FrOGS is an all-volunteer organization and relies on its dedicated volunteers to help us run the organization. There are many different types of activities that require many different types of personalities, experiences, and skills. We would love to put your skills to work in helping us fulfill FrOGS’ mission to preserve and protect the health of the Great Swamp watershed. No expertise is needed for any of these opportunities; we can easily bring you up to speed on any activity that interests you. Please contact us so we can help you find the place where you fit in. Our volunteer coordinator Jenny Pirc would be happy to hear from you: [email protected] or 924-629-0597.
Here is an overview of the types of ways you can volunteer and help us in our efforts to conduct research, educate, and conserve property in the Great Swamp.
Fall Celebration and Art Show: Volunteers are needed to help with a variety of activities. These include setting up (moving tables, chairs, furniture, carrying gear from cars to display areas), assembling panels to hang artwork on, folding programs, manning cash register, manning display booths, and greeting at door, as well as taking down and packing up on Sunday at 4:00 pm.
Habitat Restoration: This works includes removing autumn olive, barberry, and bittersweet from our properties as well as planting a variety of native plants. In the field, you will be using shovels, loppers, bucksaws, and chainsaws. You will need to practice good tick bite prevention including wearing long clothes and using applying repellants.
Trail work: Removing deadfall and overgrowth from trails on our properties is an ongoing need. You will be using loppers, bucksaws, and chainsaws. You will need to practice good tick bite prevention including wearing long clothes and using repellants.
Animal Surveys: We could use volunteers to help with bird counts, in the spring during the night(s) of amphibian migrations, butterfly monitoring, or documenting whichever species needs our attention.
Booth Staffing: Also known as tabling, this involves engaging with passersby at our booth at farmers markets and town celebration days. Handout pamphlets and maps, educate about the Great Swamp, explain FrOGS’ mission, sell T-shirts and hats. Help with setup and takedown.
Event Registration: At our hikes, bikes, and canoe trips we need help collecting signed waivers and registration forms, and taking payments and donations.
Social media: We could use volunteers to manage our account on Instagram and other social platforms to increase our visibility.
Finance: We need people with a background in accounting or finance to manage our accounts and reporting requirements, and to liaise with our tax preparer.
Membership and Development: Volunteers are needed to manage our membership (maintain member list, print mailing labels as needed, send out renewal reminders) and development efforts (patron/donor letters, fund-raising).