SCCF volunteers help support each and every program area. From planting mangroves to monitoring sea turtle nests, their dedicated time and effort makes it possible for us to carry out our mission.

On April 8, we got the chance to celebrate and give thanks to our 2024-25 volunteers during our annual Volunteer Appreciation Party, with special recognition given to those who have been with us for 5 or more years. The casual event included appetizers, lunch, remarks from staff and CEO James Evans, and a team-based scavenger hunt around the Bailey Homestead Preserve!

Perhaps no one can speak more to the value of our volunteers than the staff who work with them on a daily basis. Here’s what some of them had to say. 

• “I have deep gratitude for our volunteers, they are always willing to go the extra mile to help us monitor and protect the environment and all the creatures that we share it with.” – Audrey Albrecht, Shorebird Biologist
• “The scale of the projects we have been able to complete with the help of volunteers is unbelievable. Most of what we do is so unique and has to be done by hand, and we are so lucky that the community has stepped up to the challenge every time.” – Kealy Pfau, Coastal Watch Director
• “It would be essentially impossible to complete even just monitoring surveys without our volunteer team. They help us to monitor and conserve wildlife the best that we can and have aided in the growth of our scope of work in areas like research and outreach.” – Jack Brzoza, Sea Turtle Biologist 
• “SCCF is a reflection of the people that volunteer and support the staff. They are willing to give their time, their creativity and ideas, and resources to keep the diversity of wildlife and protect the habitats on the islands.” – Eric Milbrandt, Ph.D., Marine Lab Director
• “They work in hot, buggy conditions and deal with poison ivy, thorns, fire ants, and wasps, and continue to come back each week motivated and ready to work. Their dedication inspires and motivates me, and I look forward to working alongside them each week.” – Emily Harrington, Horticulturist

Interested in volunteering for SCCF? Check out our volunteer opportunities, our voluntourism program, or explore other ways you can support us.