Volunteer in Your Biosphere: February Edition
Welcome to our monthly blog post: “Volunteer in Your Biosphere”!
Each month we will compile the current volunteer opportunities from Biospheres Worldwide and place them all in one place for easy viewing. From Great Backyard Bird Counts to Searching for Herring - there’s something for everyone! This February Edition we have volunteer opportunities that can take place in any Biosphere as well as specific opportunities in the Clayoquot Sound, Howe Sound, Fundy, Georgian Bay, Niagara Escarpment, Redberry Lake, and Southwest Nova Biospheres.
To get these opportunities sent straight to your inbox every month - make sure you’re signed up for the Biosphere Bathing newsletter!
Volunteer from Anywhere
Contribute to Citizen Science with iNaturalist
Dates: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in the World
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 North America.
Join the Great Backyard Bird Count with Birds Canada
Dates: February 14–17, 2025
Location: Anywhere in the World
Join a global movement in the Great Backyard Bird Count! For four days, bird lovers worldwide will watch, count, and report sightings to help scientists track bird populations before migration. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, this fun and easy activity connects you with nature while contributing to vital conservation research. Just spend 15 minutes (or more) observing birds in your favourite spot and share your sightings with the world. Grab your binoculars, download the Merlin Bird ID app, and start counting!
Canada
Monitor Nesting Birds with Birds Canada
Dates: Anytime
Location: Anywhere in Canada
Want to make a real impact on bird conservation? Join Project NestWatch and help monitor nesting birds in your area! By observing and recording nest activity, you’ll contribute to vital research that tracks breeding patterns, bird health, and the effects of environmental change. Whether in your backyard, at a park, or on a hike, your observations help scientists protect Canada’s bird populations. Get involved and be part of this nationwide citizen science initiative!
Count the birds at your feeder with Birds Canada
Dates: November to April
Location: Anywhere in Canada
Looking for a cozy way to support bird conservation this winter? Join Project FeederWatch with Birds Canada! 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, New Brunswick, Canada
Survey Waterbirds with Nature New Brunswick
Dates: January 18th– February 28th
Location: Fundy Biosphere, New Brunswick
The Fundy Biosphere Region is a vital coastal habitat for waterbirds, providing essential feeding, nesting, and migration stopover sites. Nature New Brunswick (NB) runs a year-round citizen science project that monitors bird activity. Volunteers are key to this project and you can get involved! Surveys occur five times a year, and each takes about 30 minutes. There are many survey locations along the coastline from open water to river surveys.
Clayoquot Sound Biosphere, British Columbia, Canada
Listening for Owls with Birds Canada
Dates: February
Location: South Coast of British Columbia
Step into the quiet of the night and help monitor owl populations with the Nocturnal Owl Survey! This annual citizen science program tracks owl species across BC, the Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Volunteers follow designated routes, stopping to listen for owl calls in the darkness. Your observations contribute to vital long-term data on these elusive birds. If you love nocturnal adventures and want to support conservation, this is your chance to make a difference—one hoot at a time!
Georgian Bay Biosphere, Ontario, Canada
Become a Marsh Monitor with Birds Canada
Dates: February
Location: Great Lakes in Ontario
Help track the health of wetlands by monitoring birds and amphibians in the Great Lakes Marsh Monitoring Program. Wetlands store carbon, improve water quality, and support countless species, but habitat loss threatens their future. Volunteers survey local marshes, recording wildlife activity to inform conservation efforts. Whether listening for frog calls at night or spotting wetland birds at dawn, your observations provide critical data for protecting these vital ecosystems. No experience needed—just curiosity and commitment!
Howe Sound Biosphere, British Columbia, Canada
Become a Volunteer Diver with BC Marine Life
Dates: February & Ongoing
Location: Howe Sound Biosphere, British Columbia
Join BC Marine Life’s Lingcod Egg Mass Survey (LEMS) and help monitor rockfish and lingcod populations in Howe Sound! Volunteer divers collect vital data on these ecologically important species and install temperature loggers at key habitats. This citizen science project is critical for protecting marine ecosystems impacted by overfishing. If you're comfortable diving in cold BC waters and passionate about marine conservation, get involved and make a difference beneath the surface!
Forage Fish Sampling with the SCCA
Dates: Monday Feb 3 & Tuesday Feb 4
Location: Sunshine Coast, British Columbia
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.
Email diannesanford@gmail.com for more information or to sign up.
Photo Credit: Will Duguid
Searching for Herring with Marine Stewardship Initiative
Dates: Mid-February – End of April
Location: Squamish Estuary, Howe Sound Biosphere
Be part of an essential community science effort by joining the Marine Stewardship Initiative’s herring spawn survey! Pacific herring, or slhawt’ in the Skwxwú7mesh language, are a keystone species vital to the marine ecosystem. Volunteers will walk or paddle through the Squamish Estuary 1–2 times per week, documenting signs of herring spawn. No experience is needed—just enthusiasm, a keen eye, and a love for our coastal waters. Help protect this small but mighty fish and the life it sustains!
Image Credit: Marine Stewardship Intiative
Learn how to Bird with Nature Squamish
Dates: Sunday, February 9 at 8am
Location: Squamish, British Columbia
“Visit the Estuary’s hidden places, through all seasons, tides, and weather. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound. No experience necessary!”, Squamish Environment Society.
Nature Squamish conduct monthly bird counts in the estuary in order to track bird populations. These community-initiated counts began in 1991 and have resulted in one of the most detailed compilations in the province. The data is also used to inform land-use planning processes, and promote habitat protection.
Niagara Escarpment Biosphere, Ontario, Canada
Survey Trumpeter Swans with Trumpeter Swan Conservation Ontario
Dates: Feb 1, 2025 with Feb 2 as a back-up date
Location: Multiple locations in Ontario
Help track the success of Trumpeter Swan conservation efforts by joining the TSCO 5-Year Trumpeter Swan Survey! Volunteers play a crucial role in documenting swan sightings across 156 wintering locations in Ontario, providing essential data on population sustainability and habitat changes. No experience needed—TSCO will provide instructions and support throughout the day. Be part of this province-wide effort to protect North America’s largest native swan!
Redberry Lake Biosphere, Saskatchewan, Canada
Seed Planting with the Redberry Lake Biosphere
Dates: Feb 3-7
Location: Hafford, Saskatchewan
Kick off the planting season with the Redberry Lake Biosphere! Volunteers are needed to help fill trays, plant seeds, and prepare the Indigenous Plant Nursery for the year ahead. This hands-on opportunity directly supports large-scale tree planting and restoration efforts in the region—enhancing biodiversity, capturing carbon, and restoring wildlife habitat. Whether you're passionate about conservation or just love getting your hands in the soil, this is a great way to make a lasting impact. Get involved and grow something meaningful!
Southwest Nova Biosphere, Nova Scotia, Canada
Clean up the Shoreline with Scotian Shores
Dates: Feb 9, 12-3pm
Location: Meteghan Centre Beach, Nova Scotia
Winter is the perfect time to tackle shoreline cleanups, with fewer nesting and migrating birds around! Join Scotian Shores for a hands-on effort to remove plastic pollution from Nova Scotia’s beaches. With over 1.5 million pounds of debris removed since 2020, every cleanup helps protect marine life and keep our coastlines healthy. Reusable bags and gloves are provided—just bring warm layers and a passion for the ocean!
Image Credit: Scotian Shores