Information for Enrolled Volunteers

Welcome to the Olympic Marmot Monitoring Program! The long-term success of the program depends on people like you. To ensure that your volunteer session is both productive and enjoyable, please read the information on this page carefully and follow the guidelines. It is a good idea to check this again a week or two prior to your work period.

Complete All Paperwork

Once you have been given a trip assignment, please download, print, complete and save hard copies of the Volunteer Use Agreement.

We will need to collect these during training; if you forget you can fill it out there, but having it done ahead of time makes things much easier!

Pre-trip Homework and Trip Preparation

Here are a few sources of information to make sure you're well prepared for this citizen science opportunity. Check with the park's Wilderness Information Center for the most current camping and trail conditions. We will be making your backcountry reservations in May, and it helps if you have your trip itinerary planned by then. Changes can be made, but are sometimes not easily accommodated in high-use quota areas.

Prior to showing up for your volunteer session, you may want to look over this Recommended Gear List and Camping Information and make sure you have everything you will need.

You'll be using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in your work as a monitor. If you're unfamiliar with how GPS works, here's a link to the operating instructions - reading this over ahead of time will make the training and the trip go much easier.

Training

Your one-day training and orientation will begin at the Macy House at 600 E Park Ave in Port Angeles. Prior to the training, we will send you a map to the training site. Here's an outline of the training, which consists of classroom instruction and a three-hour field component, including a short hike (1-4 miles). Please arrive no later than 9:30 a.m. on the day of your training and be prepared for a full day.

Post-Survey

After completing your volunteer session, please make arrangements to report your data and return equipment. If you're in or near Port Angeles during normal business hours, you can return equipment to Patti in the NRM Building. If she is not there, feel free to leave in her office.

If you're in Port Angeles over the weekend or outside of normal business hours, please bring your equipment and data to the Wilderness Information Center, located in the Olympic National Park Visitor Center (3002 Mount Angeles Road).

If your survey was in the southern part of the park and you won't be returning to Port Angeles, you may leave your equipment and data at an Olympic National Park ranger station. Other drop-off arrangements need to be made ahead of time.

Spread the Word

Don't forget to share your findings and photos with friends and other marmot monitors! Your volunteer efforts on behalf of Olympic National Park and the Olympic marmot are greatly appreciated, and we ask you to share your experience and knowledge with others.

 

Washington's National Park Fund has provided generous financial support for the Olympic marmot monitoring program, as well as many other important projects within the park.