Beach Cleanups
Every year the Reserve organizes two coastal clean-ups on Prudence Island . One is in April, to celebrate Earth Day and the other is in September as part of the International Coastal Clean-up. Volunteers help us move truck loads of trash off our beaches. Check the Reserve's calendar of events for upcoming Prudence Island cleanups.
Groundwater Monitoring
A group of volunteers has been actively monitoring groundwater levels in island wells since June 2006. A companion monitoring effort was begun in January 2007 to measure stream flow in scattered streams across the island. Combined with rainfall information, these data will provide a better understanding of the extent of the groundwater resource on Prudence Island . Efforts of this type require data collection over many years because of seasonal and annual variability. We need more volunteers to increase the frequency of monitoring efforts which currently takes place monthly.
Butterfly Gardening
Visit the South End Learning Center a few times each month during the summer to help maintain the butterfly garden. The work could include ordering and planting new butterfly plants and trees, installing a solar pump for the pond, deadheading old flowers, and of course… weeding. Any help would be much appreciated.
Native Forest Restoration
Native forest restoration has been planned for two plots with different land use histories and soil characteristics on properties managed by the Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Upland forested areas on Prudence Island are highly degraded as the result of past land use practices and the presence of invasive species, particularly oriental bittersweet. Utilizing a volunteer woodcutting stewards program, the Reserve has begun to prepare the North End site for restoration by selectively cutting non-native tree species. Next steps in this forest restoration program include the mechanical and manual removal of invasive shrubs and vines, targeted herbicide application, and planting of an appropriate mix of native tree and shrub species. This volunteer opportunity is most appropriate as a group activity.
Resource Building and Maintenance
Throughout the year the Reserve has a number of small projects suitable for someone skilled in light carpentry and craftsmanship. Examples may include building resources such birdhouses, interpretive sign frames, shelving, etc. as well as modest maintenance work such as painting. Although basic tools and an on-site workshop are available, most project activities would require some advance notice of interest so that building materials may be acquired.
Non-native Invasive Plant Monitoring and Mapping
Collect data while driving or hiking Prudence Island roads and trails! In an effort to better understand the rate of spread of non-native invasive plants across the landscape, NBNERR is expanding its effort to monitor and map selected species. Assigned activities will vary depending on your level of interest and most monitoring / mapping efforts are seasonal and of short duration. This volunteer opportunity is suitable for individuals of all ages.
Non-native Invasive Plant Control
As elsewhere in the State of Rhode Island , Prudence Island has a number of non-native, invasive plant species which are negatively impacting natural communities. Current NBNERR control efforts targeting autumn olive ( Elaeagnus umbellata ) are a component of an island-wide effort to control this species in accordance with the Prudence Island Cooperative Weed Management Area (PI CWMA) strategy for addressing invasive plant species. Autumn olive poses a great risk to sensitive coastal shrubland habitat and has been identified as having a high management priority. Control requires both hand-cutting and the application of herbicide. This volunteer opportunity is appropriate for individuals and groups.
Trail Maintenance
The Prudence Conservancy is a non-profit group dedicated to protecting and preserving land on Prudence Island . Members of their trail gang and other volunteers help to establish and maintain hiking trails, clean coastal areas, etc. Click here to check out the Conservancy's website.
