch USA is a citizen science program that tracks frog populations throughout the United States. Calvert Nature Society, Calvert County Natural Resources and Calvert Marine Museum have partnered to create the Southern Maryland (and surrounding DMV) Chapter of Frog Watch.

Participants choose a monitoring site, time, and days to listen for frogs that are calling throughout the warmer months. This project asks volunteers to follow specific protocols for participation, and training is required in order to volunteer for Frog Watch opportunities. 

 

Trainings are held at the beginning of each "frog call season" (Typically Feb-March). Be sure to become a "fan" of the amphibian monitoring program to stay up-to-date on future amphibian opportunities and trainings. 

 

SCHEDULE: at the monitor's discretion, and is an ongoing yearly project. Time per visit expected to be 3 hours. 

VOLUNTEER DUTIES
Volunteers will meet at designated locations and complete duties. Tasks include:

Weekly nest monitoring beginning in March through September. Duties Include: Completing provided training on nest box monitoring protocol Driving around the county to different box locations Identifying species nesting in box Counting eggs, hatchlings, fledglings and adults Recording data on a standard data collection form Submitting data to Program Manager at the end of the season Promoting the project and the importance of Eastern Bluebirds to others Building new nest boxes Cleaning and repairing older nest boxes Helping to install boxes at approved locations around the county

SKILLS & ABILITIES: Some walking involved.

TRAINING: New volunteers will meet with the Program Manager or attend a scheduled training.

REQUIREMENTS & EXPECTATIONS
Volunteers may need to:

Hike across wetlands, ponds, creeks and uneven and overgrown terrain to get to box locations Be exposed to ticks, chiggers, mosquitoes, bees/wasps, poison ivy, bad weather, and other wildlife

PROJECT DATES Specific dates for each season will be selected by the program leaders based on weather patterns and regional activities of wood ducks. Updates will be emailed to volunteers who have responded to this opportunity.

For Further Information Contact: Karyn Molines, 410-535-5327 Karyn.Molines@calvertcountymd.gov