* We are currently accepting new volunteers! *

We could not get to nearly as many sites or have as large of a dataset without help from committed volunteers. Without you, it would be very hard for us to study the spread of Loxo throughout the Chesapeake Bay

Eligibility and Time Commitment

We ask that volunteers be able to join us for half or full day increments. If you are interested in working in the lab, we ask that you commit to at least one half day per week for at least 3 months.

Volunteers must be at least 12 years old to help out with the field activities, and at least 16 years old to help in the lab. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult.

Location and Days/Times

Field sampling days very from year to year, depending on when we put out the traps. We do two rounds of collection—usually in mid-June, and mid-August.

Currently, most volunteers meet us at the SERC Dock in Edgewater, MD and either collect data there or travel with researchers to sites around the Bay.

There are opportunities in the lab for volunteers who want to sort through crabs for Loxo presence using microscopes. Training is required for lab work, and volunteers must demonstrate proficiency after the training period to continue as a lab volunteer. The timing of this opportunity is flexible.

Sign up to volunteer

The best way to receive updates, results, and learn about sampling dates for the project is to sign up for our email list. 

If you have any questions contact Rachael Mady, SERC Participatory Science Coordinator, at MadyR@si.edu or 443-482-2276.