Animals & Environment
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Contact
Debbie Moberg-Williams, Director; 328 West Poplar, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-524-2685; dmoberg@wsu.edu
Mission
As part of WSU Extension, the 4-H Youth Development Program teaches life skills that lead young people to become self-directing, positive, contributing members of our society.
Volunteer Opportunities
Become a 4-H leader to work with youth in school or special activities, or volunteer as a resource person.
Required Skills
Volunteers should be respectful and cooperative, have a positive attitude, and be willing to provide guidance to youth or others.
Skills Learned
Volunteers will share interests with others, increase public relations and leadership skills, make useful contacts, help their community, and develop organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Training
4-H leaders participate in training appropriate to the areas in which they volunteer.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, occasionally when convenient, or once to help with a big project. Volunteers who can earn credit (service-learning) are welcome.
Contact
Linda Solis, Humane Education Coordinator; 7 East George Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362, (509) 525-2452, humaneeducation@bluemountainhumane.org
Mission
Prevent cruelty and promote kindness to companion animals in our community. We are committed to stopping the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets by ending overpopulation and homelessness.
Volunteer Opportunities: Everything from animal care to office guru! Dog and cat walking, care, and socialization, photography, creative writing, office assistance, and help with farmers markets (May-Oct) and class talks.
Required Skills
We look for volunteers who want to make a difference. Whether you are a college student missing your pets, a volunteer seeking work experience, or an advocate who wants to speak for those without voices, we can use your time and talents.
Skills Learned
Volunteers will experience the difference that one person can make. They will learn about teamwork, community involvement, and how to care for those who are homeless.
Training
New volunteers need to attend one new volunteer orientation.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help with a project on occasion, or help once with a big project.
Contact
Judith Johnson; 209 N. Clinton St., Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-529-8009; jsj@bmi.net
Mission
To involve people in natural resources in the landscape they inhabit through storytelling, experiential education, collaborative conversations, celebrations, and the arts.
Volunteer Opportunities
Stream riparian and wetland restoration including stream clean up, removing blackberries and other non-native vegetation, and planting native plants; GIS mapping and monitoring; writing stories; organization and outreach for environmental films.
Required Skills
Passion for healthy streams and interesting stories.
Skills Learned
Gain knowledge about outreach strategies, environmental films, and properly functioning streams, wetlands, and native plants.
Training
Volunteers are usually instructed when they show up for restoration projects. Other opportunities involve regular meetings and trainings.
Volunteer Types
Individuals who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute once to a bit project. Volunteers who can earn credit (service-learning) and groups who can come regularly are also welcome.
Contact
Laura Maier or Sue Osterman; 930 Bonnie Brae, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-525-1079, 509-525-9754; maierjj@whitman.edu
Mission
To appreciate, enjoy, study, and preserve the environment for native plants.
Volunteer Opportunities
Outdoor work, maintaining native plants, and weeding for a sustainable environment!
Required Skills
Willingness to get dirty.
Skills Learned
Appreciation for the slow process of protecting and preserving the environment.
Training
On the spot.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute once to a big project. Volunteers who can earn credit (service-learning) are welcome.
Contact
Chinelle Rodriguez, Water & Environmental Center, Walla Walla Community College; 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-524-5228; info@sustainablelivingcenter.com
Mission
To conserve resources for the future by encouraging and facilitating sustainable living practices in our community.
Volunteer Opportunities
Staff a booth at the Farmer's Market or at a fair, help with grant writing, retail opportunities at the Builders ReSupply, help with a Builders ReSupply clean-up day.
Required Skills
Strong communication, understanding of sustainability, ability to work with others, dependability, and consistency.
Skills Learned
Event coordination, grant writing, sales, and community outreach tactics.
Training
On an individual basis for special projects, as a group for special events prior to the event
Volunteer Types
Individuals who can come on a regular basis or help on occasion; groups or individuals who can contribute once to a big project.
Contact
PO Box 1375, Walla Walla, WA 99362; (509) 529-3543, tssfish@tristatesteelheaders.com
Mission
To restore sustainable populations of native salmonids by enhancing habitat, providing public education and promoting recreational angling for future generations.
Volunteer Opportunities
Installing native plant buffers along urban streams, which involves removing non-native vegetation, laying ground cloth, and planting native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.
Required Skills
Interest in clean water and improved wildlife habitat. Willingness to get hands dirty and to complete labor intensive work. Ability to closely follow instructions is important for handling live plant material and to ensure safety while using hand tools.
Skills Learned
The volunteers should go away with an understanding of the goals of the project. These include education on riparian restoration, native plants, watershed health, and understanding of plants and planting techniques.
Training
Volunteers are oriented and trained on site prior to work for 15-30 minutes depending on the skills required for the day. Oversight continues throughout the event.
Volunteer Types
Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute once to a big project.
Website
Contact: Clare Carson or Dan Clark; PO Box 1222, Walla Walla WA 99362; 509-522-0399; ww2020@charter.net
Mission: To envision, plan for, and undertake projects that realize a livable Walla Walla area community.
Volunteer Opportunities: Maintenance of planting areas, help with the community sustainability plan, and other projects.
Required Skills: Interest, commitment, and reliability.
Skills Learned: Varies with the project; perspective on community activism.
Training: Ad hoc per project.
Volunteer Types: Individuals or groups who can help with big projects. Volunteers who can earn credit (service-learning) are welcome.
Contact: Sandy Shelin; 1839 Carl Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362; (509) 525-5350; kidshelin@charter.net
Mission: Working with government agencies, private entities, and the public to promote sustainability (ecological, equitable, economical) in the community.
Volunteer Opportunities: Help with occasional environmental projects, such as green construction workshops, environmental infomercials, collecting junk cars and tires.
Required Skills: Fact finding research, independence, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
Skills Learned: Understanding of environmental issues and community resources and seeing a project from conception to completion.
Training: Throughout a project, a mentor oversees the volunteers.
Volunteer Types: Individuals who can come on a regular basis or help with a project on occasion.
Contact: Melissa Holecek; 500 Tausick Way, Walla Walla, WA 99362; 509-524-5208; melissa.holecek@wwcc.edu
Mission: The WWCC Water & Environmental Center focuses on collaboration and education for environmental and economic sustainability. WEC facilitates regional and local partnership programs, provides community and K-12 education opportunities, and coordinates the WWCC Watershed Ecology degree program, campus sustainability and "Go Green Club" activities.
Volunteer Opportunities: K-12 and community environmental education, campus sustainability, and riparian restoration.
Required Skills: Ability to work well with others and teach people objectively about environmental topics. Previous teaching experience is not required.
Skills Learned: An understanding of how to teach students and adults about environmental topics, as well as a basic understanding of the unique environmental challenges facing our basin.
Training: Training and orientation are completed at the Water & Environmental Center with outreach staff prior to work. Oversight continues throughout the event.
Volunteer Types: Individuals or groups who can come on a regular basis, help on occasion, or contribute once to a big project. Volunteers who can earn credit (service-learning) are welcome.