Volunteering and Participatory Science

New Hampshire Audubon encourages and appreciates the efforts of volunteer partnerships in all pillars of our organization. Volunteers at NH Audubon work alongside staff to help fulfill our mission by furthering conservation efforts and engaging the community. Volunteers serve important functions in our statewide offices in Concord, three program centers, our 40 sanctuaries, and locations across the state: monitoring wildlife populations, creating viable natural habitat, educating constituents, advocating for sound environmental policies, maintaining natural lands, and community outreach inspiring future stewards. NH Audubon also has dedicated chapters throughout the state run completely by volunteers.

Join our team!

Due to the seasonal nature of our work, volunteer opportunities may only be available during short periods of the year. Please check this webpage often for new or current availability as volunteer positions will be posted or re-opened below as the need arises. For questions about volunteering with us, please contact our volunteer office. Thank you for your interest in supporting NH Audubon through our volunteer program.

Already part of the team?

Log your hours through our easy-to-use web portal to ensure your valuable contributions are documented. We greatly appreciate your time and want to recognize your efforts. We simply couldn’t achieve our charitable mission without you.

Participatory Science

In addition to the long-term, regular volunteering opportunities listed below, NH Audubon also offers more flexible opportunities in the form of Participatory Science projects. Also known as Citizen Science or Community Science, these projects offer volunteers the chance to engage in hands-on field experiences of data collecting and conservation work. Some offerings are held on specific dates as outlined in the descriptions, and others are available seasonally for the volunteer to self-schedule.

Backyard Winter Bird Survey

Participate in this Participatory Science opportunity by monitoring and recording bird species on your property every winter to inform distribution and abundance of populations. Ability to identify birds is helpful; only those birds that can be confidently identified to species level should be counted. This survey takes place the second week of February each year. Contact Becky Suomala at bwbs@nhaudubon.org to be added to the mailing list or visit this webpage for additional information.

Capital Area Butterfly Survey

The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) has run the Butterfly Count Program in the United States, Canada, and Mexico since 1993. Each of the approximately 450 annual counts consist of a compilation of all butterflies observed at sites within a 15-mile diameter count circle in a one-day period. Reports published annually provide a tremendous amount of information about the geographical distribution and relative population sizes of the species counted. Comparisons of the results across years can be used to monitor changes in butterfly populations and study the effects of habitat loss, climate change and pesticides on North American butterflies.

NH Audubon has coordinated the Capital Area Butterfly Survey as a part of the NABA butterfly monitoring efforts since 2021. To participate, join NH Audubon the last weekend in July for the annual Capital Area Butterfly Circle Count, where you will be assigned a team and visit three local sites within a 15-mile radius in the Concord area to locate, count, and record butterfly species. There is no prior experience required, but basic butterfly identification is helpful. Volunteer training is also offered annually. This survey may involve walking through meadows, fields, walkways, or uneven terrain. Visit our events calendar for this year’s count and training dates or email Lindsay Herlihy for more information.

New Hampshire eBird

This project is a collaborative effort managed by NH Audubon that helps inform bird research. Volunteers can support these efforts by reporting bird sightings throughout the state and year, and uploading them to the centralized eBird database. Bird identification skills are necessary as only identified sightings should be recorded. To record sightings, visit NH eBird. For questions, email Becky Suomala.

Visit this page for more information.

NH Butterfly Monitoring

The NH Butterfly Monitoring Network is a collaborative effort to engage volunteers in counting and identifying butterflies across New Hampshire. Data collected by volunteers can contribute to our understanding of long-term trends in butterfly populations and inform conservation actions for both common and declining species.

To participate, photograph butterflies, caterpillars, pupae, and/or eggs from anywhere in New Hampshire and submit your observations to the NH Butterfly Monitoring Network on iNaturalist. Basic knowledge of butterfly species is helpful, but the iNaturalist community will assist in identification if you submit an image with uncertain ID. The only skills necessary are taking clear photographs and uploading images to iNaturalist

NH Audubon McLane Center Pollinator Habitat

Report sightings of wildlife and plant species from the McLane Center’s pollinator gardens and meadow any time of year via iNaturalist. Basic knowledge of insects, plants and birds is helpful, but the iNaturalist community will assist in identification if unknown. The only skills necessary are taking clear photographs and uploading. Visit the pollinator garden webpage on iNaturalist for additional information.

