Background: Volunteers will perform work for the Natural Resource division at Cape Cod National Seashore. Volunteers will meet at the Great Island parking lot near the Corner of Griffin Island and Chequessett Neck Road in Wellfleet, MA.
Great Island, Wellfleet
Volunteers will venture into the upper part of the Gut Marsh to collect seeds (both in wrack deposits and directly by cutting seed heads). They will then transport this material to Duck Harbor and High Toss Road areas to distribute into barren areas of salt-killed vegetation.
The object is to accelerate the process of salt marsh vegetation growth in the Herring River floodplain, provide interspecific competition to limit Phragmites spread, establish additional sources of seed to further populate the system, and reduce sediment erosion of newly salt-killed areas.
Duties and Requirements:
Volunteer must be able to work independently. In outdoor settings, work includes:
Collecting native plant seed and cuttings.
Traversing by foot through marshy, mucky areas during periods of low tide. Must wear appropriate footwear and be able to traverse these areas independently. Footwear is not provided by the park. Volunteers must bring their own, appropriate footwear.
Use and safe operation of park provided tools. This includes gloves, clippers, scissors, and containers used for seed collection and transport.
Following written and verbal instructions.
Work with park staff and other volunteers.
Travel between several wetland locations in private vehicle.
Transport seeds in private vehicle
Moderate to high physical effort is required. All work will require standing, walking, and traversing marshy and uneven environments for extended periods of time. Some duties may also require lifting and carrying items over sometimes rugged terrain, which can prove strenuous.
Possible exposure to inclement weather conditions such as rain, sun, and uncomfortable temperatures. Volunteers must dress appropriately for the forecast.
Possible exposure to biting insects.