Community Service Learning

Service Opportunities in Environment and Animal Rescue

Friends of Salem Saturday Market

Address:

1320 Waller St SE  
Salem, OR

Opportunity Contact:

Visit Web site
503-877-FSSM
info@friendsofsalemsaturdaymarket.org

Agency Description:

The Friends of Salem Saturday Market encourages community support of local, sustainable agriculture; educates the public about healthy, locally produced food and goods; and enhances the creative, social and community aspects of the Salem Saturday Market.

Opportunity Description:

Internship opportunities include a volunteer coordinator, Zero Waste coordinator, and an online engagement manager. Volunteer positions include a FSSM booth attendant, Zero Waste Zone workgroup volunteer, and Zero Waste station attendants. A booth attendant works 3- hour shifts on Saturday through October at your convenience. Volunteering with the Zero Waste Zone workgroup is a 15- hour a month commitment. Zero Waste station attendants volunteer for 2-hour shifts Saturdays through October at your convenience. For more opportunities and information See the contact information above! www.friendsofsalemsaturdaymarket.wordpress.com or contact info@friendsofsalemsaturdaymarket.org or (503) 877-FSSM.

Kaneko Community Garden

Address:

Kaneko Commons

Opportunity Contact:

Katie Rigsby
krigsby@willamette.edu

Agency Description:

An on-campus garden!

Opportunity Description:

Want to learn how to garden? Want to take a break from studying and spend some time outdoors? The Kaneko Community Garden is in need of volunteers for their weekly Work Parties. Work parties convene every Friday at 2:00 pm at the Kaneko Community Garden (located next to TIUA, to the left of the TIUA bridge when crossing over from WU). If you would like to receive more information or to join the Kaneko Community Garden listerv, contact Katie using the information above!

Maine Conservation Corps

Address:

Please visit our Web site for more information

Opportunity Contact:

Brenda L. Webber 
207-624-6085
corps.conservation@maine.gov

Agency Description:

The Maine Conservation Corps (MCC) is dedicated to accomplishing outdoor recreation and conservation projects for the public, promoting and managing volunteer opportunities, providing conservation education, building self-esteem and leadership, and raising the aspirations of members and volunteers. 

Opportunity Description:

Here is a listing on what’s in store for 2013:
*Trail Training Program (deadline e date fast approaching: 12/21/12)
*Field Team Leaders
*Field Team Members
*Environmental Stewards

Please visit our Web site for more information: 

Marion County Volunteer Services

Address:

PO Box 14500 
Salem, OR 97309

Opportunity Contact:

Cathy Crocker 
503-588-7990  

Agency Description:

Marion County Volunteer Services represents all departments in Marion County's local county government.

Opportunity Description:

A variety of volunteer and internship opportunities are available with Marion County, including Marion County Sheriff's Office, Marion County District Attorney's Office, Marion County Dog Shelter, Health Department and more! Please check the Web site for the most recent updates on opportunities and details.

Marion-Polk Food Share

Address:

1660 Salem Industrial Dr NE
Salem, OR 97301

Opportunity Contact:

Janet Spingath
503-581-3855 x 311
jspingath@marionpolkfoodshare.org

Agency Description:

Established in 1987, Marion-Polk Food Share (MPFS) is a non-profit charity providing food for people at risk of hunger in Oregon’s mid-Willamette Valley. Between July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012, MPFS distributed 8.2 million pounds—just to assist hungry residents of Marion and Polk counties. 

Opportunity Description:

There are a number of opportunities and programs with which to get involved!

The Gardens Program helps schools, neighborhoods and families learn how to eat healthfully and responsibly. The Edible Landscape at the warehouse models to the community an alternative source of community food. Donated food is sorted and re-packed by volunteers five days a week at the warehouse. The Community Kitchen is a place where volunteers teach others how to stretch a food budget and cook nutritious meals. To get involved with any of these opportunities, contact Janet using the information found above!

