Volunteer

Tracy McAlpine has been a dedicated Save the Manatee Club volunteer since 2012. “We closed the purchase of our Florida home, and I immediately put in my application to volunteer at SMC, as I was aware of the organization prior to moving here and was so excited to be involved!” Tracy recalled. Soon enough, Tracy was getting involved with events and presentations for SMC in the Tampa Bay area. “After my mom moved to Florida, she also started volunteering, making it even more fun,” she said.

This year, Tracy has been volunteering virtually by helping with our virtual manatee presentations for schools and other groups. After helping with some test runs of our online tools, Tracy quickly got the hang of sharing videos and PowerPoints with online audiences. She gave one of our first online presentations to a homeschooling family and received glowing reviews from parents.

Tracy’s experience engaging audiences of all ages makes her a lively presenter. “When I lived in Tennessee, I volunteered at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere as an animal handler introducing the public to small animals up close,” she told us. “Although currently closed, I also work and volunteer at TECO’s Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach.” Tracy’s adopted manatee is Flicker, who she hopes to see there one day.

Tracy is a self-proclaimed “car nut” who also loves Disney, all animals, and spending time with her husband and mom. We are glad to have her help virtually and look forward to seeing her at events or presentations in-person soon too!

To learn more about volunteering for Save the Manatee Club, visit savethemanatee.org/volunteer.

Melissa and Mike Fishman from Rockledge in Brevard County, Florida wear their volunteer T-shirts and caps whenever they table at events for Save the Manatee Club. Join our volunteer team and earn points through the Volunteer Rewards Program to get your free shirt and cap.
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Earn It, Pin It, Show It!

Save the Manatee Club presents a variety of service pins to further recognize and honor the efforts and importance of our loyal volunteer/members. The special, customized pins are earned by registered volunteers who staff education tables for the Club at events, help out in our Maitland office, or give manatee presentations for the Club at local schools, libraries, etc. Wear the pins on the Club’s lanyard which holds the volunteer name tag, or on the Club’s volunteer cap or t-shirt.
See the Pins

Learn About Manatees Virtually!>>

Volunteers Spread the Word at 2020 Manatee Festivals>>

Volunteering is Believing You Can Make a Difference>>

Volunteers Pin the Positive!>>

Volunteers Receive Milestone Award>>

Blue Spring Manatee Observer Volunteer:

This position is open to residents of Volusia, Orange, Lake and Seminole Counties between the months of April – October. Manatee Observer Volunteers will educate visitors and help prevent manatee harassment at Blue Spring State Park during the summer months if manatees enter the spring run. Volunteers may be pre-scheduled or called on short-notice to assist at the park. Mandatory orientation sessions are offered in the spring. Volunteers can assist from the boardwalk or from a kayak. Mandatory kayak training is also offered in the spring. Click the following link to read more about the Manatee Observer Program. For detailed information on this position please email Cora Berchem at cberchem@savethemanatee.org.

Grassroots Activism (E-mail Action Alert Team):

This position is available for volunteers living both in and outside of Florida who have access to e-mail. There is no age or membership requirement for grassroots activism volunteers. This is a critical way you can help manatees. Write, fax, or e-mail policy makers at all levels of government and let them know you support strong manatee protection measures. We will e-mail notices of manatee issues that require your help.

Festivals:

This position is available for Florida residents who are 18 years of age or older (must also have a valid driver’s license and current auto insurance). Save the Manatee Club asks festival volunteers to become a member, which means they Adopt-A-Manatee for themselves or as a gift (starting at a $25 donation). Festival volunteers staff information tables at manatee-related events year-round. They provide information on the Club and manatees to the public and should be knowledgeable (or eager to learn) about protecting manatees and their aquatic habitat. Days and times of festivals vary. This requires a minimum of 2-4 hours per festival.

In-Office:

This position is available for Florida residents in the Maitland, Florida area who are 16 years of age or older. There is no membership requirement for in-office volunteers. Volunteers help our team with various office tasks such as preparing mailing orders, folding brochures, quality checking items, organizing event materials, and more. Office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Flexible schedule).

Manatee Sighting Network:

If you live along a river, estuary, canal or coastal area in Florida, you can help provide valuable information to researchers who are tracking manatees. There is no membership requirement for manatee sighting network volunteers.

Speaking Presentations:

This position is available for volunteers 18 or older, living both in and outside of Florida. There is no membership requirement for volunteer presenters. Volunteers present about manatees and the Club to schools and other public groups, both virtually and in person. They should be knowledgeable (or eager to learn) about protecting manatees and their aquatic habitat. Materials will be provided.

Manatee Outreach Ambassador:

This position is available for volunteers living both in and outside of Florida, and a great opportunity for those who visit Florida. There is no age or membership requirement. Manatee Outreach Ambassadors will help Save the Manatee Club find public places to provide manatee information and outreach material, such as parks, marinas, tour operators, visitor centers, schools, and more. They will email suggestions to SMC staff. Training will be provided.