Volunteer Program
Volunteers are needed to help carry out our mission of protecting the birds while avoiding conflicts with humans. As a volunteer you might
- Help erect protective fences and exclosures
- Ensure electric fence is working properly
- Obtain counts of terns and plovers and their nests
- Assist with research
- Provide greater protection to colonies from human disturbance
- Help keep program coordinator and mine operators informed about nesting progress
Help is needed along the Lower Platte, Loup, and Elkhorn rivers in Nebraska from mid May through August. The commitment will range from a single day of setting up fence, to monitoring colonies twice a week. Setting up a fence requires about 3 hours, and the daily monitoring can be accomplished in 30 to 60 minutes. Days and times are flexible to work around your schedule. No experience is necessary- we will train you! All volunteers will receive a t-shirt, hat, and the birds' gratitude.
Volunteer Survey Results 2000 - 2004
From 2000 - 2004, surveys were sent to volunteers asking about their experiences with the Adopt-A-Colony program. Our survey found that 93% of people participating in the program gained a greater appreciation for terns, plovers, and the Platte River ecosystem; 87% noted that they will likely participate in the Adopt-A-Colony program next year; 89% expressed that they were satisfied with their experince; and 85% said that they would recommend the program to a friend.
Some of the comments received on the survey were:
"The staff gave me a better understanding about endangered species."
"My co-workers became interested in what I was doing, so at times I was able to share information on the plight of the terns and plovers. Even in public, when I wore the t-shirt, some people would ask me about the program."
"Thank you for the opportunity to help make a diffence by doing what I enjoy."
All the results from this study can be found in our article, "Volunteers Contribute to Projects and Foster a Supportive Public". The article is being reviewed for publication in the Journal of Extension. If you are interested in seeing the article, it is available here. (52.8 KB pdf)
To sign up to be a volunteer, either
Tern and Plover Conservation Partnership
3310 Holdrege Street
153 Hardin Hall
University of Nebraska
Lincoln, NE 68583-0931.
See volunteers in action!
New! Current Newsletter Spring 2008(pdf)
Archived newsletters (in pdf format)
Fall 2007, Spring 2007, Fall 2006, Spring 2006, Fall 2005, Spring 2005, Fall 2004,
Spring 2004, Fall 2003
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