Volunteer

Getting Involved at Riverkeeper

There are several exciting and fulfilling opportunities to get involved at Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper.
 Volunteering your time is an excellent way to become more active in your community while expanding
 your knowledge and skills, meeting new people, and making a contribution to something
 that you are passionate about.  Volunteering at Riverkeeper allows you to serve a local, not-for-profit 
organization, and helps Riverkeeper to surpass its objectives and strengthen programs that are 
improving our community and its ecology.

Your involvement makes a difference, whether a little or a lot.  You can spend two Saturdays a year helping at our cleanups, take on an internship in one of our programs (see below), or you can give your time and energy to habitat restoration efforts on a regular basis–it’s up to you. If you are interested in an internship, or are ready to start volunteering at Riverkeeper, download the Application Form, fill it out, and e-mail it to kbentkowski@bnriverkeeper.org

Join us in making a positive impact on our waterways by considering the following opportunities to volunteer:

Cleanups

Riverkeeper organizes two cleanups (in the Spring and Fall) every year in Buffalo.  This is a great opportunity to get down and dirty with Riverkeeper while actively improving the atmosphere in Buffalo–both aesthetically and environmentally.  Click to get more info regarding cleanups, and while you’re there, check out the progress we made in removing trash and other pollution from waterways last year!  Be there this year so we can make it even better!

RestoreCorps

Riverkeeper is coordinating efforts to improve the habitat and water quality of local waterways through restoration projects and the help of volunteers like you!  Getting outside and getting involved in these efforts is the first step in protecting and restoring our ecosystem.  Your energy and effort will earn you a first hand experience in improving water quality and natural habitats, and will immediately strengthen our efforts to increase public awareness and activeness in these fields.

Eco-Tours

Riverkeeper offers several different kinds of Eco-Tours along, around, and in our waterways.  Knowledgeable docents provide historical, scientific, and otherwise important and interesting information to the people they lead on Eco-Tours.  Do you like to teach?  Do you like nature and the outdoors?  Get trained to be an Eco-Tour docent and share with your fellow community members your knowledge while bringing them back to nature as you guide them around the waterways of Buffalo.

Riverwatch

Riverkeeper is expanding its water monitoring program and needs help from community members to protect our local waterways. Through training, workshops, and first-hand experience, Riverkeeper can help you improve your understanding of local water issues. After learning what to look for and how to take action when you find it, you can help Riverkeeper achieve its mission, and your community will thank you for it! Currently, Riverwatch is accepting internship applications, and is looking for Captains to lead monitoring projects, cleanups, and water testing projects. For more info, click here.

Other Ways to Get Involved at Riverkeeper

Riverkeeper has several internship opportunities available at this time, and can always use a little extra help in the office with data entry and logistical work. Riverkeeper coordinates numerous programs that could not operate without the help of dedicated volunteers. If you want to give your time and skills to help Riverkeeper’s cause, there is always something you can do to help!

Outreach Volunteers

Have you seen Riverkeeper out and about at a local event or expo? Maybe a university fair or Plantasia? Thats great! This is an important function of Outreach programs–getting noticed. Riverkeeper needs interested and informed volunteers to assist in spreading the word and gaining visibility in public. If you’re interested, email kbentkowski@bnriverkeeper.org

You can make the difference in your community and your environment. It is everyone’s water, and we all have the right to enjoy its countless benefits in a healthy way. It is also our responsibility to keep it healthy–now is your chance to do your part.

Click to download an internship application or to Volunteer

If you are interested in getting involved at Riverkeeper and have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kerri at at 716-852-7483 or by e-mail at kbentkowski@bnriverkeeper.org

Thank you!