Does inspiring and educating young people to treasure FMR’s unique ecosystem sound rewarding to you? If so, you’re in luck, FFMR is now accepting applications for the 2027 FFMR Volunteer Naturalist Training Class. Seats are limited so apply today! Applications will be accepted until 1 week prior to the first class or until all seats are filled, whichever happens first. The first class will be in late January or early February. Check back here for updates. If you have any questions, please refer back to our volunteer webpage or email us at volunteer@fitzgeraldreserve.org.
Note: You must be at least 18 years old and comfortable traversing FMR’s uneven and slippery terrain.
Volunteer Naturalist Training
Volunteer Naturalists who have completed our training course have committed to working a minimum of 6 hours per month, in 2-hour shifts, for the first year after passing the course.
The training classes take place at a location in Moss Beach usually beginning each February, and covers all of the major phyla of invertebrates, chordates, algae and marine mammals found at Fitzgerald. Syllabus and requirements for the 2027 class will be posted shortly.
In addition to time spent in the classroom we include field work in the intertidal and an additional 6-hours of mentoring with an experienced Volunteer Naturalist.
As a tidepool Volunteer Naturalist you must be over 17 years old and physically able to navigate the rocks and reef. You will be walking on slippery and uneven rocky surfaces for up to 2 hours at a time in a variety of weather conditions.
Continuing Education
The Friends host Continuing Education events throughout the year to keep us updated, informed and refreshed on subjects covering a wide range of marine-related topics. Depending on the subject, sessions may be held virtually, in-class or in the field.
Other Volunteer Activities
In addition to providing tidepool interpretation on the reef, there are many ways our trained Volunteer Naturalists can contribute their time and knowledge.
Public Events
The Friends work closely with the San Mateo County Parks Department for public events held throughout the year at the Reserve.
July Fourth Parade
We invite all our Volunteer Naturalists to participate in the Half Moon Bay Annual July Fourth Parade. The Friends are always cheered by the crowds and have received blue ribbons for their creative marine-life costumes.
Visitors Center
Our Volunteers staff the Visitors Center where there are a variety of marine specimens and videos where visitors can get an introduction to the Reserve. The Visitors Center is open on busy weekend low-tide days.
Seal Ambassadors
Volunteers are stationed down on the main beach at the cone line to keep visitors a safe distance from the harbor seals that haul out at every low tide. Visitors enjoy viewing the harbor seals through a spotting scope while Volunteers provide information about our resident pinnipeds.
Junior Naturalist Camp
Each summer, 15-20 lucky campers spend 5 days at Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in our Junior Naturalist Summer Camp for 9-12 year olds. FFMR Volunteers educate campers on the science and history of the Reserve while entertaining them with arts, crafts, guided tidepool tours, games and competitions.
Volunteer Interest
If inspiring and educating young people to treasure FMR’s unique ecosystem sounds rewarding to you then join our community and become an FFMR intertidal naturalist. FFMR is now accepting applications for the 2027 FFMR Volunteer Naturalist Training Class. Seats are limited so apply today! Applications will be accepted until 1 week prior to the first class or until all seats are filled, whichever happens first. The first class will be in late January or early February. Check back here for updates. If you have any questions, please refer back to our volunteer webpage or email us at volunteer@fitzgeraldreserve.org.