Looking for an active and energetic learning community? Join our volunteer cohort!
Volunteers are the backbone of the Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre (CENC). Our volunteers, ranging from high school students to seniors, contribute thousands of hours each year, bringing diverse perspectives and experiences that enrich our programs. By volunteering, individuals from all walks of life—students, retirees, professionals—find meaningful engagement and community connection, while at the same time learning new skills. Volunteers participate in various activities, from guiding tours and leading educational programs to supporting restoration projects and administrative tasks. Volunteering at CENC offers a unique opportunity to make a difference, learn new skills, and join a dedicated community committed to environmental stewardship and education. Volunteers are also invited to all of our professional development and citizen science initiatives, making it a great way to keep your mind active and up to date on watershed happenings.
We’re always looking for people to help out in our nature centre, assist with our school programs, and help with our restoration efforts. (And many other options!) No special qualifications are required, and training is provided.
Nature Interpreter/Centre Volunteer
The Cowichan Estuary Nature Centre welcomes thousands of visitors every year. From repeat families, to travelers from afar, all are welcomed into the space to explore their curiosity and questions of the estuary and its inhabitants.
What Nature Interpreters do: Open and close the centre; greet visitors and guide them through, answering questions, and encouraging wonder and exploration. Guide travelers and out-of-towners towards local businesses in Cowichan Bay. Feed the touch tank critters (upon completion of aquaria training.)
Who: Open to youth (16+) and adults (a child or grandchild is welcome to accompany) who have a love for nature, and a desire to share.
No nature interpretation experience necessary, just a desire to learn and share. We’d appreciate if you could commit to 2-4 hours per month.
Length of volunteer shift: 2-3 hours.
School Program Volunteer
What: Every year we hosts hundreds of school children at the Nature Centre, and in Hecate Park, guiding them to explore the shore to sea. Our 1.5 hour programs are lead by our amazing Educators, and supporting by our School Program Volunteers.
Who: We are looking for adults with a delight in the outdoors, an interest in sharing nature, and a love for supporting kids/youth learn.
Length of volunteer shift: 2 hours (program runs 1.5 hours, volunteers arrive 15 minutes early and 15 minutes post to help with set up/clean up
Volunteer commitment: as much or as little as you can give. We’ll work with your schedule.
Restoration Program Volunteer
What: Watershed and estuary restoration volunteers participate in community restoration events. This can be a more physically demanding volunteer role, and can involve work outdoors, in weather, and in/on water.
Who: We are looking for adults (and families) who enjoy getting their hands dirty, love community projects and co-creating a lasting impact.
Length of volunteer shift: 2-4 hours
Volunteer commitment: Join us once or every time. We’ll send you an email every month, and you’ll have the chance to sign on for the projects you’re interested in. Or, bring us your restoration idea, and lets bring it to life!
We’re looking for specialized volunteers to help in the following areas:
WordPress/Website Help
Grant Writers/Fundraising
Experts and Artists to share their passion with our young learners
Science Communicators
Marine Scientists and On-the-water workers
Curators/Artists/Creatives who would like to dream up a new exhibit or show one of their own.
Why volunteer with CENC?
- Aquaria Training- Learn from our aquarist how to care for the fresh and salt water tanks, how to feed them, and how they’re cleaned. We are currently taking a waitlist for our youth aquarist internship.
- Ongoing Learning- Our “volunteer club” meets 4-6 times per year to get to know the estuary better, and field trip to other amazing living classrooms. In the past we’ve traveled to Maple Bay, Shaw Ocean Discovery Center, Deep Bay Marine Station, and many more!
- A community of carers- Our volunteers do this because they really care about our watershed, and especially our young learners. You’ll be sure to meet some of the most amazing humans in the valley by spending time here.
- Looks great on a resume! We’re happy to provide reference letters; all volunteers get a vulnerable sectors criminal record check; volunteers are often nominated to our Board of Directors; volunteers participate in all the same professional development as our staff and contractors.
- Inclusive of parents- CENC is the only place we know of where you can volunteer with your kids, and we don’t just mean teenagers. We all do this because we want to expose more children to the natural world, so we’re thrilled if you want to bring your child/grandchild with you.
- Inclusive of all ages and abilities- Our volunteers range in age from 8-93, and we’re inwardly (and outwardly) on all kinds of spectrums of pysical and neurological capability. Our volunteer coordinator and executive director will work with you (and your child) to find a place that feels meaningful and is of interest to you/them.
- Volunteer from home- We have virtual volunteering options available! Work on research, share social media posts, and write/proofread grant applications. We’ll email you directions, you complete at your own pace as you’re available!