Museum of Natural History Seeks Butterfly Pavilion Volunteers
The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is currently recruiting volunteers 18 years and older to help facilitate its popular Butterflies Alive! summer exhibit from May 25 through September 2. Volunteers who commit to at least one three-hour shift per week will have the opportunity to both explore the world of butterflies in the Museum’s new Sprague Butterfly Pavilion, and engage with visitors to help them get the most out of their experience.
Volunteer training offers a chance to learn about dozens of butterfly species and their importance to the environment, as well as how to interact with visitors from all over the world. Volunteers ensure everyone’s safety in the pavilion (including the butterflies!), and encourage visitors to stop by the emergence chamber in the Santa Barbara Gallery to see butterflies emerge from their chrysalides. Volunteers quickly make friends during their shifts over the summer and many come back year after year to enjoy the unique experience.
One veteran volunteer, Dick Fuller, has shared his time and expertise in the Museum’s Butterfly Pavilion since 2007. He’s seen many changes over the years, but the pull of the butterflies remains constant. “The butterflies are such magical creatures…It’s a pleasure for me to be helping visitors to the exhibits and interacting with the butterflies. It makes me smile all the time. It’s very fulfilling.”
The Museum is looking for volunteers from a variety of ages and backgrounds to better serve its diverse audience. Interested adults are encouraged to visit sbnature.org/volunteer for more information. Various volunteer opportunities for teens can be found at sbnature.org/teens. Bilingual English/Spanish volunteers are especially encouraged to apply.
Returning Museum or Sea Center volunteers need not apply through the website. They are welcome to contact Volunteer Manager Rebecca Fagan Coulter directly at rcoulter@sbnature2.org or 805-682-4711 ext. 107.
About the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Powered by Science. Inspired by Nature. Founded in 1916, the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History inspires a thirst for discovery and a passion for the natural world. The Museum connects people to nature for the betterment of both.