Mountain Birdwatch (Vermont Center for Ecostudies Project)

This is a Vermont Center for Ecostudies project to survey for Bicknell’s Thrush. This project takes place during June in the White Mountains and Northern New Hampshire. Participation requires one morning per route and typically overnight camping. Ability to identify high elevation birds by sight and sound, use specific protocol, and possess good physical condition are a must. Visit the project webpage for additional information.

Hawk Watch (The Harris Center Project)

This project studies raptors as an indicator of environmental health. There are opportunities to participate as a Counter, in which you will record migrant raptors and can work alongside skilled observers. There is also the opportunity for Educators who focus on outreach and support Harris Center Staff. This project runs from September to mid-November at the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory in Peterborough. Ideal participants should have some familiarity with raptors and ability to identify flying raptors during migration, along with a willingness to learn and an ability to comply with instructions. Email project coordinator Phil Brown for more information.

Conservation

NH Audubon’s Conservation Department uses science to inform decisions and actions. The range of projects is varied, and funded by grants, contracts, and private donations. Volunteer positions in our Conservation Department will work alongside our Wildlife Biologists to accomplish these projects, from enhancing pollinator habitat in Concord to monitoring wildlife populations in Coos County. There are position opportunities both in the field and in our offices within this department.

For more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact the volunteer office or go directly to our online volunteer application.

McLane Center Garden Assistant

This volunteer role involves engaging in hands-on conservation efforts of native plant and wildlife species in our pollinator garden at the McLane Center in Concord. Volunteers will be onsite spring through fall to plant, weed, water, transplant, and mulch species to support our native pollinators and beyond. The team meets in the gardens on Monday and Thursday mornings. There may also be opportunities to work on special projects during the winter months, if interested. Training will be provided onsite by an established project mentor. The only necessary qualification is an interest in learning and being a part of a great team.

McLane Center Pollinator Habitat Interpretation Specialist

This volunteer role will work to support the McLane Pollinator Garden in Concord, providing regularly updated education to visitors about our native plants and wildlife that may visit the gardens throughout the season. Candidates for this role must have some knowledge of native plants and pollinators within the state of New Hampshire and should have the ability to photograph plants and wildlife to be used on kiosks and boards around the center. This role will be both onsite one weekday morning and remote on a flexible schedule. Expect to spend a few hours a week working in this position. All training will be provided, both in person and virtually.

Manchester Pocket Pollinator Garden Docent

Do you have a passion for directly supporting wildlife in urban areas? Apply to join our Pocket Pollinator Garden Club volunteer team, where you will be helping to manage and maintain one of the newly installed pocket pollinator gardens in Manchester. Through planting, watering, weeding, and sharing your enthusiasm for this conservation effort, you will help pollinators and other wildlife thrive. This is a once per week commitment, and after orientation and training is mostly self-directed. The Club also has monthly Zoom meetings to discuss current space needs and future projects, which you are encouraged to attend. Please email volunteers@nhaudubon.org with questions or go directly to our online volunteer application.

Massabesic Center Bat Monitor

This volunteer role supports conservation efforts in our state through NH Audubon and NH Fish & Game. Volunteers will work with the Massabesic Center Director to monitor evening bat roosts of maternity colonies at the sanctuary from May through July. All surveys must be conducted around dusk, but dates are flexible. Training will be provided online and possibly onsite. Candidates must have the ability to withstand outdoor conditions, including biting/stinging insects and must observe all provided safety protocols. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to participate in the surveys.

Massabesic Center Bluebird Monitor (not currently available)

This volunteer role supports conservation efforts in our state by monitoring recovery efforts of Eastern Bluebird populations. Volunteers will work with the Massabesic Center volunteer leaders to monitor zones from April to August. Due to the sensitivity of bluebird habitat, all individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a monitor and no individuals under 16 are permitted in the survey areas. Volunteers must have the ability to withstand outdoor conditions including poison ivy and stinging/biting insects. Training is done onsite in March or April and all materials will be provided.

