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. Each highlighted area represents an independently coordinated region within our network. Expand the map and click on your region of choice to see the contact information for the local coordinator and sponsoring organization.
Our survey season runs from the first week of June through the middle of September, with planning beginning in the early spring and beach surveyor/data training sessions held in mid-May. Because we have reached the end of our 2026 summer breeding season, volunteer application forms are now closed.
British Columbia is still looking to build their team of surveyors and boat captains for next season. Don’t hesitate to reach out reach out to them in the off season!
If you would like to volunteer in the future, we recommend filling out a volunteer sign-up form when our lists reopen in early spring, typically March–April. Thank you so much 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.