| Description | Tetlin Refuge is looking for volunteers to spend one, two, or three weeks (1-2 volunteers at a time) helping out with duck banding projects in the Upper Tanana. Volunteers would camp at Deadman Lake Campground where some of the duck traps are located. There will be other traps nearby the campground along the Alaska Highway. Every day, a person from the Refuge will visit each duck trap to band any new birds with the volunteers. Trapped duck numbers can vary wildly from day to day. The Refuge personnel will operate a boat to the duck traps. Volunteers will be used to assist in construction of traps, handle live birds, collect samples, and record data. Also, a campground maintenance project will be part of the volunteer\'s day, which may include light duties like painting. The work will range from 1-6 hours a day, depending on the number of new ducks in the trap and the other projects.
No experience is necessary as long as the volunteer is patient and can follow instructions. They must be able to lift up to 25 pounds and walk in waist-high water with a soft bottom. A Refuge vehicle will be available for all government-related activities. There will be canoes at Deadman Lake Campground available for use by volunteers. Deadman Lake has northern pike and nearby Hidden Lake has rainbow trout for sport fishing opportunities. Birding and hiking opportunities are nearby the campground, as well as Tetlin Refuge’s visitor center. A campsite near the boat launch at Deadman Lake will be reserved for the volunteer that can accommodate tents or campers. The Refuge bunkhouse, 20 miles from the campground, will be the closest source for showers, potable water and wifi. There is a dump station but no hookups at Deadman Lake. Volunteers can choose a one week, two week or three week volunteer assignment. Volunteers are responsible for their own housing - tent or trailer, food, and transportation to Deadman Lake campground. Any interested volunteer should call Tim at the refuge to find out more about what volunteering would entail. Volunteers must apply to Friends with the on-line volunteer application.
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