Ways to Get Involved
Kodiak welcomes and relies on volunteers, Friends, and interns to accomplish refuge goals in all aspects of conservation and education!
Volunteering
Common volunteer opportunities include cabin maintenance, invasive plant control, berry surveys, bird banding, and staffing the visitor center.
Volunteer opportunities on the Refuge include float plane or boat transportation to the Refuge, as well as meals and lodging, but trips to the Refuge require aviation and bear safety training to be completed in advance so be sure to plan ahead.
Contact Natalie Fath at natalie_fath@fws.gov or 907-308-6086 to learn more and sign up as a volunteer.
Visitor Center (Year round)
Adults and youth are welcome to volunteer in the Visitor Center. We ask that you be available to volunteer 2-3 hours at least once a week. Gain experience with customer service, share your knowledge about Kodiak with visitors, and assist staff in operating the Alaska Geographic bookstore.
Cabin Steward Program (April-October)
Assist maintenance staff with construction and repairs at one of our nine beautiful remote cabin sites. These trips are scheduled as needed during the warmer months of the year and usually last a couple days to a week. Transportation, food, and lodging provided; aviation and bear safety training required. Construction and maintenance experience is not required, but be prepared to work hard.
Outreach
School Programs
To schedule a program for your students, please contact the Kodiak Refuge at (907) 308-3966.
Education Kits
Traveling education kits are available for loan to educators, homeschoolers and childcare providers. Kits include everything from fur samples, track making kits, and skulls of a number of Kodiak land mammals. Curriculums are included for certain grades, but the kits can be a useful resource for any age group. The Kodiak Refuge has funds available to ship education kits to Kodiak area villages.
Additional Opportunities
Alaska Youth Fish and Wildlife Club (virtual, Wednesdays)