We lead and participate in a variety of interpretive and community science programs designed to stimulate and nurture passion for conservation. We offer training for each of our programs.

---

Volunteer Interpretive Program

This program runs from June through Labor Day at the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area, overlooking the Otter Rock Marine Reserve. Trained volunteers are stationed at the Punchbowl Overlook to connect with visitors from around the world. Volunteers share information about the ecology, wildlife, and natural history of the area while also helping to ensure visitor safety and minimize disturbance to nesting seabirds.

---

Tidepool Ambassador Program

Unique to Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve, we offer paid internships to high school students who have an interest in ocean-related sciences. This summer program gives students the opportunity to build their marine science knowledge, confidence, communication and leadership skills, and their resume by interacting with tidepool visitors of all ages. This program selects interns through an application process that starts in early spring.

---

Community Science

The Friends of Otter Rock Marine Reserve invites the public to participate in coast-wide community science projects.

NOAA Marine Debris Monitoring and Assessment Project

Marine debris surveys are conducted at a designated segment of beach each month. This community science project aims to identify the quantity and types of marine debris that wash ashore to track movement and impacts of debris along U.S. coastlines.

Sea Star Survey

Sea star surveys are part of the effort to monitor Sea Star Wasting Syndrome with the Multi-Agency Rocky Intertidal Network. Our Otter Rock Marine Reserve team surveys our local sea star populations for signs of wasting syndrome during each low tide cycle.

Nesting Surveys

Each summer we participate in the Oregon Black Oystercatcher Project with Portland Audubon at the Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area. We monitor pairs of bird behavior and nesting success from May through August.