​VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Thank you so much for your interest in volunteering with the American Littoral Society!

Advocacy/Policy
  • Advocacy volunteers are needed to help the Littoral Society care for the coast! Volunteer opportunities can be done in person or remotely by writing letters or testifying to government officials about the issues that are most important to the coast. Volunteering also includes informing your neighbors at community events about what policies are impacting the coast. Key topics we will focus on are protections for horseshoe crabs and other critical species, climate resilience, and smart land/water use policies.
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Eco-Cruise Naturalist
  • If you enjoy being on a boat and observing wildlife, become a volunteer for our Seal and Bird Eco-Cruises on-board Seastreak Ferry in Atlantic Highlands. Volunteers should be comfortable speaking to passengers in large groups and one-on-one, and have some wildlife identification skills (training will be provided). 
Educational Events
  • The Society offers several educational programs to connect people of all ages to the coast. Our Close Encounters with the Coast field trips educate K-12 students about the local coastal environment. Volunteers should be comfortable working outdoors, public speaking and interacting with children, and responsibly handling marine life. Other volunteer opportunities with Education include Sunset Seining and tabling events. 
Fundraising/Special Events
  • Volunteers are needed to make sure the Society’s fundraising/special events run smoothly by helping with preparation, selling merchandise, cleanup, etc. Volunteers should have great communication skills and should expect to interact with event guests and the general public. 
Oyster Reef Monitoring
  • Volunteers are needed to help with various field techniques to monitor our oyster reefs for biodiversity. Accompanied by a Restoration Team member, volunteers will help count, measure, and identify various marine organisms. Volunteers should be comfortable with standing/bending for short periods of time and be prepared to get wet (waders can be provided). We are asking for availability on weekdays between the months of August-November. Space is limited.
Oyster Shell Recycling
  • The Society recycles oyster shells from local restaurants and returns them to the water by building oyster reefs and living shorelines. Volunteers are needed to pick up shells from local restaurants and bring them to Sandy Hook where they will be prepared for going back into the water. Volunteers should have access to a personal vehicle, be able to lift 45 lbs, and be comfortable getting a little dirty. 
Rain Garden Maintenance
  • Rain gardens are a type of green infrastructure that help relieve an area of flooding and control stormwater runoff. The Society needs volunteers to help maintain our rain gardens in Bridgeton and Vineland, New Jersey. The maintenance work involves weeding the gardens and coordinating with staff for specific maintenance needs, like additional support or supplies.