One Fair World

Address:

474 Court St NE
Salem, OR 97301

Opportunity Contact:

Desta Sirrine
503-585-1636
onefairworld@gmail.com 

Volunteer Applications are available here.

Agency Description:

One Fair World is Salem's fair-trade purveyor of goods from around the world that is staffed primarily by volunteers.  Its mission is to support artisan communities by providing fair wages, an on-going commitment/relationship, and an eye toward sustainable use of resources.

Opportunity Description:

We have a number of volunteer opportunities available such as one day special events and our ongoing 4 hours Volunteer Sales Associate shifts between 10-6 pm Monday-Friday, 10-5 pm Saturday, or 12-4 pm on Sunday.  To sign up please stop by our store at 474 Court St Ne Salem, OR 97301 to pick up an application or email Desta Sirrine at onefairworld@gmail.com or call the store at503-585-1636.

The Oregon Garden

Address:

879 W Main Street,
Silverton OR 97381

Opportunity Contact:

Beth Maurer
503-874-2533
volunteer@oregongarden.org

Agency Description:

The mission of The Oregon Garden is to welcome and inspire all visitors with an appreciation for the extraordinary ecology of the Pacific Northwest, and to provide a meaningful educational experience for gardeners of all skill levels and ages.

Opportunity Description:

Volunteer with the Horticulture Department. Volunteers assist with a variety of activities including, but not limited to, raking, pruning, digging, weeding, planting, etc. Volunteer shifts are generally 3 hours per day and begin anywhere from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Days available are Tuesday through Saturday. This is a great way to be outdoors and learn more about plant and tree care, landscape design principles and botany.

Salem Friends of Felines

Address:

980 Commercial Street SE
Salem, OR 97302

Opportunity Contact:

Application available online.

Agency Description:

Salem Friends of Felines is a large group of dedicated caring (and hard working) individuals committed to helping  as many homeless cats and kittens as we can by placing them in loving permanent homes; to reduce feline over-population through education and our spay/neuter assistance program; and to bring more public awareness to the plight of homeless and unwanted cats.

Opportunity Description:

Salem Friends of Felines is looking for volunteers to help with cat care at the shelter and at Petsmart on North Lancaster, to work at the Thrift Store, to assist with outreach at adoption fairs and to take cats/kittens to the veterinarian. For more information or to complete an application check out their Web site.

Salem Audubon Society’s Nature Reserve

Address:

Main Office:
189 Liberty Street NE, Suite 202
Salem, Oregon 97301 

Opportunity Contact:

Don Christensen
dnchris@comcast.net
503-588-7340

Agency Description:

Our mission of the Salem Audubon Society is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife and their habitats.  To this end, we promote the enjoyment of wildlife and the stewardship of the environment, with birding field trips, nature walks and other educational programs.  We involve volunteers in education, advocacy, conservation and restoration projects.

Opportunity Description:

Assist with the restoration of the reserve to a remnant Oregon White Oak woodland clear of the invasive exotic plants that inhabit the property. Willamette students have participated in the past in this endeavor and we would very much appreciate a rerun of that very successful event. Please refer to the contact information above if you are interested in volunteering!

 


Salem Harvest - Site Scout and Harvest Leader

Address:

http://www.salemharvest.com

Opportunity Contact:

Contact Robert at reaston@salemharvest.org with questions or if you are interested.

Agency Description:

Salem Harvest is a non-profit organization that coordinates farmers and backyard growers with volunteer pickers to harvest surplus produce and fruit to be donated to local food banks.

Opportunity Description:

We are currently looking to fill volunteer positions for a site scout and a harvest leader. These positions offer flexible schedules, often evenings and weekends.

Site Scout -  visit growers and plan the harvest.  This involves:

  • assessing quality and quantity of crop (how many picker-hours would it take to harvest the amount of produce?)
  • assessing the site:  how many volunteers can reasonably park and harvest at a time here?  where are the ideal locations for parking, intake tables, weigh out/donation station in order to facilitate an orderly flow of people, cars, and produce and protect property?

