Fort Snelling State Park

This position is only open to one volunteer at a time and it is CURRENTLY FULL - We are accepting backup volunteers for additional support if needed

Purpose (why we are doing this)

Desired outcomes: The goal of this position is to monitor all of the bluebird boxes in Fort Snelling and collect data about what species are using them and how successful their nests are.  

Impact this position will have:

From the North American Blue Bird Society: It is very important that bluebird nestboxes be actively monitored (checked) at least once a week. A box that is not monitored may do more harm to bluebirds than good. Monitoring increases the chances of success for bluebirds using the box. Monitoring nestboxes will alert us to problems birds may be having with predators and competitors. When good records are kept, it is also valuable for determining population trends. Bluebird societies would like people to monitor and report all species using nestboxes, not just bluebirds. Keeping records on a weekly basis, and sending survey forms in at the end of the nesting season increases our knowledge of cavity-nesting birds.

Benefits to the Volunteer: The opportunity to learn about bluebirds and other cavity nesting birds in Minnesota. The opportunity to participate in community science. Volunteer hours which can be applied to programs with volunteer hours requirements (like master naturalist).  

Responsibilities (duties and tasks)

Authorized work: Bluebird Trail monitors will monitor and maintain all the bluebird nest boxes in Fort Snelling. The monitoring season generally goes from Mid-March/early April to early summer. During that time monitors should open all the boxes once a week and record data on what species is using the box as well as the status of the eggs/chicks/fledglings. Once the nesting season is over, monitors will clean out the boxes, prepare them for winter, and alert park staff to any maintenance that needs to be done. They will also send their data to park staff at the end of the season.

Restricted work: The duties assigned to this volunteer position are laid out above. Tasks pertaining to other programs and projects at this park/trail or any other park or trail unit must be agreed upon in a separate Volunteer Agreement form.

Qualifications needed:

• Ability to walk over uneven ground
• Ability to stand, bend, stoop, and carry objects
• Ability to hike 1 to 2 miles to access some boxes on Pike Island  
• Ability to identify common cavity-nesting birds, their eggs, and their nests (training can be provided)
• Ability to work independently without regular guidance from park staff
• Access to their own vehicle to navigate around the park

Safety training topics to be covered with volunteers:

• Ticks
• Heat and Cold Related Illness
• Hazard Recognition
• Poisonous and Hazardous Plants
• Common cavity-nesting bird ID
• Other

Minimum Time Commitment: 1-2 hours once a week from roughly Mid-March to Mid-summer

Sign up:

• Complete the online application
• Please note that this application will time out after 30 minutes of no activity