Environmental Projects


Last Updated: November 2009

Agency/Organization: UW Madison- WI Department of Health
Project Description: We are interested in conducting tick surveillance in Eau Claire, Chippewa, Trempealeau and St. Croix counties during the 2009 gun deer season (Nov. 21 – Nov. 29). A pair of volunteers would go to a selected deer registration station, collect samples of ticks from deer being brought in and collect some information about where the deer was harvested. Ticks are collected from the head of the deer using forceps and put into a labeled collection vial filled with ethanol. We are hoping to get samples from 50 deer per registration station. This is a two day project to qualify for a 15 hour service learning project. Volunteers would be expected to go to one station on Saturday and another station on Sunday (there is the possibility of doing the second day the following Saturday or Sunday). Volunteers would spend approximately 6 hours at each station (9 AM until 3 PM). Each pair of volunteers will need to provide their own transportation. Reimbursement for gas mileage and lunch will be provided. A mandatory training session (1 hour) will be conducted sometime during the week of Nov. 14. At this time the materials needed to conduct the tick surveillance will be handed out. Dates Needed: 11/21/09 through 11/29/09. We are looking for 10 students to help.
Skills/Availability Requirement: Volunteers would be expected to go to one station on Saturday and another station on Sunday (there is the possibility of doing the second day the following Saturday or Sunday). Volunteers would spend approximately 6 hours at each station (9 AM until 3 PM). Each pair of volunteers will need to provide their own transportation. Reimbursement for gas mileage and lunch will be provided. A mandatory training session (1 hour) will be conducted sometime during the week of Nov. 14. At this time the materials needed to conduct the tick surveillance will be handed out.
Time Commitment:
Contact: Mr. Irwin Patrick, (608) 265-2874
Address: UW-Madison/WI Dept Health, 1630 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706
Email: pirwin@wisc.edu

Last Updated: September 2009

Agency/Organization: Beaver Creek Reserve
Project Description: The EDPC, in collaboration with select groups from the UWEC Campus and greater community organizes and facilitates a community-wide Earth Day Celebration. This event attracts hundreds of people each year. We are looking for two to three students willing to assist with one or more of the following:
-Advertising the event
-Recruiting volunteers to assist with the event and supervising volunteers the day of the event
Dates Needed: 10/1/09 through 4/24/09
Skills/Availability Requirement: Applicants need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. They are required to attend most scheduled meetings, plan and execute their Earth Day responsibilities, and see this project through to completion on April 24, 2010. Students must attend the Earth Day Celebration!
Time Commitment: 30 hours (full requirement)
Paid or Volunteer: Volunteer
Contact: Ms. Sarah Braun, Phone: (715) 877-2212
Address: Beaver Creek Reserve, S1 Cty Rd K, Fall Creek, WI 54742
Email: sarah@beavercreekreserve.org

Last Updated: September 2009

Agency/Organization: Eau Claire County
Project Description: Eau Claire County is involved in performance management for all county programs. In our department, we have nine programs which include all seven county parks as separate programs. One part of our performance management calls for our existing staff to distribute park surveys that we develop and have our park staff distribute to the public as they visit our parks. Our park needs volunteers to conduct one on one interviews with park patrons to conduct these surveys. Other than the summer months when the parks are the busiest, we have another program Tower Ridge that has it's heaviest use in the winter from cross-country skiing, but also is busy in the summer and fall with disc golf.
Time Commitment: 15 hours (half requirement)or 30/30+ hours (full requirement)
Paid or Volunteer: Volunteer
Contact: John Staszcuk, Phone: (715) 839-4783
Email: John.Staszcuk@co.eau-claire.wi.us

Last Updated: September 2009

Agency/Organization: Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center
Project Description: The Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center is looking for a Service Learning student interested in biology or geography to assist us with creating maps for three of our projects. The student will work with DNR and Beaver Creek staff to identify streams of interest for monitoring and create maps of those streams in ArcGIS. The maps will be used by the Director and Volunteer stream monitors during the 2009 sampling season. Also, the student will work with Beaver Creek staff and volunteers to identify and compile maps for routes to be sampled by our volunteer Bat Monitors. Other projects may be added to this list as they arise.
Skills/Availability Requirement: Students pursuing a degree in the sciences such as geography, biology, environmental and public health, etc. would be a great fit for this project. Students will be asked to commit to 30 hours of service learning. Students will be asked to drive out to Beaver Creek Reserve Citizen Science Center once a week for 2-3 hours for the duration of the project.
Time Commitment: 30 hours (full requirement)
Paid or Volunteer: Volunteer
Contact: Ms. Sarah Braun, Phone: 715-877-2212
Address: S1 Cty Rd K, Fall Creek, WI 54742
Email: sarah@beavercreekreserve.org

Last Updated: August 2008

Agency/Organization: Buckhorn State Park, Necedah
Project Description: A volunteer conservationists primarily assist ranger staff in the maintenance of buildings and grounds. Conservationists can also serve as trail hosts, conduct plant surveys or monitor wildlife populations in designated natural areas. As a representative of the Department of Natural Resources, a volunteer conservationist assists in restoring prairies, improving wildlife habitat, plantings and litter pick-up. These activities will give a student the opportunity to see natures beauty as it was meant to be seen. It will give students a chance to respect, observe, and appreciate Wisconsin State Parks Systems. Without constant volunteers, Sate Parks in Wisconsin would not be able to exist. After volunteering, students will learn and understand how important it is to preserve and respect nature at its original state.
Skills/Availability requirement: none indicated
Time Commitment: 30 hours (full requirement)
Contact: Mr. Joe Stecker-Kochanski, (608) 565-2789
Address: W8450 Busckhorn Park Ave, Necedah, WI 54646

Last Updated: August 2008

Agency/Organization: Epilepsy Foundation of Western Wisconsin, Eau Claire
Project Description: Students to volunteer their time with EFWW members who are unable to get around due to lack of transportation. Students can assist in running errands for/with EFWW members, taking them to support group meetings, or just socializing with them.
Skills/Availability requirement: Student should possess compassion, patience and empathy for others. Student must have a valid driver's license and adequate transportation.
Time Commitment:15 hours (half requirement) or 30/30+ hours (full service-learning requirement)
Contact: Ms. Lou Kelsey, (715) 834-4455
Address: 1812 Brackett Av., Suite 5, Eau Claire, WI 54701
E-Mail: lkelseyefww@sbcglobal.net

Last Updated: August 2008

Agency/Organization: Necedah National Wildlife Refuge
Project Description: The Volunteer Program at Necedah National Wildlife Refuge plays an active and vital role in the operation of the Refuge. Projects vary according to the needs of the Refuge and the interests and abilities of the volunteer. Volunteers are sought who have an interest in wildlife, conservation, the outdoors and an enthusiasm for donating their time. Volunteer opportunities include:


Skills/Availability requirement: Those interested in volunteering are asked to submit an application and schedule an interview with the Volunteer Coordinator. Applicant names are kept on file until openings become available and assignments can be made. Those wishing to receive a volunteer applications form are to send their name and address to the Volunteer Coordinator. Before volunteers begin working, they are required to attend an orientation session and any training necessary for their job. The Refuge is located four miles west of Necedah on Highway 21. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Time Commitment: 15 hours (half requirement) or 30 hours (full service-learning requirement)
Contact: Daniel Peterson, (608) 565-2551
Address: W7996 20th Street West; Necedah, WI 54646

Technology
Environmental
Miscellaneous
School
Senior Citizen
Social Service
Sports/Athletic
Youth Activities
Out-of-State