Beach Ambassadors identifying birds on the beach
Do you love the beach – its wildlife, scenery, plants, shells and saltwater? Do you want to share your love and knowledge with others? If so, Beach Ambassadors may be the volunteer opportunity for you! We run three types of nature programs on Plymouth Long Beach: an osprey viewing station on Ryder Way, an activities tent on the main beach and nature walks from the crossover. We believe that people and wildlife can share the beach. We help beach visitors discover and enjoy wildlife, plants, shells, sand and more in ways that allow all to thrive.
The view from the osprey viewing station
Beach visitor watching the osprey through a spotting scope
Beach Ambassadors are volunteers who participate in an in-depth training consisting of six classroom sessions and four field trips. Afterwards, they work four hours each week throughout the summer (with two weeks of vacation, if needed). Each volunteer can choose what they would like to do: introduce visitors to our Long Beach osprey family at their nesting platform, run nature activities for kids on the beach or lead nature walks for adults and older children. Instructions, supplies and oversight are provided.
Beach Ambassador leading nature activity.
Potential Beach Ambassadors should be in good physical condition and be able to walk at least a half mile in sand. They should be able to withstand the sun, heat and wind of the beach. Experience teaching, leading nature walks, and/or birdwatching is useful, but not a requirement.
To find out more about Beach Ambassadors, come by the Council on Aging on Nook St. next to Plymouth North High School from Monday to Friday, March 17-21, between 8:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. You can check out activities like Beach Bingo and the Treasure Chest and find out more about what we do. Some of last year’s Beach Ambassadors and I will be on hand to answer questions. Or, you can email me, Dorie, the volunteer coordinator at: dss@goldenrod.org with any questions or to request a phone call.
List of classes and field trips
If you think you might like to become a Beach Ambassador, first make sure you will be able to attend the six classroom sessions and four field trips. . The classroom sessions will be held on six Mondays (April 7, 14, 21, and May 5, 12, and 19) from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 204 Long Pond Road in Plymouth, the headquarters of Southeastern Massachusetts Pines Barrens Association. The field trips will take place at Plymouth Long Beach. Dates and times are as follows:
- Saturday, April 12: Noon to 4 p.m.
- Sunday, April 27: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Sunday, May 18: 8 a.m. to noon
- Sunday, May 25: 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Attendance at the four field trips and the six classroom sessions is MANDATORY, so please check your calendar. Please make sure you will be able to attend all of the classroom and field training sessions before sending in your application. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis depending on previous experience.
A maximum of twelve participants will be chosen from the applicants. Applications are due March 31 (but, earlier is better) and you will be informed by April 2 at the latest whether you have been accepted.
If interested, please fill out this application:
BEACH AMBASSADORS VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
Nature walk on the beach at high tide. There is always lots to see.
