Save The Bay is working a project on the Palmer River/Sowams Marsh with the Warren Land Conservation Trust, and we need volunteers! We will be removing debris from the marsh, cutting Phragmites, and digging runnels to improve drainage. We may do some litter cleanup if we have time and enough volunteers. Shifts are 9:30-11:30 AM and 12-2 PM. Feel free to sign up for both and take a lunch break with us! We are looking for volunteers who:
- Are 18+ (age 16+ may be permitted to work alongside a parent, please email jlewis@savebay.org to inquire)
- Are physically fit and able to lift 25 lbs
- Are able to work in the elements in the winter
WHERE: Parking is at 308 Market Street, Warren, RI behind the office building that is for lease/sale adjacent to the Sowams Preserve fields.
WHAT TO BRING:
- Layers if it is cold! Long underwear, hat, and warm work gloves are recommended, along with rain gear if there is a chance of rain. We will have some extra work gloves.
- Your own water/snacks/thermos
- Waders or boots. If you don't have any, please indicate your boot size in the notes when you sign up.
GENERAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HABITAT FIELD PROJECTS:
- Always dress for the weather in sturdy, closed-toe shoes.
- Use sun protection.
- Beware of poison ivy. If you don’t know what it looks like, ask your project leader.
- Wear long, light colored pants and check yourself for ticks during and after the project. We recommend using tick repellent on your pants.
- Use caution walking on uneven or marshy terrain.
- Pay attention to your body and do not risk injury - do not attempt any tasks that seem too strenuous; we often have other options. Stop when you get tired.
- Notice signs that you may be getting too cold, too hot, or dehydrated. Stop what you are doing and inform your project leader.
- After volunteering, we recommend going straight home, showering, and washing your clothes to minimize tick and poison ivy exposure risk.
NOTE: this opportunity is posted as PRIVATE, which means it is only accessible with the link and not public on our site. We are only sharing with it with people who have previously expressed interest in this project. Thank you for volunteering!