Massabesic Center Garden Assistant

This volunteer role offers the opportunity for experienced gardeners willing to give consistent and elevated time to engage in hands-on conservation. Through the care and maintenance of our Massabesic Center’s gardens in Auburn NH, volunteers will participate in regular garden meetings, help collaborate in projects and resolve garden challenges, and engage in communications via Google Teams and email with other team members. The ideal candidate will be available onsite a minimum of two days per month from spring through fall to help water, weed, trim, rake, install, divide, transplant, mulch, compost, harvest, and more, to support native wildlife. Group workdays are typically on Thursdays or Saturdays, but some schedule flexibility exists. There are frequent opportunities to move into leadership roles of the gardens, helping to rehabilitate garden spaces and create new spaces by mentoring and guiding assigned volunteer team members. Previous gardening experience is preferred, but training will be provided to new gardeners willing to commit to a consistent schedule.

Monarch Tagging Project Assistant

This volunteer position helps supports the ongoing conservation efforts of migrating Monarch butterflies through nano tagging. Volunteers will be trained to locate, pursue, net and tag migrating Monarchs. Tagging will occur on a date in September dependent on weather conditions. Candidates should be in physical condition suitable for quick movement over uneven or rugged terrain to net the Monarchs. Experience netting or handling butterflies is a plus but is not required. The need for 2026 will be primarily in the Seacoast area of the state, but there may be a couple of openings in the Concord area as well.

Project Nighthawk

The Common Nighthawk is a state-endangered species that continues to decline for unknown reasons. Since 2007, Project Nighthawk staff and volunteers have been monitoring nighthawks breeding in New Hampshire every year from May through August. Participating in the project involves monitoring and recording nighthawk presence and behavior at designated sites throughout the state, with a particular focus on the city of Concord and the Ossipee Pine Barrens. Participants should have the ability to use binoculars, identify Common Nighthawks, and accurately record observations in the field. Please email Lindsay Herlihy for more information.

Northern Harrier Field Monitor

This position will support the ongoing recovery efforts for Northern Harrier populations in the State of New Hampshire by documenting Northern Harriers at potential breeding areas, primarily in Coos County from May – August. There is flexibility available in site visits and duration. Volunteers should be comfortable using binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras, and be able to identify Northern Harriers and other raptors. Some field experience is preferred. Onboarded volunteers will train with an established project mentor until they are comfortable conducting surveys independently.

Education

We reach over 40,000 youth and adults annually through environmental education programs at our nature centers and other locations such as schools and libraries. We also offer summer and vacation camps based on a wide age range that offer outdoor experiences of the natural world. Volunteers in our Education Department will collaborate with our Education Coordinators to further the goal of educational outreach through programming and our Animal Ambassadors. Possible positions include animal care, annual camp curriculum, and assistants who prepare, organize, and support both center based and offsite programs.

For more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact the volunteer office or go directly to our online volunteer application.

NH Audubon Camp Program Attendant

This volunteer position will support the Education Department of NH Audubon through work in the Nature Day Camp program. Our vacation camps (February and April) are of highest need and all camps take place at both the McLane Center in Concord and the Massabesic Center in Auburn. This candidate will support our campers’ behavior during activities and transitioning between spaces while another adult leads and teaches. Some experience working with children is necessary. Candidate must be willing to employ the “curiosity-first/influence-before-control” behavior management method, which can be discussed and learned during training. Must submit to and pass a criminal background check.

NH Audubon Bird Outing Assistant

This volunteer position will support NH Audubon’s educational outreach efforts through community birding. The Bird Outing Assistant position provides the opportunity for flexible levels of responsibility. At a minimum, the Assistant should communicate with the Lead to keep the group together and alert to any safety concerns, as well as provide assistance to any attendees with mobility limitations. Ideally, the Assistant will communicate informally with the attendees, making introductions among guests as well as staff or volunteers, provide supplemental naturalist information to the group, and generally ensure comfort and a sense of welcoming among attendants. Candidate must commit to leading at least one outing per season, but the opportunity to take on multiple outings per season is available. This position involves travel to the McLane Center in Concord, the Massabesic Center in Auburn, or an offsite location that is familiar or convenient to the Lead. Must submit to and pass a criminal background check.

