Volunteer

Web 900x225 Darlene Winegardner

Linda Scoggins Brings Passion to Helping Children Appreciate and Respect Nature

 

While looking for our next Volunteer of the Month, we received the ShoreRivers Newsletter and read about all the work being done to preserve our rivers and the environment… and the opportunities for volunteers. We contacted Maegan White, Community Engagement Coordinator for the name of a volunteer. That led us to Linda Scoggins, a retired schoolteacher who is passionate about her work with ShoreRivers. Read on to learn about her volunteer role and her passion for helping children appreciate and respect nature.

 

How did you become involved with ShoreRivers? Approximately ten years ago, during an excursion with the Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy, I engaged in a conversation with Suzanne Sullivan, the current Director of Education for ShoreRivers. She shared details about their educational initiatives and volunteer prospects. Being a retired elementary school teacher passionate about instilling in children an appreciation of and respect for nature, I recognized that volunteering with MRC/ShoreRivers was an ideal opportunity for me.

 

I see you are an education volunteer. What does that mean, and what activities are involved as an education volunteer? In my role, I support and instructvarious activities during field trips and in classroom settings. These activities include seining, assessing salinity levels and water clarity, conducting schoolyard surveys, and utilizing a watershed model. Suzanne Sullivan and her exceptional education team have developed impressiveprograms that inspire students to design and implement action projects that create a positive change in their environment.

 

You’ve been helping with field trips for 3rd graders and 9th graders. What are you hoping they will learn on these field trips? What is your goal? I hope the students will gain a deeper connection with their natural surroundings, develop an appreciation for the environment, acquire knowledge, and cultivate a sense of wonder about nature. Ultimately, I hope to inspire and empower them to take meaningful actions that contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

 

What is the Build-a-Buoy Station? this station, students are encouraged to exercise their creativity and problem-solving skills with their team to design a buoy capable of supporting “scientific equipment” (in this case, golf balls!). Prior to constructing their buoys, students learn about the methods used by scientists to study sturgeon life cycles and migratory behaviors, using tags, buoys and computer technology. I really enjoy leading this station, observing the innovative approaches students employ to tackle the task, and witnessing their joy and excitement when their buoy successfully floats and holds the “scientific equipment.”

 

How much time do you spend volunteering? I dedicate approximately 80-100 hours per year.

 

Are there any memorable moments from volunteering that stand out? One aspect of the ninth-grade oyster program involves visiting the Horn Point Oyster Hatchery, a facility known for its oyster restoration efforts. During these visits, students gain insight into the significance of rebuilding oyster reefs and witness the active role that the scientists at Horn Point play. During a recent trip, we had the opportunity to meet a high school student intern working at the hatchery who shared his role there with other students. His motivation for applying for this internship was a direct result of his experiences during his ShoreRivers field trip when he was a ninth-grader. What an inspiring and profound moment!

 

What would you say to someone who might be interested in volunteering at ShoreRivers? What are some of the opportunities? The ShoreRivers team is comprised of incredibly passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable individuals. An array of volunteer opportunities is available to support their mission of protecting our waterways through science-based advocacy, restoration efforts, educational initiatives and community engagement. Volunteer opportunities range from Environmental Education and tree stewardship to SAV (submerged aquatic vegetation) watchers, swim testers-bacteria monitoring, and participating in the Maryland Grows Oysters program.

 

To Learn more about ShoreRivers, the work they do, and volunteer opportunities visit https://www.shorerivers.org/.