Volunteer Opportunities

Out in the field, they contribute their time to various tasks such as water quality sampling, invasive plant removal, river cleanups, and wildlife and event photography. Throughout the community, they help educate the public about river and watershed conservation and promote our events. At headquarters, they use their unique talents to support our office work.

Volunteer opportunities are available year-round and vary based on the current season and needs.

Water Quality Volunteers

Sign up to join our group of dedicated Citizen Scientists working to monitor and improve the water quality of our three rivers and their tributaries and helping to continue OARS’ 32-year water quality data set. No experience is necessary! All training provided.

Water Wise Workshops Afterschool Program

Passionate about science and the environment? OARS seeks high school students to help lead our Water Wise Workshop After-School Program in Concord, Lowell, Sudbury, and Maynard. Gain leadership experience, earn community service hours, and inspire the next generation of river stewards.

Be a part of the Beaver Brigade

Beavers are a “keystone” species whose presence affects the survival of other animals by changing habitats and creating new ones. Despite this, we often find ourselves in conflict with them. We can benefit greatly from working with, rather than against, this industrious rodent. Conservation Agent Julia Flanary is experimenting with a non-lethal method to reduce beaver damage in Maynard, and OARS is recruiting volunteers to help in this endeavor.

You can control Water Chestnut!

Invasive water chestnut is a fast-growing annual and, if left unattended, will easily cover an entire waterbody. YOU can prevent it from clogging our rivers—Become an Weed Warrior.

Join us to keep recreation safe & accessible on the SuAsCo rivers

Help maintain canoe and kayak put-ins and take-outs on the Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord rivers. Improve recreational resources and encourages all visitors to our watershed to reduce litter and pack out waste. 

Do you love to photograph the people, scenes, plants, activities, and wildlife of the SuAsCo rivers and watershed?

We are looking for fresh new photos of wildlife, scenery, and activities occurring on, by, and in the SuAsCo waterbodies! And, someone to help us document the events and activities we host throughout the year.