Every one of us has the power to make our environment a better place. Many individual actions can accumulate to have an astounding impact for positive change. The success of our Society depends on contributions by volunteers. Opportunities exist to: help run the Society, organize and participate in programs, and work on special projects. We are immensely grateful to all the many volunteers who have contributed to the Society since 1982.
EagleWatch
Regular Opportunities (November through January ):
- EagleWatch Volunteers – work with the Interpretive Program, sharing information about bald eagles and ethical eagle viewing with visitors, or as part of the Education Program for schools.
Each winter approximately 40 volunteers work four 2.5 – hour shifts during November, December and January, sharing information about bald eagles and the Squamish community. There is a mix of returning and new volunteers. New recruits are always welcome. Families are welcome. No experience is necessary. There are also opportunities to join the team that organizes EagleWatch.
Contact our EagleWatch Coordinator for more information and to Volunteer.
Annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Count
- Annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Count, early January: conducted by trained volunteers and contributes important data regarding Bald Eagle populations in the Pacific Northwest.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator if you would like to participate.
Squamish Birders
Current Opportunties (ongoing):
- Join the monthly bird counts. Drop-in or Contact Squamish Birders for more information.
- Sign-up to participate in the Christmas Bird Count. Contact Christmas Bird Count Coordinator
Squamish Birders organize a monthly survey in the Squamish Estuary. The counts started in 1992 and provide one of the longest data sets in British Columbia. New and experienced birders are welcome. The birders group also participates in the Christmas Bird Count, the Breeding Bird Surveys, and other counts.
The Squamish Valley is identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA BC023) under Important Bird Areas Canada.
Events Team
The Events Team represents SES at a variety of local events. Team members set up our display and then work short shifts during the event. They provide information on programs, encourage people to join, and engage the public in conversation about all things natural and environmental.
If you are able to spend a couple of hours one or more times during the year to help represent SES to our community, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator. The table below has dates and locations of events where we may have opportunities to volunteer: some events and dates are tentative.
Upcoming Event Dates and Locations
| Date | Event Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| October 30, 2019 | 55 Wellness Fair | 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, the 55 Activity Centre |
| November 9, 2019 | EagleWatch - Opening Ceremony and Opening Day | Ceremony at 10:00 am, then 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, Eagle Run dike |
| January 6, 2019 | Winter Eagle Count | 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, based at Brackendale Art Gallery |
| April, 2020 | Earth Day | Actual date and location to be determined. |
| July 1, 2020 | Canada Day | |
| TBA September, 2020 | Brackendale Fall Fair | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Brackendale Farmers' Institute Park |
| TBA September, 2020 | Quest Volunteer & Experiential Learning Fair | Quest Library |
| TBA September, 2020 | BC Rivers Day | McNaughton Park, Valleycliffe |
Reviewing BC Timber Sales Proposals
Periodically, BC Timber Sales (BCTS) invites SES to review proposals such as blocks to be harvested or changes to old growth forest management areas. These review requests have a time limit. Anyone interested in conducting or helping conduct such reviews is welcome to get involved.
The most recent request was for questions and comments on proposed timber harvest developments in the Conroy Creek and Mamquam River areas. Please see our posting where documents and maps are available.
Work Parties
If you have a couple of hours to spare, then a work party is a chance to get outside, network, and have some fun. Activities include sign and trail maintenance, invasive species removal, estuary clean-ups and other projects as inspiration strikes. Check our Facebook page for upcoming events.
Other Programs
New programs are added as people step forward to help organize them. If you are interested in: Young Naturalists, bio blitz, walks and talks, events/movie nights, please contact us. If you have another area of interest you want to work on, please contact us.
Photo by Judith Holm, SES tent at Canada Day 150, July 1 2017