NH Audubon Reptile, Amphibian, and Bird Care Assistant

This volunteer position will support the Education Department of NH Audubon through care of our animal ambassadors. This role primarily involves cleaning the animal enclosures and other adjacent animal care spaces (food prep areas, etc.) but will progress to food preparation and feeding responsibilities. Depending on the individual, training may be undertaken to handle the animals. Shifts range from 2 – 4 hours depending on daily care needs. Candidates must have some animal care experience, must be willing to train through each stage of the position regardless of level of animal care experience, must be committed to keeping detailed records and communicating clearly verbally and in writing, and must be trustworthy and able to reliably complete duties independently after training. Must submit to and pass a criminal background check. Please note, this position does not include direct veterinary care or opportunities for veterinary experience.

NH Audubon Camp Program Activity Leader

This volunteer position will support the Education Department of NH Audubon through work in the Nature Day Camp program. Our vacation camps (February and April) are of highest need and all camps take place at both the McLane Center in Concord and the Massabesic Center in Auburn. This candidate must have experience teaching, instructing, and/or facilitating nature-related topics. A volunteer who is already an Attendant can be trained into this role, if desired. This position reports to the Camp Programs Manager. Must submit to and pass a criminal background check.

NH Audubon Bird Outing Lead

This volunteer position will support NH Audubon’s educational outreach efforts through community birding. The Bird Outing Lead will be responsible for group facilitation and safety, delivering NH Audubon’s mission information, timing, and event flow. The candidate must have experience with teaching, instruction, and/or facilitation of nature-related topics. It is recommended that a new volunteer act as the Bird Outing Assistant for another Lead at least once prior to taking on this role. This is also an opportunity that a Bird Outing Assistant can train for once comfortable in their role. Candidate must commit to leading at least one outing per season, but the opportunity to take on multiple outings per season is available. This position involves travel to the McLane Center in Concord, the Massabesic Center in Auburn, or an offsite location that is familiar or convenient to the Lead. Must submit to and pass a criminal background check.

NH Audubon Education Assistant (not currently available)

This volunteer position will support the Education Department of NH Audubon through outreach and environmental education. Volunteers will have the opportunity to assist with school or onsite programs, and possibly adult educational offerings such as nature walks. Responsibilities may include organizing materials, setting up presentations, assisting with animal ambassadors, and leading programs. Onsite training is provided for this role, but some educational background is a plus. Schedules can be flexible but some on-call availability if preferred.

Brockway Wee Explorers Program Assistant (not currently available)

This volunteer position will help support NH Audubon’s environment education initiatives through the Brockway Wee Explorers program series. This endowment-funded series is composed of 45-minute programs about nature, ecology, and seasons, and is geared towards 3–5-year-olds and their caregivers. Programs take place at the John Brockway Nature Preserve in Hopkinton, NH. Volunteers will have the ability to assist with educational programming in lesson planning, gathering materials, and assisting with programs. Training prior to programs will be provided for this role, but previous experience of working with young children is a plus. Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills are a necessity. Volunteer should be available twice monthly for at least one hour to cover program time and must submit to and pass a criminal background check.

Lands and Sanctuaries

NH Audubon owns and manages 40 wildlife sanctuaries throughout all 10 counties of New Hampshire. These lands, covering over 8,000 acres in all of important wildlife habitat, provide opportunities for recreation, wildlife watching, education, and reflective experiences. Through habitat management, research, education, and continued land protection we are working to ensure that New Hampshire’s wildlife and natural heritage is protected for us all. Our Lands Department extends throughout the State of New Hampshire and volunteers in this area have opportunities to engage in a range of activities. Our Lands volunteers fill roles of monitoring and maintaining our wildlife sanctuaries as well as performing maintenance and repairs at our centers and surrounding grounds.

For more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact the volunteer office or go directly to our online volunteer application.

