WELCOME!

The Narragansett Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is pleased to once again offer an alternative spring break program close to home! Past years' participants overwhelmingly reported that, although the work was hard, they would definitely participate in a similar program in the future or recommend participation to a friend. Please join us!!

This year's efforts will again focus on the removal of autumn olive from densely infested areas on the Reserve's South Prudence unit. Unlike many volunteer service activities, this program is conducted outside in potentially less-than-optimal conditions. Students will be: (1) using hand tools to remove plants that range in size from modest shoots (< 1') to large shrubs (> 15'); (2) applying herbicide to cut stems; and (3) hauling away cut material to a site suitable for burning brush piles. Participants should anticipate that they will get dirty, maybe wet, and likely tax muscles that they generally aren't aware of. At the end of a day working out in the field participants will be exhausted but the work is surprisingly rewarding and students can look forward to a quiet evening enjoying a home cooked meal and hanging out with new friends.

Alternative Spring Break Participants 2011

Overnight accommodation for volunteers is available for a limited number of participants who commit to multiple days of effort. Volunteers who wish to participate on individual program dates are also welcome. In either case, since space in the cottage and on-island transportation is limited, students must REGISTER to participate. [Note: Participation is restricted to enrolled students who are > 18 years of age.] Meals will be provided for all program participants however individuals who elect to stay overnight on the island will need to bring their own bedding.

Using an on-line sign-up tool (see below) students can indicate a commitment to program participation on single or multiple dates that match their school's spring break by selecting the calendar date and signing up for a spot for invasive species control. If you also indicate that you will bring bedding for an overnight stay, a space in our cottage will be reserved for you on that date as well.

Access to the island is via the Prudence Island Ferry so arrival and departure times for program participation are limited. Students may arrive on either the 8 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. ferry leaving Bristol and depart Prudence Island on the 8:30 a.m. or 4 p.m. ferry. If you wish to arrive the afternoon before your invasive species control activity you should indicate that you will bring bedding for an overnight stay the night before you are scheduled to start. [For example, you may choose to arrive Sunday night, work Monday and Tuesday, and leave Tuesday afternoon. In that case, you would sign up to bring bedding on Sunday and Monday and sign up for a spot for invasive species control on Monday and Tuesday.]

Click here for additional details about what to expect, what you should bring, the ferry and ferry parking, etc.

Please Help Spread the Word!

To Register: