Facility

The bright blue water belonging to Cat Point Creek weaves through vivid green wetlands
Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1996, is the youngest member of the Eastern Virginia Rivers National Wildlife Refuge Complex. The refuge was established to protect and conserve important wildlife habitats along the river and its major tributaries.

Location

Address

336 Wilna Road
Warsaw, VA 22572
United States

Date Range
-

Volunteer Position Overview

Volunteers Needed
-
Recruitment Start Date
Recruitment End Date
Days
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Training Required
No
Security Clearance Needed
No
Virtual
No
Suitability
55+

About This Position

Help us expand public access and activities at YOUR national wildlife refuge! We typically have opportunities open annually from March through November. We prefer volunteers stay at least 3 months, but please reach out to discuss 1-2 month opportunities. Individuals are expected to work 32 hrs/week whereas couples work 24 hours/week (each, can be same days). Work is usually M-F but can include weekends. Days of the week are negotiable and can change with prior coordination.


Rappahannock River Valley NWR comprises over 9,500 acres in five Counties on Virginia’s “Northern Neck” and “Middle Peninsula”. This is a place where wildlife comes first, and people are visitors.  


Plentiful quiet creeks and forest landscapes similar to those first viewed by Capt. John Smith in 1608 still abound. Bald eagles, white-tailed deer, turkeys, quail, fox are commonly seen year-round at the Refuge with an occasional bobcat and otter.  


Reconnect with the nature and history at one of the best kept secrets along the eastern seaboard. Virginia’s Northern Neck Peninsula is the “birthplace of our nation” with three of the first five American presidents being born here, along with other prominent families that helped form our nation and its Declaration of Independence. It is a land where generations of Watermen still continue to harvest Rockfish, Blue Crabs and the ever famous Virginia Oyster and, family farms still flourish to this day. A short drive from most of the big Mid-Atlantic cities, one can truly step back in time and experience the road less traveled. You’ll find plenty to see, do and experience in this unique historical region of Virginia known as the Northern Neck.


With a small permanent staff, you’ll see your impact on the mission quite quickly. Our Refuge is very fortunate to have a large number of local volunteers and a wonderful Friend’s group. Our RV Volunteer program began in 2015 and we’ve rarely been without at least one of these dedicated lovers of Public lands ever since.  


Questions about this opportunity, and volunteering in general, should be directed to Bill Crouch, Deputy Refuge Manager, 804-313-7574 or william_crouch@fws.gov, or Marcie Kapsch, Refuge Manager, at marcie_kapsch@fws.gov.

Stories About Volunteering

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Our People
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We’ve been fortunate to have some amazing hosts, many of them returning for multiple years. Among them is Stacy Turner, a remarkable individual who has left an indelible mark at Winthrop National Fish Hatchery in Winthrop, Washington.
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Recreation
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Man and gray cat take picture together.
Our People
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Our People
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Get Involved
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Get Involved
Spring Break Stewardship
The youth members of the Groundwork Hudson Valley Green Team recently spent two days of their Spring Break working with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service staff on habitat restoration projects at two national wildlife refuges.

Other Ways to Work with Us

Are you looking for something different than a volunteer opportunity? The Fish and Wildlife Service employs around 9,000 people nationwide and offers great internship opportunities every year.