Become a Volunteer

Chester Testers

Chester Testers come from every walk of life and live in every corner of the watershed, which is where their water quality monitoring takes place. All you need is dedication, and an interest in first-hand observation of the river.

Chester Testers attend Quality Assurance training workshops to insure that their testing techniques are first rate.

Membership Committee

Purpose: Members of this committee will work to promote an awareness of the Chester River Association and the needs of the River to the general public as well as work to retain existing members by fostering a sense of belonging and involvement with the association.

Members of this committee are charged with:

• Attending community events with CRA displays and materials
• Collecting names and contact information from attendees at CRA events
• Work with staff to review CRA database for accuracy.
• Recommends activities for new members to participate in

Time Requirements: 1-2 hours per week, which will change as committee membership expands and becomes more established.

Development Committee

Insuring CRA's long-range stability is the job of the Development Committee, which is currently engaged in raising $300,000 for our annual budget. If you have an interest in fund-raising or grant-writing for CRA, the committee would love to hear from you. They need help with a variety of tasks.

Science and Technology Committee

Purpose:   Assist Riverkeeper in monitoring and understanding watershed and River conditions; also track scientific and technologic developments related to Riverkeeper’s work.

Duties may include some or all of the following:

• Participate in regular water quality testing programs. Compile and interpret data to identify problems and their possible causes. Research materials from State and Federal agencies and other sources for data on the Chester River.
• Maintain field and lab equipment, including ordering supplies.
• Review “Bay Journal” and other sources for new scientific developments. Maintain a reference library of reprints.
• As requested by Riverkeeper, attend conferences and meetings and report pertinent information.

Time Requirements: Flexible and variable, from 20-30 hours/year.

The following skills are desirable:

• Willingness to work outdoors (monitoring positions)
• Good organizing skills and good people skills (management positions)
• Technical background in an environmental science field (data helpers/researchers).

Orientation/Training:  Committee members are required to attend a 1.5 hour general orientation.  Additional training provided by the Watershed Coordinator and/or Riverkeeper. 

Benefits:  As a member of the Science and Technology Committee, you will help the Riverkeeper document problems, determine causes, and recommend solutions.   By building the scientific foundation for the Riverkeeper’s work, you will help support advocacy, prioritize stewardship projects and identify educational needs.

Special Events

Purpose: This committee will be responsible for coordinating events and activities that CRA and the Riverkeeper hold.

Description of Duties: Members of this committee will work together with staff to provide logistics for events and activities that CRA puts on. 

Type of Events include, but are not limited to:

• The Great Pumpkin Party, in October
  
• Homeowner Workshops throughout the year
• Booth at Chestertown's annual May "Tea Party"
• RiverFest recently celebrated our 20th anniversary in July, 2006
• Annual Meeting every spring welcomes a Bay expert as guest speaker
• River Outings explore our waterways
  

Activities will include:

• Finding good locations for activities and making room reservations
• Making arrangements for AV Equipment
• Assisting with room/ event set up and break down
• Arranging for Catering or special needs
• Arranging publicity

Time Requirements:

1-2 hours per week, which will change as committee becomes more established