Volunteer

There are many roles for both trained and untrained volunteers at the Vancouver Avian Research Centre and getting involved is simple. All you need is enthusiasm, some time and a willingness to learn and work with others.

Trained Volunteers

The Vancouver Avian Research Centre (VARC) has developed a structured, graduated training program for volunteers who want to assist at the banding station.

Our Bird Monitoring and Banding Workshops and Bird Identification Workshops provide the technical foundations for volunteers wishing to assist with the banding program or weekly bird census.

For those wishing to handle birds at the banding station VARC has developed a graduated Volunteer Level Assessment training program which includes net extraction training and ongoing development of ageing and sexing skills.

The purpose of the training program is to ensure that all visitors and volunteers are fully trained and evaluated before handling birds and that the welfare of the birds is always the top priority.

Any visitors or volunteers who wish to help at the banding station should consult the Volunteer Levels Assessment document below in addition to the Banding Station Protocol.

Volunteer Levels Assessment

Banding Station Protocol

Untrained Volunteers

There are a variety of tasks that require the support of dedicated volunteers that don't require any special skills or knowledge.

• Each spring and fall VARC needs able bodied volunteers to help clear net lanes in preparation for migration banding.

• Some people help by regularly filling the feeders and traps during the winter banding program.

• Others help by clearing and maintaining net lanes throughout the year

• People with carpentry skills are particularly welcome as we evolve the sites adding boardwalks and basic infrastructure.

• Capable birders are always needed to report bird sightings to the Centre's database

• Photographers are always welcome in order to help us build our photographic library for both education and research projects.

• Others simply provide moral support and coffee and tea!

If volunteering interests you please complete the volunteer sign-up sheet below indicating the areas you are interested in helping in.

Volunteer sign up form

Volunteer Schedule

This can be emailed or faxed back to us or simply call to discuss volunteer opportunities in more detail.