Get Involved

Being a Volunteer

Trained volunteers are key to gathering the core of the Salish Sea Guillemot Network's (SSGN) research data. Each spring we recruit new volunteers. A one-evening training session and an in-the-field orientation are required for volunteers. Volunteers are expected to visit their assigned colonies at least once every week during the breeding season, which runs from approximately June through August (at least 10 weeks). 

Our volunteer team has great enthusiasm for and interest in stewarding their colonies. The survey experience offers them an opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way to a community science project. Many also find it a delightful excuse for observing and enjoying our nearshore environment.

Photo: Hillary Smith

Join a Survey!

Navigate on the map to find out where we are surveying pigeon guillemots in the greater Salish Sea. If you are interested in being a survey volunteer, click on a highlighted area to find your survey region and contact information for the local coordinating organization.

Note: Our survey season runs from June 1st through the end of August. We begin planning for each breeding season in the spring and hold our beach surveyor and data training sessions in mid-May. If you would like to inquire, we recommend filling out a volunteer sign-up form when we open it back up in the early spring (March-April). Thank you for your interest and love of guillemots!

Photo: Govinda Holtby

Make a donation.

Please help support our survey of Pigeon Guillemots. Our data helps Washington agencies assess the health of the Salish Sea. As our survey grows to encompass more areas of our Region, so do our costs to ensure we maintain scientific-level data collection.

Clicking this button takes you to the Whidbey Audubon Society website. Whidbey Audubon is our major sponsor and provides financial management services to SSGN.