Volunteer in the Biosphere: December Edition
Welcome to the first edition of “Volunteer in the Biosphere”!
Each month we will compile the current volunteer opportunities from Biospheres Worldwide and place them all in one place for easy viewing. From Bird Counts to Forage Fish Sampling - there’s something for everyone! This December Edition we have volunteer opportunities that can take place in any Biosphere as well as specific opportunities in the Howe Sound Biosphere and the Fundy Biosphere.
To get these opportunities sent straight to your inbox every month - make sure you’re signed up for the Biosphere Bathing newsletter! You can sign up over on the home page.
Volunteer from Anywhere
Contribute to Citizen Science with iNaturalist
Get involved in citizen science and explore nature in a whole new way with iNaturalist! The app lets you record and share your observations of plants, animals, and fungi, contributing to global biodiversity research. Every photo you upload helps scientists track species and monitor ecosystems. It's a fun, interactive way to volunteer for conservation efforts while discovering the natural world around you.
Follow Biosphere Bathing on iNaturalist to get live updates on species we see in Biosphere Regions across Canada.
Join a Christmas Bird Count
The Christmas Bird Count (CBC) has been running for over 100 years and is a fun way to try your hand at contributing to citizen science! Each year, from December 14 to January 5, thousands of volunteers participate in this annual event. Your sightings will help track bird populations and contribute to important conservation work.
Here’s how it works: you’ll team up with other bird lovers to explore a designated area, counting every bird you see or hear. It’s a great way to connect with nature, make new friends, and enjoy the wintery outdoors! Join one of these bird counts in Canadian Biospheres:
Dec 26: Elk Island National Park in the Beaver Hills Biosphere
Dec 15: Gravenhurst-Bracebridge in the Georgian Bay Biosphere
Looking for another location? You can find the full list of counts on the Birds Canada website.
Count the birds at your feeder with Birds Canada
Looking for a cozy way to support bird conservation this winter? Join Project FeederWatch with Birds Canada! From November to April, simply count the birds that visit your yard or balcony and report your observations. Your data helps track bird populations and supports vital conservation efforts. No experience or feeder is necessary—everyone is welcome! Sign up today to enjoy birdwatching from the comfort of your home while making a meaningful contribution to science.
Fundy Biosphere
Are you an expert at identifying birds by sound?
Nature Trust New Brunswick are looking for expert birders to join their team of volunteers in identifying birds for their Soundscape Project.
Here’s some more information from Nature Trust NB:
“This project involves the non-invasive use of Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) in our nature preserves, enabling us to remotely monitor ecosystems without disturbing wildlife.
Accurate identification of bird calls using ARUs will allow us to track wildlife trends and detect and monitor species-at-risk year-round, even in remote and inaccessible areas. If you have strong knowledge of New Brunswick bird calls and would like to help us analyze audio recordings and verify BirdNET identifications, reach out to us at steward@ntnb.org! This can be a remote opportunity, and any additional experience with audio data processing is a great asset!”
Image Credit: Nature Trust New Brunswick
Howe Sound Biosphere
Join the EagleWatch with Nature Squamish
As the salmon return to spawn the eagles return to the Squamish River and Nature Squamish are looking for volunteers to help with the count. This is a long-term project that runs from November - January and there are many shifts available to support this project.
“EagleWatching involves walking along the Eagle Run dike for 30-60 minutes counting bald eagles that are perched in trees, feeding on salmon from the sand bars, or soaring in the sky above. Eagle Run is an accessible gravel pathway. Public parking is available as well as public transportation.”, Squamish Environment Society.
Counts run twice daily and are 1-hour shifts, for more information and to sign up, head to the Squamish Environment Society website.
Forage Fish Sampling with Sunshine Coast Conservation Association
This project focuses on monitoring the spawning habitats of forage fish like surf smelt and Pacific sand lance—key species that sustain the local food web, from seabirds to larger fish like salmon.
Volunteers will help collect and process beach sediment samples to identify potential spawning sites. Training and equipment are provided. Your efforts will directly contribute to vital data that informs habitat protection and sustainable management practices.
Email diannesanford@gmail.com for more information or to sign up
Photo Credit: Will Duguid