The work of the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS) wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of hundreds of volunteers, 70 of whom visited the Center’s Hiebert Marine Lab on Thursday, May 16, for the annual Volunteer Conference.
It was an opportunity to learn more about the work being done at CCS and to mix with staff and fellow volunteers over lunch. It was also a chance for the Center to express its appreciation for the efforts of our volunteers.
The work of volunteers ranges from staffing the kiosk at MacMillan Pier or collecting water samples to monitoring eel grass or serving on the “Beach Brigade,” and much, much, more. Many of the volunteers said that the chance to work outdoors was one of the many things that attracted them to volunteering at the Center.
For the past ten years, Nick Picariello and Barbara Brennessel, of Wellfleet, have used their boat to bring CCS researchers out onto Wellfleet Harbor. They also “pick,” that is, they sift through sediment from bottom grabs looking for small invertebrates, and do eel grass research. They said the main attraction of volunteering at CCS is being outdoors in the marine environment.
“We think there are important issues we’re helping with, and we enjoy it. We get a lot out of it,” said Nick.
“And we learn a lot,” added Barbara.
Volunteer Jan Spence, of Plymouth, does water testing in Plymouth Harbor. “I like to be outside, but more importantly, I like to help organizations … and make sure our water is good for people to use,” she explained.
Valerie Fein-Zachary, of Truro, has volunteered with the Beach Brigade for two years. “I love the seashore and how beautiful it is and I want to keep it that way!” she said.
It’s important that CCS volunteers have a good understanding of the full range of the work done by the Center, as they often engage with the public. Throughout the morning, scientists and staff made presentations on the research and rescue work they do.
Lisa Sette, Manager of the Seal Research Program, described her seal research; Amy James, Research Associate with the Right Whale Ecology Program, presented “Birds-eye View,” an overview of the Center’s aerial whale surveys; Owen Nichols, Director of the Marine Fisheries Research Program, described how he and his staff are collaborating with commercial fishermen on a number of projects; Sophia Feuerhake, Freshwater Science Coordinator of the Association to Preserve Cape Cod, gave a talk on efforts to monitor the many freshwater ponds on the Cape; Bryan Legare, Manager of the Shark Ecology Program, gave a presentation on the fine-scale movements of white sharks in Cape Cod’s coastal waters, and finally Paulette Durazo, Research and Rescue Assistant for the Marine Animal Entanglement Response Team, spoke about the Center’s entanglement response efforts.
There are currently 118 active volunteers at CCS, with many more who participate occasionally. They are supervised by Volunteer Coordinator and Retail Manager Jenn McFarland, and Research Assistant Jenny Burkhardt of the Water Quality Monitoring Program, who coordinates about 20 volunteers who collect water samples. Both Jenns organized the conference.
“I am so grateful for all of our volunteers, whether they give an hour a year or 100 hours a month, they all support the CCS and believe in our organization. We could not do what we do without their support. Our volunteers are vital to the Center for Coastal Studies,” said Jenn McFarland.
Like many, Marjorie Kehne, of Provincetown, is actively involved in many volunteer activities at the Center, and motivated by the importance of protecting the environment. Her volunteer work includes helping at the kiosk and taking water samples on Pilgrim Lake. “I think the work the Center is doing is important and will have a huge impact beyond Provincetown,” she explained.
Roni King, of Dennis, also helps in the kiosk. “I’ve always been impressed by [the Center’s] interest in marine mammals and the coastal environment. I understand how important that is. What impresses me is [the Center’s] depth of research in everything coastal.”
Volunteering is also a chance for people to apply special skills they have. Gregg Almquist, of Provincetown, helps at the kiosk but also assists with web design and digital analytics. “When I moved here, I learned about the wonderful work the Center is doing to protect marine life and I decided to support them in any way I could,” he said.
Those interested in volunteering at the Center for Coastal Studies should go to coastalstudies.org/get-involved/volunteers/ to look at current opportunities, or email volunteer@coastalstudies.org.
Photo above: Lisa Sette, Manager of the Seal Research Program, describes her seal research.
70 volunteers filled the Hiebert Marine Lab on Thursday to learn more about research at CCS
Volunteers Mary Grace Keating and Brian Schneider.
Volunteers Debi Sanders and Laurie Appleby.