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 Washington State. 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. You can also fill out a Breeding Survey Volunteer Sign-Up Form below and we'll connect you to the right person. Don't see a survey in your area?
Get in touch with us and we'll do our best to get you out volunteering!
Note: Our survey season runs from June 1st through the end of August, so we are currently in our off season. We begin planning for each breeding season in the spring and hold our beach surveyor and data training sessions in May. If you would like to inquire, we recommend filling out a volunteer sign-up form in the early spring (March-May). Thank you for your interest!
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.