Habitat Restoration-Native Plant Nursery

The South Texas Refuge Complex Habitat Restoration program is seeking resident volunteers to assist with forest restoration projects for the 2020-2021 season. The Habitat Restoration Program annually produces over 250,000 native tree and shrub seedlings and, through combined efforts of USFWS staff, volunteers, students, and partners, restores the native thornforests of south Texas. The program focuses on plant production and seed collection from April through September. Outplanting of the seedlings on Refuge lands occurs from October through March.

Volunteer duties will primarily include preparing tree and shrub seedlings for outplanting, watering seedlings, transporting plants and supplies to field sites, and assisting with field operations. Work will be conducted in both an outdoor plant nursery setting and remote field sites. Other duties will include assisting in general maintenance of the nursery facilities, including vegetation maintenance and light carpentry projects.

Volunteers will have regular interactions with USFWS staff, interns, volunteer groups, local volunteers, and school groups.

The Refuge offers amenities such as full RV hook-ups and access to laundry facilities in exchange for 24 hours – 32 hours per person, per week.

Resident Volunteer applicants with current USFWS certification, including Ag Tractor, ORUV, chainsaw, and/or Defensive Driving are preferred.

Multiple volunteer opportunities are available within the Habitat Restoration Program, including position openings for April-June, July-September, and October-December timeframes, opportunities for groups and local volunteers, and volunteer workdays. For further information, please contact Kimberly Wahl at [email protected].

Housing & Amenities

Type: Trailer/RV Pads

Description: Full RV hook-ups in exchange for 24 – 32 hours per person/per week. Laundry facilities are available.