Volunteer in your Biosphere: January 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 Lingcod Conservation to Waterbird Surveys - there’s something for everyone! This January Edition we have volunteer opportunities that can take place in any Biosphere as well as specific opportunities in the Howe Sound, Fundy and Western Port Biospheres.
To get these opportunities sent straight to your inbox every month - make sure you’re signed up for the Biosphere Bathing newsletter! Scroll to the bottom to sign up!
Volunteer from Anywhere
Contribute to Citizen Science with iNaturalist
Dates: Anytime
Location: Anywhere
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.
Count the birds at your feeder with Birds Canada
Dates: November to April
Location: Anywhere
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.
Howe Sound Biosphere, British Columbia, Canada
Become a Lingcod Diver with BC Marine Life
Dates: Information session on Sunday, January 5
Location: Howe Sound Biosphere, British Columbia
Help restore BC’s lingcod population by joining the Lingcod Egg Mass Survey (LEMS) in the Howe Sound Biosphere. BC Marine Life are looking for more volunteer divers to assist with this citizen science project that gathers vital data to support conservation efforts for this overfished keystone species.
Attend the informational session on January 5th, 4:00 PM at Wilson Diving in Victoria to learn more and connect with local divers. RSVP at wilsondiving@telus.net or lems@mlssbc.com to get involved.
Forage Fish Sampling with the SCCA
Dates: Monday January 6 & Tuesday January 7
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
Join the Winter Eagle Count with Nature Squamish
Dates: Sunday, January 5
Location: Squamish, British Columbia
As the salmon return to spawn the eagles return to the Squamish River and Nature Squamish are looking for volunteers to help on the final day of the eagle count.
“This all-day event sees volunteers cover approximately 20 separate routes by foot, snowshoe, ski and raft, over a 40-mile area from the Elaho Valley to downtown Squamish, and from Paradise Valley to the Stawamus River.”
Pre-registration is required for this event - head to the Nature Squamish website for more info.
Learn how to Bird with Nature Squamish
Dates: Sunday, January 12
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.
Western Port Biosphere, Victoria, Australia
Help Protect Koalas with the Western Port Biosphere
Dates: Training held on January 18 & 19, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve, McClelland Drive
Join the upcoming Koala Scat Collection Training Sessions to support vital koala research in the Langwarrin Flora and Fauna Reserve. Learn how to safely collect data while navigating off-track bushland. Wear long pants, boots, and a hat, and bring water—snake awareness is essential!
Email kelly.smith@biosphere.org.au for more information.