RESOLVE TO GET INVOLVED AT REFUGE in 2015!

                A Visitor Center Volunteer Orientation is set for Sunday afternoon, January 25 at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, from 2 – 4 pm and will be an opportunity to learn more about volunteering in the Visitor Center.   Visitor Center volunteers greet visitors, hand out literature and answer questions about the Refuge, book tram reservations and make gift shop sales using a computer sales system.  Volunteers work one or more shifts each month – 9 am – 12:30 pm and/or 12:30 – 4 pm, Monday through Saturday, and 1 - 5 pm Sundays.  The schedule is flexible, and couples may work together.  Training is provided and extensive reference materials and support are available to volunteers.  Volunteers must be 18, or 16 if accompanied by a parent/volunteer.

Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, located at 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, offers a number of other volunteer opportunities, including the following:

 Nature Walk Leaders – lead small groups on guided walk on one of the Refuge trails.  Need good general knowledge of birds, other wildlife, as well as plants at Hagerman NWR.  Join on our call team for school and other group visits by adults or youngsters, volunteers may be needed weekdays or weekends, so you can specify when you could be available.

 Youth Program Assistant – join the Youth FIRST team!  Programs are for ages 4 -7 and 8 – 12, on the first Saturday of each month.  Sign up to attend the next team meeting and you can choose to read a story, lead a game or a craft for one or more sessions, or just provide general help!  Must be 16.

 Nest Box Monitor – Nest box trails at Refuge are monitored weekly, March through August; schedule depends on how many teams we have for the season; generally a team of 2 -3 monitors once each month, plus work days at the beginning and end of each season.  Number of volunteers needed is limited. Must be available on a Thursday or Friday, have completed safe driving course, and able to record data accurately. Age 18 or older.

 Gardener – work in the new Butterfly Garden at the Refuge; this spring we will be adding new plants, weeding and mulching.  Join team that is on call for workdays, both weekdays and weekends.  Volunteers provide own hand tools and gloves.  Minimum age 18, or 16 if accompanied by parent/volunteer.

 Tram Tour Driver/Guides - Drive all electric open air tram on 4 mile tour route (1.5 hours) at Hagerman NWR; must have safe driving record, complete approved driver safety program and be knowledgeable about wildlife and willing to learn Refuge history and operations to share with visitors on tour.  Drive one or more times monthly, Wednesday at 10 am, Sundays at 2 pm; Saturdays either 10 am or 2 pm, depending on season.   Tours go, weather permitting.

 Tram Maintenance - need individual, minimum age 18, or 16 if accompanied by parent/volunteer, or team to service twelve 6-volt batteries twice monthly; maintain water level and keep terminals clean and  terminal connections tight.  Choose your own schedule for this volunteer service.

 For more information or to volunteer, call the Refuge, 903 786 2826 or send us a comment.