Virtual Training: Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve Ambassador Program

The Cape Perpetua Collaborative is looking for interpretive volunteers for the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve Ambassador Program. Volunteers will engage with visitors to the Cape Perpetua/Yachats area with stories of the local community and history, Oregon’s marine conservation efforts and promote marine stewardship.

THIS PROGRAM IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU IF YOU ANSWER “YES” TO ANY OR ALL OF THESE:

• Do you enjoy interacting with visitors and sharing information about the natural environment and providing a richer experience?
• Do you have a deep appreciation for the ocean and its diverse marine inhabitants?
• Do you feel the ocean is a special place we should protect for future generations?
• The ocean is awe inspiring and mysterious. Do you feel the same?
• The most effective way to make sure the ocean stays healthy for future generations is to support laws that pass strong ocean protections. Do you agree?
• Do you feel less stress and more at peace when spending time by the ocean?

Interested? REGISTER for the training here.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• The program aims to conduct outreach with visitors during the weekends, July 3 – September 5, 9am-3pm.
• Volunteers are asked to commit to 4-8 hours per month, July 3 – September 5. Volunteers can schedule for 2-4 hours at a time (sample schedules: 2 hrs every weekend, 4 hours every-other-weekend, 2 hrs every-other-weekend or 4 hours per month). Schedules can be flexible to fit volunteer schedule.
• Volunteers will be provided a virtual training (June 26, 9am-12pm) held via zoom on the cultural, ecological and physical aspects of the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and surrounding area. More details on training and agenda below.
  • Each volunteer will have access to a “virtual binder” with materials prior to training. A physical binder will be given to each volunteer during their first shift.
• Volunteers will be provided with a name tag, hat, rain/wind jacket and t shirt. You will need to wear a t shirt or outer layer as uniform during your shift.
• After the training is complete, you can start! We will ask that volunteers sign up for dates/times in advance (July 3 – September 5) where possible so we can inform local businesses when educational table will be set up.
• The location for the table set up will be Smelt Sands State Park in Yachats, Oregon.
• The program coordinator will meet with you during your first session to show you where you can get table/supplies for set up and answer any questions you may have.
• Then the fun part… interact, tell stories and converse with visitors. The area where Smelt Sands is will allow plenty of opportunity for storytelling to include cultural and ecological significance of the Yachats and greater area. Here are some exciting topics regarding the marine reserve/ocean you will be able to share:
  • Elusive Marbled Murrelet
  • 804 trail adjacent to the Cape Perpetua Marine Protected Area
  • Creatures of the tidepool as well as tidepool etiquette (don’t turn back on ocean, watch your step, current tides, etc..)
  • Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve and its diverse marine inhabitants (long-live rockfish, sea stars, sea anemones, sea birds and more!).
  • Community science projects the Collaborative partners host in the area if they want to get more involved.
  • WHALES…if you are lucky, you will see a whale during your shift.
  • And more!
• There are a few questions/data we will ask volunteers to keep track of as they interact with visitors, such as knowledge of local marine reserve, where visitors are from and going to and number in their group.
• The coordinator will stay in touch with volunteers throughout the program with updates on data collected.
• There may be opportunities for additional field trips in the Cape Perpetua area for expanded learning and experience, pending COVID-19 and reopening efforts. These will be schedule if/when available to do so.

Interested? REGISTER for the training here.

COVID-19 CONSIDERATIONS

• Volunteers will be required to wear a mask or face shield.
• One volunteer at a time at outreach table or 2 if from the same household.
• Cleaning supplies will be available to sanitize as necessary.
• Laminated information brochures, handouts, etc. will be available with a link For visitors to download and view online.

TRAINING – AGENDA (June 26, 9am-12pm)

• Cape Perpetua Collaborative (about, vision, partners)
• Quick review of Oregon’s 5 marine reserves and their locations
• Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve & Protected Areas review (location, boundaries, size, significance, research, biodiversity, etc.)
• Cape Perpetua Visitor information from Intercept Survey
• Marine Reserve Ambassador Program goals
• Best practices of natural resource interpretation and local key topics/species Relating to marine reserves
• Cultural history of the Yachats and Cape Perpetua area
• A brief description of setup and outreach location
• Opening/closing procedures and supply location
• Paperwork to be signed regarding Code of Conduct, emergency contact info, etc..
• Q&A
• Final agenda will be sent prior to training.

Interested? REGISTER for the training here.

LAST YEAR’S PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
(learn more about last year here)

• 6 active volunteers
• 82.5 volunteer outreach hours
• 1087 volunteer/visitor interactions re: marine reserves