Give something back to the Point Reyes National Seashore

July 11, 2008

If you’ve ever wandered through the bishop pines or sweeping grasslands of the Point Reyes National Seashore, you know just how beautiful the park is. A seemingly effortless gift from Mother Nature, most visitors don’t realize it takes an invisible army of volunteers to ensure the land is safe and accessible to all, especially the flora and fauna who call the park home.

Take your pledge to help the environment to the next level, and check out the numerous volunteer opportunities available year-round at the Point Reyes National Seashore. Whether you feel like playing gardener for a weekend or want to become part of the park’s community of docents, the park needs you!

Volunteering is a great way to get some exercise out in the fresh air and sunshine, meet new people, and do satisfying work that benefits both you and the land. If you think hiking or biking a strenuous trail is rewarding, just imagine how accomplished you’ll feel knowing you’ve helped preserve an important ecosystem with your own two hands!

The Point Reyes National Seashore has several drop-in work days for folks looking for a little pick-me-up volunteer work. The Habitat Restoration Volunteer Program runs year-round on the second and last Sundays of every month. Volunteers are invited "behind the scenes" to some of the most beautiful areas of the park (such as Abbot’s Lagoon or the lighthouse bluffs), to help clear invasive plants that threaten the natural ecosystem of these habitats. Explore the scenery in the park as you work, and preserve the native habitats of endangered species like the snowy plover, myrtle’s silverspot butterfly, or California red-legged frog. Tools and gloves are provided, and carpools can be arranged with other volunteers.

If California history is more your cup of tea, the park has a drop-in Kule Loklo Workday to maintain the park’s replica Coast Miwok village. Construct and maintain traditional Coast Miwok structures and cultural exhibits, and help preserve this tribal culture while learning centuries-old skills. Kule Loklo Workdays are scheduled for the second Saturday of every month, from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

If you fancy yourself a budding naturalist, you can drop in for the park’s Coho and Steelhead Monitoring programs, where volunteers assist park staff in assessing the fishes’ well-being and habitats. Duties including collecting data relating to fish populations, habitats, and water quality; assisting staff during electro-fishing operations by netting, measuring, and recording data on juvenile fish; or erecting, repairing, and checking smolt traps near creek mouths. Workdays are from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., and are scheduled throughout the year dependent upon weather conditions and program needs.

The park also has seasonal programs, such as Adopt-a-Trail in the spring and fall, Stream Team habitat restoration from December - April, and Native Plant Seed Collection, April - September.

For any drop-in day, be sure to call in advance to confirm the meeting location and time, and bring a lunch, bottled water, and sturdy shoes. Scout troops, school clubs, youth organizations, and businesses are encouraged to schedule their own private days of volunteer work as well.

For people able to commit 1-4 months of their time, the park offers wildlife monitoring and docent volunteer positions throughout the year. Study harbor seals, or teach visitors about snowy plovers, Tule elk, or wintertime wildlife. Docent positions require volunteers to attend training and orientation, so check with the park to find the program that best suits your schedule and interests.

If you’re willing to give even more time — six months to a year — the park offers more involved, year-round opportunities. Become a staple of the Point Reyes National Seashore by helping out at the Morgan Horse Ranch, Visitor Services, or the park’s museum and archives. Tule elk monitoring and park patrolling opportunities are also available.