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Volunteers have played a crucial role in helping the JC NERR carry out its mission to protect and enhance New Jersey’s coastal environments through science, education, and stewardship since our founding in 1997. We truly rely on their support to make it all possible!
There are many exciting ways to get involved, from leading tours and sharing knowledge with visitors, to assisting with administrative tasks, supporting workshops for teachers, children, and coastal decision-makers, representing the Reserve at community events, and even helping recruit new volunteers.
By volunteering, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with others, gain new skills, and receive training from the Reserve’s expert staff on topics ranging from estuarine ecosystems to pressing coastal issues, and even the art of Gyotaku – the traditional Japanese method of fish printing!
The best part? There is no special training is required to be a volunteer, only an interest in working within our coastal environment. We have a wide variety of tasks to suit your interests and provide opportunities to work with a broad range of experts from Rutgers University and JC NERR!
Must be 18 yrs+ to be a volunteer.
Current Opportunities
Life on the Edge – Docent Support
Volunteer docents staff our Life on the Edge exhibit at Tuckerton Seaport in Tuckerton, NJ. They also assist with school tours in the spring and fall. There is a brief training to get started on exhibit operations, display materials, etc.
Please note: The Life on the Edge exhibit is closed at this time due to construction. We anticipate reopening in 2025.
Greeter at the JC NERR Coastal Education Center
We are planning on opening the foyer at the Ed Center for the public for explore our new interactive kiosk. The kiosk was designed to explain the JC NERR mission and the current work that we do. A craft corner for kid’s craft is also planned. Volunteers will be trained on the kiosk operation.
Ichthyoplankton Sampling
Also known as Bridgenetting, this activity occurs weekly at night on the incoming high tide. This project is sponsored by the Rutgers University Marine Field Station at the end of Great Bay Blvd in Tuckerton. Larval fish are caught in a plankton net then sorted in the lab from other material that might be caught in the net. Start times vary throughout the month and with the seasons. Training occurs when you volunteer.
Grassle Marsh Trail Stewards
Volunteers walk the Grassle Marsh Trail at our Education Center in Tuckerton and report any issues such as trash, tripping hazards, etc. The trail is a ½ mile loop on a flat dirt path.
Creature Feature Program Support
Our six week children’s summer program features a different animal/topic each week. Volunteers help with preparation and with activities during the 1 ½ hour sessions.
On-Site Workshops and Meetings
Volunteers help register participants and prepare materials for JC NERR events at the Ed Center.
There are usually opportunities to sit in on the presentations, as well as providing support for the activities and demonstrations provided.
Special Events!
JC NERR and Rutgers University Marine Field Station (RUMFS) Open House
Volunteers help staff tables at the annual Open House held at both RUMFS and the JC NERR Education Center in the early fall. Children’s crafts, T shirt sales and JC NERR information are available to the public.
Festivals and Outreach
JC NERR has exhibits at many festivals and Green Fairs in the spring and early summer months. Volunteers assist staff in distributing information to attendees and helping with crafts.
Trawling with RUMFS
RUMFS often needs extra help with local trawling. This is done from small boats and in whole day or 1/2 day shifts.
