New England Aquarium

Spend the afternoon in and on the water helping the Barnstable Shellfish Dept. manage their quahog beds, and learn about their role in keeping our local marine ecosystems clean! Volunteers will harvest clams using rakes and baskets to thin beds, relocate them to other parts of the harbor, and seed new areas. Volunteers will be wading in water, so be prepared with clothes that can get wet, wear close-toed water footwear (Tevas, watershoes, Keens, etc), bring dry clothes for after, a windbreaker or jacket for a boat ride if you'd like, sunblock, and a small lunch/snacks for before and after. As is tradition, the crew will be stopping at Seafood Sam's in Sandwich to enjoy some locally-sourced seafood for lunch! Please note that the start time is our expected start time to begin in Barnstable, so plan your travel accordingly (exact location TBD). Carpool options: A ride to Barnstable may be available on a first-come, first-serve basis, from the Braintree T Station. We can also meet you in Barnstable or the Park & Ride by Exit 14, Rockland (near the Home Depot). Please email the Service Leader for info or to secure a spot. Let us know if you plan on providing your own transportation so we can meet you at the appropriate time.

Massachusetts COASTSWEEP takes place from September through November! Organizations all over the world take part in an annual effort to cleanup coastlines while collecting valuable data on the marine debris we collect. In Massachusetts, this effort is coordinated by the Office of Coastal Zone Management over the course of the fall season. On October 27th, 2018, we are joining a national network of marine conservation organizations to host cleanups #InspiredByWes. Wes is in treatment for childhood cancer, and his mother brought to our attention the story of a boy who's last wish is to inspire people to clean up the ocean to protect the animals that live there. You can learn more by searching for "Wes' Fight Against Neuroblastoma" on Facebook. We were so moved by this simple and selfless request that we'd like to use our events to help fulfill his wish. Cleanups across the country will be taking place on this date, and posting stories and images with the hashtag #InspiredByWes. We hope you can join us in Hull to keep this coastal town free of debris, collect data for Coastsweep, and join volunteers across the nation in fulfilling Wes' wish.

As Boston's second largest unfragmented woodland, Allandale Woods is a crucial component of the city's natural areas inventory. Composed primarily of oaks, maples, and pines, Allandale Woods is one of the few relatively pristine secondary growth oak-hickory forests in the city of Boston. Trails run throughout the site leading to various areas of interest including scenic Rock Pond, an extensive Depression-era stone boundary wall, a cattail marsh, intertwining streams that form the Bussey Brook headwaters, underground springs, an historic spring house, and a certified vernal pool. Woodlands like this are in need of constant care to combat invasive species, maintain trails, and restore impacted native habitats. The Service Corps will be involved in a number of projects, including: -Maintenance on trails, including removal of downed limbs and debris -Invasive species removal -Trail-side pruning -Watering new restoration plants Come prepared for some heavy-duty gardening and trail work!

Volunteers for the Aquarium Lecture Series assist with checking in guests, answer questions, set-up and break down materials, provide general program support, and provide an overall pleasant and inviting atmosphere. You are also welcome to stay to enjoy the lecture! To learn more about the lecture series and to see upcoming speakers, see our website.

Marine Mammal Education Volunteer Recruiting for: Summer 2019 Time commitment: 5 hour training and a commitment of at least 6 three hour shifts by October 1 2019. Summary: Marine Mammal Center Educators are ambassadors, representing the New England Aquarium by engaging visitors of all ages and backgrounds in one on one conversation about our fur seals and sea lions. Don't know a lot about marine mammals or how to talk to visitors? Don't worry! We provide training and mentorship to prepare volunteers with all the fun facts, information and teaching tips needed to become a highly engaging Visitor Educator. Responsibilities: Answer questions from the public, initiate conversations with visitors, and work with fun biofacts. Training is required and available free of charge to volunteers and includes topics such as marine mammal behavior, husbandry, basic biology, conservation and climate change concerns, visitor safety, public speaking skills, and communicating effectively with different age groups. Required Commitment: Attend a training class on Saturday, May 11th or Wednesday, May 15th from 10:00am to 2:00pm Completion of at least 6 three-hour volunteer shifts by October 1, 2019 Qualifications: Must have enthusiasm and interest in meeting and working with a high volume of aquarium visitors daily Willingness to learn about fur seals and sea lions and their exhibit Must be able to communicate effectively in noisy and crowded conditions Must be able to stand for long periods of time Must be comfortable moving up and down stairs throughout the day Must be able to lift and carry 25 pounds Our fur seal and sea lion exhibit is outdoors so volunteers must be comfortable being exposed to all weather conditions. Age Requirements: at least 18 years old.