Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Goal: The volunteer program at the CRWEC will provide added-value services for community members by supporting and enhancing the mission of the CRWEC while creating meaningful opportunities for volunteer growth and education. The Lead will support and inspire other volunteers and assist staff in the successful completion of projects.

Sample Activities:
• Greet and talk with visitors in person and on the phone - Visitors come from all over the world. Past residents of the historic town of Cedar Falls may drop in with photos, a birder may let you look through his scope at the Peregrines or a family with excited children may wander in. There are plenty of opportunities for positive interactions.
• Update informational whiteboards - use your creative skills and learn something new. Past whiteboards have included these topics (info and pictures): Peregrines, elk, geology of Rattlesnake Ledge, frogs and old growth forests.
• Check and maintain Water is Magic exhibits -You can take your "water drop" through the water cycle. Sometimes our water gets clogged and volunteers can help keep the water and discovery moving freely. As a volunteer we ask you to use the exhibits so we know they are working well. It's fun too.
• Replenish informational flyers in Welcome Room and Exhibit Hall.
• Operate the cash register.

Benefits:
• Enjoy the spectacular beauty and relaxing atmosphere of an award-winning facility and Rattlesnake Lake.
• Join a family of folks who share an interest in the Cedar River Watershed: its culture, history and natural resources.
• Help make the Cedar River Watershed Education Center a success as you gain a sense of accomplishment.
• Enjoy many learning opportunities as you learn and work with skilled and fun-loving staff.
• Membership in Friends of the Cedar River Watershed.
• Attend Watershed programs for free.
• Annual volunteer recognition celebration.

Must be at least 18 years; ability to volunteer weekly totaling at least 12 hours a month; able to work with the public, other volunteers and staff, strong people skills, flexibility, and enthusiastic personality. Washington State background check required.

Training Required: Volunteer training is 4 sessions plus 36 hours of host experience. Training for 2007 begins May 2nd

This opportunity is sponsored by: Cedar River Watershed Education Center

We need volunteers who are free at these times Weekdays Weekly Weekends This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Adults (26-54) Young Adults (18-25) Adults (55+)

Contact Person: Chris Holland, Facility Coordinator, (phone), (email) View all agency contacts

Address:

19901 Cedar Falls Rd SE North Bend, WA 98045 (See a map)

Directions:

The Cedar River Watershed Education Center is located about 35 miles east of downtown Seattle. From I-90 take exit 32 (436th Ave S.E.). Go south (right) on 436th Ave S.E.(Cedar Falls Road). The Education Center is 3.5 miles from the exit, just past Rattlesnake Lake.   Nearest Bus Stop: 214, 75 minute walk

Details where opportunity can also be performed

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Zip codes:

98045

Miscellaneous Information

Are Youth Volunteers Welcome?
	No
What is the minimum age for volunteers?
	18
Are court-appointed community service volunteers okay?
	No
Can families with young children volunteer for this opportunity?
	No

Last updated on August 11, 2009

4 Overall Experience   
My volunteer time is my oasis.

I have been volunteering at the Cedar River Watershed Education Center for a few years now and I truly value the experience. I generally spend my time in the library and I feel that I have the best volunteer position at the facility. I have a passion for history, especially the stories of people, places, and times that no longer exist. I see place names on maps like, “Ghost Point” or, “Iolanthe” or, “saloon” and I know there are or were wonderful stories related to these places. I want to know them. I want to preserve and share them. I feel a growing emptiness as knowledge of these places and people disappears. This emptiness is offset by picking up scraps of information through research, or more often through talking with guests of the library, staff, or other volunteers. I am lucky to be able to spend one day per month at the library and I look forward to each opportunity. Sometimes I spend my entire time without a single visitor. I enjoy these days very much as I get to quietly read and do research for hours without interruption. The peace and quiet and the beauty of the location do wonders for my psychological, spiritual, and physical well-being. On other days I will spend the entire time sharing stories, showing pictures, and chasing children around with my white gloves for them to wear. Whatever kind of day I have I come home refreshed. The experience changes me. I find my priorities realigned, my focus tuned, and my attitude much more relaxed. It is important for me to be reminded that there are wonderful, important things out there other than earning a living, paying the mortgage, fixing my truck and all of the day-to-day stuff that at times seems to engulf my whole life. My volunteer time is my oasis. It is the time when my batteries get recharged and my perspective gets retuned. I feel that I am a happier man and a better husband because of the time I spend volunteering. I am very grateful for the opportunity to spend time with my books, pictures, guests, and the staff and I hope to be able to continue my one day per month for many more years. posted on February 12, 2008