Your Volunteer Work Can Take Flight!

A group of volunteers has been making a difference for the Community of Ridgefield and its National Wildlife Refuge during BirdFest. This festival is renowned region wide and welcomes Sandhill cranes and other migratory birds back to southwest Washington every year. Join the fun and help the community. Just 2-4 hours of volunteering at the event is an easy way to make a difference and still have time to enjoy all the activities of the weekend!

Volunteer Jobs at BirdFest

Birdfest (BF) takes place indoors and out, rain or shine. These volunteer roles often mean you will be outside in the elements, please wear weather appropriate clothing, hats, and close-toed shoes. Most shifts are in 2 hour increments, unless otherwise noted. If you’d like to sign up for more time than 2 hours, any additional time would be appreciated.

We are currently looking for help with:

• Set-up and take-down festival logistics; tables, chairs, tents, post signs, etc.
•  Festival Greeter- Staff information tables at various locations around town and on the Refuge, and help answer questions about the event.
• Assist with Family’s Activities, games, and craft stations at Overlook Park or by the Cathlapotle Plankhouse.
• Serve as an “Ambassador” for the Friends of Ridgefield NWR at various locations around downtown Ridgefield and on the Refuge.
• Helping check-in paddlers for kayak tours.
• Assisting with crowd control at the Audubon Birds of Prey Show.

Interested in Volunteering? Contact Alix Danielsen at: Alix@Ridgefieldfriends.org or by phone at (360) 887-9495 for more information.

Volunteer Position Descriptions

Pre-Festival Set-up
Friday:
This set-up job requires brains, brawn, and a team player attitude. Volunteers will assist the BF Committee members by helping them set up tents, information booths, garbage and recycling bins, carry tables, chairs, and more! Setting out signs for traffic detours, “No parking” signs, and location specific signage. Please wear close-toed shoes.

Festival Greeter
Greeters are the heart of our Festival. Greeters staff our information booths and make sure every patron is acknowledged while entering or exiting the BF Festival location. Greeters hand out Schedule of Events, help navigate Festival information and point people in the right direction. This position is for individuals who are friendly and embody the spirit of BF. A typical greeter shift is 2 -3 hours and requires the ability to stand for a majority of the shift. A greeter shift is rain or shine and always takes place outdoors, please dress accordingly.

Friends Ambassador
This fundraising job lets you be a part of the action! Volunteers are roaming around the festivals three main locations interacting with people and collecting donations. Volunteers should be interactive, animated, enthusiastic about BF and the work of the Friends group. A script will be provided to aid in the story of the Friends group. Most times donations will be collected before and/or after an event. A Friends membership brochure will also be available for anyone interested in more information about the Friends group.

Friends Information Booth Attendant
Are you a customer service-oriented individual? Volunteers at this booth will be the hub for all information. Handing out Schedule of Events, answering questions, signing people up to become a Friends member, signing in volunteers and giving directions. Volunteers should be interactive, animated, and enthusiastic about BF.

Children’s Activities Volunteer
Work with a team of volunteers to assist children and parents at the various activities, games and crafts set up for children of all ages. Help out in town at Overlook Park or at the Cathlapotle Plankhouse!

Kayak Check-in Assistant
This volunteer job lets you be a part of the action! Help Ridgefield Kayak employees check in BFBG guests and get them ready for their kayaking tour.

Post-Festival Tear-down
Saturday, 5pm and on (possible Sunday needs):
This tear-down job requires brains, brawn, and a team player attitude. Volunteers will assist the BF Committee members by helping them tear-down tents, garbage and recycling bins, carry tables, chairs, and more! Taking down signs for traffic detours and taking down “No parking” signs. You will need to wear close-toed shoes and bring your own work gloves.