Commitment-  train with supervisor on 3 sites and coordinate at least 3 more sites that you lead.


Harvest Leader -  On the harvest day, you'll help:

  • set up tables for picker registration,
  • stage harvest materials like orchard ladders & produce boxes,
  • manage pickers as they arrive, advise them on harvesting procedures, and take their produce donation
  • put away tables and harvest materials
  • coordinate donation delivery to the food bank.

Commitment-  assist with 2 harvests, shadow a trained Harvest Leader for 2 harvests, lead 2 or more of your own harvests.

Sierra Club - Beyond Coal Campaign

Address:

Beyond Coal
Power Past Coal 

Opportunity Contact:

Lucy Sedgwick
lucy@greencorps.org
973.738.0738

Agency Description:

The Sierra Club is the nation’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization. Their Beyond Coal campaign has been heralded as one of the most successful environmental campaigns in the history of the United States. They are working to get Governor Kitzhaber and local officials to apply their leadership to stop coal exportation through Oregon.

Opportunity Description:

This organization is currently seeking fall interns interested in fighting for clean air and healthy communities. This position typically runs for at least 10 weeks, for 10-20 hours per week. Current student standing is not necessary. They are seeking interns to operate based out of Salem, OR. Internships include events intern, media intern, and community outreach intern. Follow these links for position descriptions and to learn how to apply!

Sunnyside Organics  

Address:

105 River St NE
Salem, OR 97301

Opportunity Contact:

Cynthia or Lois 
503-302-6917
info@sunnysideorganics.org

Agency Description:

Value, love and help restore the lives of people affected by mental, emotional or physical trauma and injuries. Promote healing through working in the natural world of organic gardens and natural arts combined with a business environment. Provide a healthy supply of organic foods, plants and natural products to our communities.

Opportunity Description:

Planting or preparing the garden.
Making card stock from grass we have grown.

Opportunities available 10-2 on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center

Address:

http://www.turtleridegewildlifecenter.org

Opportunity Contact:

Jennifer Pastorino
503-586-4730

Volunteer Applications are available here.

Agency Description:

Turtle Ridge Wildlife Center works to:

  • Provide treatment and necessary care, to sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and return them to their natural habitat.
  • Enhance awareness of and appreciation for the environment; foster a connection between humans and Oregon’s wildlife, through education programs and referrals.
  • Give people an avenue through which they can express their value of life and the natural environment by providing humane, skilled care to wild animals.

Opportunity Description:

Turtle Ridge volunteers learn how to identify, feed and care for a variety of Wildlife. Volunteers also learn proper handling techniques, hand-feeding techniques, physical therapy regimens and creating Wildlife habitats. Duties include:

  • Cleaning and disinfecting cages, floors, counters, perches, dishes, and laundry.
  • Prepare food i.e. cut up fruits and vegetables.
  • Hand feeding of baby birds, squirrels and raccoons.
  • Provide medical treatment/assistance when needed.
Volunteers need to do at least a 4-5 hour shift one day a week. Volunteers are required to find their own transportation, be at least 16 years of age, and do one shift once a week.  While most of the volunteering work at the center is not glamorous it's heartwarming and important to the community as well as supporting our environment.

Willamette Humane Society

Address:

4246 Turner Rd SE
Salem OR 97317

Opportunity Contact:

Joan Towers 
503-585-5900, ext 323
joan.towers@whs4pets.org

Agency Description:

Providing Compassionate Services to Pets and People; serving Marion and Polk Counties since 1965.

Opportunity Description:

Volunteers are needed to fulfill a variety of functions at Willamette Humane Society. Position descriptions can be found here. Opportunities include serving as Animal Care Assistants, Dog Handlers, Cat Room Assistants, Thrift Store Volunteers, Office Assistant, and more!

Looking for other Environment and Animal Rescue opportunities?

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Find an up-to-date list of Environment and Animal Rescue opportunities by browsing the Service Opportunity Listings at HandsOn Willamette!