CAPE PERPETUA
COLLABORATIVE
Why volunteer with us?
Volunteering with Cape Perpetua Collaborative is an opportunity to contribute to the conservation and stewardship of the Cape Perpetua coastline. You'll also become part of a passionate community dedicated to protecting local wildlife and promoting sustainable practices.
We offer a number of ways to get involved, including assisting with tidepool tours, participating in beach cleanups, or engaging in citizen science projects. Whatever opportunity you choose, we can’t wait for you to join us in preserving this beautiful coastline for future generations.
Explore our volunteer opportunities
Ambassador Programs
Marine Reserve Ambassador Program (MRAP)
.jpg)
As part of CPC’s longest-running volunteer program, soak up scenic rocky coast views while talking with the public about tides, whale watching, the Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve, tidepool creatures, the town of Yachats, and lots more! The table location is between some of the most well known lodging options in the area as well as some local must see spots like the 804 trail, so expect a nice flow and variety of folks to interact with, and a wide variety of conversations and questions!
Schedule:
MRAP takes place most Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from June through August where Smelt Sands meets the 804 Trail. Check our events calendar for upcoming dates.
Responsibilities:
In addition to speaking with table visitors, MRAP volunteers are responsible for setting up and taking down the interpretive table at the beginning and end of the day.
Equipment needed:
None, everything is provided.
Tidepool Ambassador Program (TAP)
CPC runs more than 50 Tidepool Ambassador Tours every summer from late May through August during the lowest minus tides of the season. As a volunteer, you’ll help folks feel more confident before heading down to the beach by providing Cape Perpetua Marine Reserve specific tidepool ID sheets, tips for exploring, intertidal exploring etiquette, and more.
Schedule:
TAP tours take place at Yachats State Park, Bob Creek Wayside, and Heceta Head. Shifts start according to the tide schedule. During the summer, they can start between 7:00-9:00 am and usually last between 1.5 to 2.5 hours. You can look at our events calendar to see upcoming dates and locations.
Responsibilities:
TAP volunteers are responsible for interacting with beachgoers, passing out educational handouts, and connecting late tour guests to the tour group via walkie talkie.
Equipment needed:
Everything will be provided for you, but you may bring a folding chair if you want to sit, and drinks or snacks.
Conservation Events
Marine Debris Surveying
Help monitor marine debris and keep the beach clean. Data collected each month is uploaded to a coastwide database monitored by NOAA to track marine debris presence year round along the West Coast. We’re always accepting new volunteers for this program!
Schedule:
Held once a month at Cape Cove Beach for 1.5 to 2.5 hours. Check our events calendar for upcoming surveys.
Responsibilities:
Set up transects on the beach and collect and record marine debris within each transect. Help clean up the area.
Sea Star Monitoring
Since 2018, CPC has taken the lead in coordinating sea star surveys in the area every summer. These surveys play a crucial role in understanding Sea Star Wasting Syndrome (SSWS) and its evolution over time and locations. Data collected during these surveys is contributed to a West Coast wide database hosted by the Multi Agency Rocky Intertidal Network. There are only 10 spots available per survey.
Schedule:
Takes place during a morning minus tide once a month during the summer at Yachats State Park.
Responsibilities:
Measure and count Ochre stars in the intertidal area.
Event Support
We’re always looking for help during our largest event every year, The Land Sea Symposium held one evening in January!
Other volunteer opportunities include local events and festivals, bioblitzes, beach cleanups, community nights, and more! If you have a special interest or skills you think could be of use, let us know. We’re always excited to collaborate, it’s in our name after all!
Volunteer Training and Support
All volunteers go through volunteer onboarding and receive on-site training. CPC staff will be available during every event to offer volunteers whatever help and support they need.
To give back to our volunteer community, CPC holds an annual volunteer appreciation party to celebrate the incredible contributions of our dedicated volunteers! This fun-filled event is our way of saying thank you for all the hard work and dedication you've put into supporting our mission of environmental conservation and stewardship. Enjoy delicious food, engaging activities, and great company as we come together to honor the valuable role our volunteers play in protecting the Cape Perpetua area. It's a chance to connect with fellow volunteers, share stories, and celebrate the impact we've made together.
Volunteer Form
We love to welcome new volunteers to the team. Join us and make a difference.