Critter Catchers help staff lead families and youth groups through hands-on seining programs in local seagrass beds. Critter Catcher volunteers assist with program set-up, seining, critter identification, participant engagement, and general program support. Volunteers should be comfortable getting in the water and interacting with participants of all ages and backgrounds.

General Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older
Completed Critter Catcher Training prior to first shift
Certain programs may require additional clearance or a background check

Sign up for the Critter Catcher Team Here

Do you love talking to people about environmental issues? Do you have a passion for education or community engagement? Join our Coastal Ambassador team!
Coastal Ambassadors assist staff with educating residents, visitors and businesses about key watershed issues. Typical shifts include tabling at community festivals, engaging boaters and anglers at local boat ramps and assist with youth and family education programs across the watershed. No formal educator experience? No problem!
We'll provide the information and techniques needed to be an effective communicator and educator!

Panhandle Manatee Ambassadors

As part of our Coastal Ambassador team, Panhandle Manatee Ambassadors help educate boaters and anglers about manatees in our area and how to be manatee safe while on the water! They share information about the importance of seagrass and how to report manatee sightings through the Dauphin island Sea Lab's Manatee Sighting Network.

General Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older
Completed Panhandle Manatee or Ambassador Training prior to first shift
Certain programs may require additional clearance or a background check

Sign up for the Coastal Ambassador Team Here

Join our Habitat Restoration teams to get your hands dirty and create new habitat! Habitat Restoration Volunteers help staff and partners plant native vegetation, create oyster balls and other reef structures, and install living shorelines.

General Requirements:

Must be 18 years or older
Must be comfortable working in hot, humid conditions both in and out of the water
Able to work in pairs or as a team to lift and move heavy objects

Sign up for the Habitat Restoration Team Here

Join our Clean-Up Crew to assist with creek and shoreline cleanups, litter removal efforts and other projects that reduce human impacts on our environment! Typical shifts may include creek or shoreline clean-ups, litter data collection, or storm/natural disaster remediation days.
Clean Up Crew members may work with staff or partners to remove small and large debris from natural settings, including areas with unimproved access. Clean-ups may take place on foot, in the water, or from small watercraft. Staff will provide all necessary PPE and tools for clean-up activities. Just bring yourself and can-do attitude!

Sign Up For our Clean Up Crew Here

Check out more volunteer opportunities and programs from our partners across the watershed!

Ocean Hour

Ocean Hour hosts weekly coastal cleanups at various locations on a rotating schedule.
For more information visit Ocean Hour's WebsiteOcean Hour’s Website.

Diamondback Terrapin Surveys

Help the Panhandle Terrapin Project track the elusive Diamondback Terrapin at locations across the watershed. Transects are surveyed once a week from April – September and training is provided in March. Some locations may require a paddle craft for access.
Contact Kindall Butler for more information.

Wildlife Sanctuary of Northwest Florida

The Wildlife Sanctuary offers volunteer opportunities for Animal Care and Community Outreach. Volunteers typically need to be 16 years of age or older.
Learn more on their website..

Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge

The Refuge offers volunteer opportunities in a variety of areas including animal rescue, animal care, fundraising, education, and public relations – just to name a few.
Find out more information on their website.

From the Ground Up Community Garden

Get your hands a little dirty as your help tend plants and repair garden areas for this grassroots community garden.
Learn more on their website.