Massabesic Center Grounds Crew

This volunteer role supports the management and stewardship of NH Audubon Wildlife Sanctuaries by helping to maintain the property of our Massabesic Center in Auburn, NH. We are seeking experienced candidates to mow, weed whack, and rake in and around parking areas, gardens, fields, trails, and around the nature center. Mowers and tools are provided. The ideal candidate can work independently, have a flexible schedule to accommodate 2 half days per month between April and October, have experience working in outdoor conditions, and the ability to communicate via email. Must be able to meet with the Center Director for in-person interview. Orientation and schedule coordination with the current team will be provided.

Massabesic Center Building Assistant (not currently available)

This volunteer role is located at the Massabesic Center in Auburn, NH, and involves a flexible schedule with the opportunity to engage in a wide range of projects, involving but not limited to: carpentry projects such as outdoor kiosk or picnic table maintenance, inside modifications of shelves, etc.; painting indoor areas of the center; project assistance such as woodcarving of native fauna for center decor; and event assistance such as helping to carry materials, assist attendees with woodworking projects, etc. This volunteer should have the ability to assist a couple of times per month throughout the year and be able to lift up to 25 lbs. Orientation and schedule coordination will be provided and this role works directly with the Massabesic Center Director.

Membership and Development

NH Audubon is a member-based statewide organization and is separate from National Audubon. We achieve so much not just with the help of our volunteers, but also our Membership & Development Department that engages our members and the community, accepts donations, and submits for grants. Volunteers working in this area will have the opportunity to support these efforts through events and other community outreach, as well as assisting with new member material and other administrative functions.

For more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact the volunteer office or go directly to our online volunteer application.

Community Events Assistant (not currently available)

This volunteer position supports NH Audubon through community engagement, welcoming individuals and educating them about our work. New Hampshire Audubon presents three major community outreach events each year and participates in offsite events throughout the state, particularly in the Spring and Summer. There are opportunities for event preparation work, logistical support, and interactive public positions in the form of mission advocacy and education. We are seeking multiple volunteers to take on responsibilities that work with their schedule, ranging from single events to recurring assistance. This volunteer position will report to the Community Outreach Coordinator.

Operations

The NH Audubon Operations Department oversees and manages our Nature Stores, front desks, and event rentals. Volunteers in this department may have an opportunity to greet visitors to our centers and welcome them to our grounds, assist store visitors, and other projects.

For more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact the volunteer office or go directly to our online volunteer application.

Massabesic Holiday Wreath Fundraiser

This volunteer role supports the Massabesic Audubon Center in its fundraising efforts and in educating the public about native plant materials. We are seeking volunteers to both provide event preparation work and to help onsite in decorating and quality checking purchased wreaths. There are year-round opportunities to grow and gather wreath materials and prep items such as bows and pinecones. For decorators, there are morning and afternoon opportunities available during the week and on the weekend in November. Some experience making wreaths is a must to ensure quality standards. Some knowledge of plant materials is also preferred.

Policy

The NH Audubon Policy Department advocates for effective environmental policies that are informed by science. As a volunteer in this area, you will have the opportunity to work with the Senior Policy Advisor and our Environmental Policy Committee, having the opportunity to testify in front of state and federal legislative committees, communicate with Congress and the NH legislature, and develop strategies for how to approach current environmental issues and proposed legislation.

For more information on any of the following volunteer opportunities, please contact the volunteer office or go directly to our online volunteer application.

Environmental Policy Assistant (not currently available)

This position will support the legislative activities of the Conservation Department and Environmental Policy Committee by researching selected bills, monitoring hearing schedules, maintaining matrix of bills of interest, managing production and distribution of legislative testimony, and performing other duties as determined by mutual consent. The schedule may be irregular, particularly during Jan-March. Individual may attend Environmental Policy meetings if s/he desires (not required but may add interest to the job).

Photo (top): Timberland volunteer work day at Follett’s Creek Sanctuary.

Explore our birding-specific websites:

Volunteering and Participatory Science

Participatory Science

Conservation

Education

Lands and Sanctuaries

Membership and Development

Operations

Policy