Each year, CBEC volunteers commit more than 10,000 hours of service towards making CBEC a wonderful place to experience nature along the Chesapeake Bay. We are always seeking volunteers who wish to assist in promoting CBEC and its mission.

Volunteer opportunities are available for people 18 years of age and older. Prospective volunteers should know that most—but not all–of our volunteer work occurs on weekdays, with only limited weekend opportunities (i.e., special events and Guided Kayak Tours).

CBEC volunteers contribute in many ways, including:

  • Education – from pre-school to adult, volunteers assist staff with school and special groups that come to experience our “hands-on, feet-wet” learning opportunities.
  • Visitor Center – serving as “the face of CBEC,” volunteers staff CBEC’s Visitor Center, greeting visitors, answering questions, processing sales, and facilitating kayak rentals.
  • Kayaking – volunteers lead and assist with kayak programs that are part of school visits, as well as our weekend guided kayak tours and full moon paddles.
  • Stewardship and citizen science programs – volunteers support the care and feeding of our captive birds of prey; handle birds at public events, and participate in citizen science programs, collecting and reporting data about wood ducks and ospreys.
  • Property restoration/facility maintenance – volunteers maintain CBEC’s trails and gardens, mow lawns, maintain landscaping around our buildings, and complete various construction projects.
  • PR and marketing – volunteers promote CBEC at various expos and off-site events, serve on fundraising and special event committees, and assist with communications.

Apply to Volunteer!

If you have a desire to make a real difference in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, complete the Volunteer Application. You will be contacted by CBEC’s volunteer coordinators about next steps to becoming a CBEC volunteer.

CBEC asks volunteers to provide at least 20 hours of service per year. Volunteers donating over 100 hours of service per year receive a complimentary 1-year family membership to CBEC. For questions or more details, contact Anne and Dave Brunson at volunteercoordinator@bayrestoration.org.

Day of Service for Groups

CBEC welcomes groups wishing to provide a day (or days) of service. Projects generally focus on trail maintenance and hands-on restoration activities. Contact volunteercoordinator@bayrestoration.org for more information.