The Bird Conservancy of the Rockies (BCR) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving birds and their habitats in the Rocky Mountain region and beyond. BCR relies on dedicated volunteers to help with various aspects of their work, from conducting bird surveys to assisting with educational programs.
Becoming a BCR Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering with BCR, the first step is to fill out a volunteer application on their website. This allows BCR to collect your contact information, understand your interests and skills, and determine how you can best contribute to their programs and mission.
Here are some key things to know about the BCR volunteer application process:
- Applications are accepted year-round, but most new volunteer activities start in the spring or summer.
- You must be at least 18 years old to volunteer independently. Younger volunteers may participate with adult supervision.
- The application asks questions about your availability, experience with birds, outdoor skills, physical capabilities, and more.
- Your application will be reviewed by BCR staff to determine the best volunteer opportunities for you.
After submitting the application, BCR will be in touch to discuss next steps. The timeframe can vary, but expect it to take a few weeks to a few months from application to starting your volunteer role.
Volunteer Opportunities
BCR offers a wide variety of volunteer positions to support their community science, education, stewardship, and research programs. Some key opportunities include:
Community Science
- Bird monitoring – Help collect data on bird populations by conducting surveys at priority sites across the region.
- Nest monitoring – Find and monitor active bird nests to gather data on breeding success.
- Hummingbird banding – Assist with hummingbird banding programs to study migration patterns.
Education & Outreach
- Community education – Volunteer at festivals and events to engage community members through interactive activities.
- School programs – Help lead field trips, classroom visits, and other programs for school groups.
- Public tours – Lead bird watching tours and interpretive hikes at community events and urban green spaces.
Habitat Stewardship
- Habitat restoration – Assist with habitat restoration projects such as invasive plant removal, planting native species, etc.
- Property maintenance – Help maintain BCR properties through trail work, landscaping, cleanup efforts, etc.
- Bioblitzes – Participate in intensive wildlife surveys on focused conservation properties.
Research & Conservation
- Field research – Help scientists conduct field research on priority bird species and habitats.
- Data entry – Assist with entering, managing, and analyzing research data.
- Office support – Provide admin assistance for research, GIS, fundraising, or communication projects.
The specific opportunities available will vary throughout the year based on project needs. When applying, think about which types of roles most interest you and match your skills.
Time Commitment
Most BCR volunteer roles require a minimum commitment of 30 hours per year. However, some roles such as research assistants or interns may require 10-20 hours per week during peak field seasons.
When applying, be clear about how much time you can contribute. Consistency and dependability are very important for ongoing monitoring and stewardship programs.
Here are some typical time commitments:
- Community science: 4-8 hours per month
- Education & outreach: 5 events per year
- Habitat stewardship: 4 work days per year
- Research: 10-20 hours per week during field season
- Admin/office support: 4-8 hours per month
Keep in mind that schedules are flexible, and volunteers can adjust their commitment level as needed. BCR encourages volunteers to track their hours, as this helps quantify the impact volunteers make each year through donated time.
Requirements & Qualifications
While no specific experience is required to volunteer with BCR, certain qualifications are preferred or required for some roles. When applying, think about how your skills, interests, and experience can support BCR’s work.
Here are some key requirements and qualifications to highlight:
- Interest in birds, nature, and conservation
- Ability to work independently and follow directions
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Detail-oriented and organized
- Comfort working outdoors in all weather
- Willingness to complete training requirements
- Familiarity with Rocky Mountain ecosystems
- Experience conducting field surveys
- Plant identification skills
- Physical ability for hiking, lifting, bending, etc.
Certain roles may require specific qualifications like scientific research experience or Wilderness First Aid certification. BCR will provide any additional training needed for your volunteer assignment.
Training
BCR provides training to prepare volunteers to assist with programs effectively and safely. Training needs vary by role, but may include:
- Introductory orientation to BCR
- On-the-job training with staff
- Bird monitoring protocols and data collection
- First aid certification
- Outdoor skills like plant ID, navigation, and wilderness first aid
- Project-specific training as needed
Many volunteer roles require commitment to the initial training to ensure volunteers have the necessary skills and background. Some intensive research positions may require multi-day trainings.
Benefits of Volunteering
Volunteering with BCR offers many rewards and benefits, including:
- Gaining hands-on experience with bird research and conservation.
- Contributing to meaningful community science and habitat projects.
- Learning about Rocky Mountain ecosystems.
- Developing new outdoor recreation skills.
- Meeting like-minded people who share your interests.
- Exploring new areas and getting off the beaten path.
- Knowing you are making a difference for conservation.
BCR volunteers represent a range of ages, backgrounds, and skill levels united by their passion. Many volunteers describe their work with BCR as incredibly fun and fulfilling.
Getting Ready to Volunteer
Once your volunteer application has been accepted, here are some tips to prepare for your first activities with BCR:
- Complete required training – Make sure to attend any orientation or training specified in your volunteer offer letter.
- Gather gear – Obtain any necessary footwear, clothing, or tools needed for your role.
- Ask questions – Don’t be afraid to ask your supervisor for clarification to make sure you fully understand expectations.
- Confirm schedules – Double check activity dates and times and sync with your personal calendar.
- Manage commitments – Evaluate other commitments to ensure you can meet the time requirements.
- Get excited – Read up on BCR’s work so you’re enthused about the mission and your contribution.
With some preparation and planning, you’ll be ready to dive in and start making an impact through your BCR volunteer work.
Volunteer Policies
BCR volunteers are expected to follow all organizational policies and procedures. Key policies to be aware of include:
- Safety – Follow all safety protocols, report injuries/incidents, and ask about any concerns.
- Professionalism – Act professionally when representing BCR in public forums.
- Data collection – Ensure accuracy and consistency when collecting and recording data.
- Social media – Do not present yourself as an official BCR representative on public channels.
- Media – Direct media inquiries to the appropriate BCR communications staff.
- Transport – Volunteers must provide their own transport to activity sites.
Review all policies thoroughly during orientation, and ask your supervisor if any questions arise. Adhering to BCR policies ensures high standards across all programs.
Conclusion
Volunteering with the Bird Conservancy of the Rockies is an enriching experience and impactful way to support bird and habitat conservation. The application process allows BCR to match your skills and interests with needed roles that advance their mission. A diversity of opportunities are available through community science, education, stewardship, and research programs. Make sure to prepare fully prior to starting your role, and comply with all BCR volunteer policies. The contributions of dedicated BCR volunteers are invaluable for conserving Colorado’s treasured ecosystems.