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 return hard copies of the Volunteer Use Agreement to:
Patti Happe
Olympic National Park
600 E. Park Ave.
Port Angeles, WA 98362

Instead of mailing, you can print out, sign, scan and email the Volunteer Agreement if you wish, but we need a copy of your signature.

Pre-trip Homework and Trip Information
Here's 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. 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 program's GPS 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 Olympic National Park headquarters in Port Angeles. Here's a map to help you find us, and 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.

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 or Sue in the NRM Building. If they are not there, feel free to leave in one of their offices.

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. Please do not leave equipment at any U.S. Forest Service or non-NPS facility.

Spread the Word for 2013
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.