Volunteering at JBLM is rewarding

Volunteering

at JBLM allows you to explore new career fields or update your existing skills and accumulate experience.

It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet others who are active participants in the JBLM community.

You’ll receive free training, can earn service award points (for military promotions) and are provided worker’s compensation (as a statutory volunteer).

If you volunteer as a youth sports coach for Child & Youth Services, you may receive household credit. Call 253-967-2405 for details.

If you’re a single Service member, join Better Opportunities for Single Service members at JBLM. Call BOSS at 253-967-5636 for details.

For information about other volunteer opportunities within MWR, such as MWR Marketing, Outdoor Recreation or JBLM libraries, call the Installation Volunteer Corps at 253-967-2324. Visit JBLM.armymwr.com/ partner-with-us for more information.

national database that provides real-time data about bird distribution and abundance. Denis also sends results to all participants to add to their own records.

Over time, the group has drawn 250 folks all the way from Snohomish to Vancouver, Wash., according to Denis. “This is a gorgeous place, and the golf staff is amenable to us,” he says. “Come out and see the forest. If you’re new, we have experts who can help you learn to identify bird calls and species. We’re an easy group to associate with and we have a good time.”

How to join

Curious to join a walk? The group meets every third Thursday of the month at 8 a.m. at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course’s driving range (building 1514). Group experts will show you how to listen and look for different species. If you have binoculars, bring them. Dress in layers on cool mornings, wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water and snacks.

Anyone is welcome to join. You don’t need a base pass and you can just show up — no registration is needed. If you have questions about the walk and accessibility, call the trip leader at 253-843-0663.

Eagle’s Pride Golf Course is just off I-5 at Exit 116 and is open to the public. From the exit, turn right onto Mounts Road.

Did you know Eagle’s Pride Golf Course is a Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary?

Eagle’s Pride Golf Course is not a small birding site: It consists of about 540 acres that include the three nine-hole layouts. Of the acreage, about 60% is forest or undeveloped land. It’s a very spread-out area, and our bird walk takes us along a 3.2-mile trek, crossing or paralleling just a few holes of the course.

The habitat is mixed, with Douglas fir, Garry oak and vine and big-leaf maples predominating the overstory, with an understory typical of Northwest forests. It’s a nice place to bird for forest and edge species.

See youth sports registration details here.