Community Science and Volunteer Projects

| Stewardship Program

A community scientist is a person who voluntarily contributes their time, effort, and resources toward scientific study working with researchers. The Reserve engages community members in research and education projects that promote stewardship and understanding of our coastal ecosystems. If you are interested in joining any of these projects, please fill out the volunteer sign-up below.

Help to survey backyard biodiversity throughout the 3rd largest watershed on the east coast!

Find out more about the project and tips and tutorials in the Wiyah Wildlife blog on the Winyah Wildlife Project Page

See the species tally and help identify fellow project participants finds on the iNaturalist Project Page

The National Phytoplankton Monitoring Network (PMN) is a community-based network of volunteers monitoring marine phytoplankton and harmful algal blooms (HABs). Volunteers collect water samples on a bi-weekly basis from North Inlet and surrounding areas and meet at the Baruch Marine Field lab to examine the samples for the presence of harmful algae. Results are reported to the National PMN. This data creates a comprehensive list of harmful algal species inhabiting coastal marine waters and helps to identify general trends where harmful algal blooms are more likely to occur. Training on phytoplankton identification, sample collection, and lab equipment use is provided by reserve staff.

More information on this project coming soon.

More information on this project coming soon.

Accordion Content

Roadside litter ends up as debris in our rivers, marshes, creeks and on our beaches. The North Inlet Clean Team is helping to prevent some of this litter before it has a chance to reach the North Inlet and Winyah Bay estuaries though periodic clean-ups along the highway adjacent to the reserve.

Scheduled clean-ups

  • October 27, 2019: Halloween Clean. Costume optional. 
  • January 5, 2020: Resolution Clean. Start the year on a trash-free note. 
  • April 19, 2020: Green Clean. Celebrate Earth Day. 

Volunteer Interest

Upcoming Stewardship Program Events

March 2024
No event found!

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Stewardship Program Pages

Latest Stewardship Program News

Adopt a stream site on Pawleys Island

How’s the Water?

In 2021, the  North Inlet-Winyah Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve  began partnering with the SC AAS program to serve as a training and volunteer hub

Read More »

Stewardship Program Contact

Jennifer Plunket

Stewardship Coordinator
843-904-9033
jen@baruch.sc.edu