How to Become a NOAA Conservation Steward

NOAA stands for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is a branch of the U.S. government involved in areas such as weather, climate and conservation of oceans and coastlines. To become a NOAA conservation steward in your area, look for volunteer opportunities.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Look at the NOAA conservation steward program. It operates under the Office of Law Enforcement in NOAA's California program and uses volunteers over age 55.
2. Look at the ocean coastline where you live, vacation or own a second home. Nearly every coast has some kind of challenge with pollution, erosion and habitat destruction.
3. Think about your commitment to conservation and interest in helping others get engaged by spending time in schools, community groups and public information sessions.
4. Research the kinds of things the NOAA conservation volunteers do. While the specific steward program is in California, there are numerous volunteer opportunities in your coastline area.
5. Join a NOAA endorsed conservation steward project in your area. There are numerous projects to protect coastlines that involve individuals, local governments and businesses working together on a specific project.

Tips & Warnings

• If a NOAA Conservation Steward program doesn't exist in your area, contact NOAA for information about getting one started.