21 Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in Bay Area

Many of us are inspired to work toward protecting the Bay Area and enacting change as we grow to appreciate what a beautiful resource it is.

Volunteering for environmental nonprofits or groups that have committed their time and resources to conserve these resources is one of the most effective ways we can maintain and preserve this priceless resource.

Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in Bay Area

• Volunteer for our Bay
• San Francisco Baykeeper
• San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society
• Habitat Restoration Volunteering
• Plant Seedlings Along with Camping and Music: October 27–29
• California Climate Action Corps
• Point Blue Conservation Science
• Stinson Beach – Stewardship at Martin Griffin Preserve!
• The American River Parkway Needs Volunteers for Invasive Plant Patrols!
• Presidio Trust Weekly Volunteer Programs!
• Volunteer in the Mt. Tam Watershed! 
• Hands-on Restoration in East Bay!
• Starr King Open Space Call for Native Plant Restorationists and Land Stewards!
• Golden Gate National Recreation Area Habitat Restoration Volunteering!
• Volunteer with Audubon Canyon Ranch Stewards!
• Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ)!
• Point Reyes Habitat Restoration Volunteer Program!
• Bolsa Chica Land Trust Stewards Restoration Project!
• Conservation Volunteer – America Conservation Experience (ACE)!
• 350 BayArea
• The Climate Reality Project

1. Volunteer for our Bay

San Francisco Bay can be preserved and improved. Learn how to get involved and change the world. Throughout its 60-year existence, The Bay has protected and restored thousands of acres of wetlands.

Volunteers are crucial to the success of this activity, from relocating invasive species to transplanting native plants. To save and restore the beach, they include locals, businesses, and schools all year round.

You can assist them in restoring the wetlands in the Bay by joining them near the coast.

All restoration volunteer programs include:

• An introduction to Save The Bay and the history and ecology of San Francisco Bay;
• At least one Project Leader from the Habitat Restoration Team who is qualified in adult and pediatric first aid, CPR, and AED;
• Gloves, tools, and other required gear
• Directions for the restoration project and instructions for tool safety
• Sunscreen and water

For more inquiries, click here

2. San Francisco Baykeeper

In Baykeeper’s efforts to protect the bay from pollution, volunteers are crucial. Consider becoming a Baykeeper volunteer if you’re looking for a meaningful way to support the Bay.

• Shoreline Cleanup Volunteers
• Program Volunteers
• Leadership Volunteers
• Skipper Volunteers

1. Shoreline Cleanup Volunteers

Ensure that the Bay is not polluted by rubbish! You can digitally interact with Baykeeper using a smartphone app, and they invite volunteers to undertake individualized cleanups in your local neighborhood. Additionally, you can register to be the first to learn about Baykeeper cleaning activities.

Individual Cleanup Volunteering

2. Program Volunteers

Volunteers with San Francisco Baykeeper are pursuing careers in water law, politics, and science. Visit their Jobs and Internships page to study the requirements and submit an application for any available internship positions.

Jobs and Internships

3. Leadership Volunteers

Apply to join Baykeeper’s team of ambassadors if you are a qualified community leader or corporate partner who is enthusiastic about the organization’s goal to protect the Bay from pollutants.

To find out more about being a member of their Leadership Circle and Advisory Board, interested people should fill out the form below. Members of their Advisory Board and Leadership Circle may be invited to sit on their Board of Directors.

Learn more about our current leadership team

4. Skipper Volunteers

To help lead their boat patrols and maintain the boat, qualified mariners with prior boating expertise on the Bay should fill out the form to learn more about opportunities to join Baykeeper’s team of dedicated skippers.

Learn more about our current skippers

3. San Francisco Bay Wildlife Society

Being a volunteer at the bay is a fulfilling and worthwhile experience. Visitors can comprehend and appreciate the bay’s natural and cultural heritage through various public activities.

With interpretive programs, outreach activities, summer camp, field trips, and special projects, you may help Refuge staff members and partners. You can offer your assistance in running the visitor center.

You can walk the Refuge’s paths to interact with tourists, identify maintenance issues, and pick up trash. To assist the Refuge in photographing and tracking native Californian animals, you can even go to community science activities. There are numerous opportunities to participate, regardless of your background or interests.

Volunteer Opportunities

Environmental Education Center (Alviso, California) at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge

The Environmental Education Center’s Volunteer Program is looking for motivated individuals who are trustworthy and passionate about animals and conservation. You will be trained on the job by staff and other volunteers in the project area of your choice as a volunteer.

A volunteer orientation, regular training, and compliance with the program’s age restrictions are all prerequisites for working at the Refuge at the Environmental Education Center.

Background checks might also be necessary. For additional information about forthcoming new volunteer orientations, please email Olivia Poulos at olivia.poulos@sfbayws.org.

Volunteer Positions

• Weekend Roving Volunteers
• Interpretive Program Volunteers
• Field Trip Docents
• Restoration Project Volunteers
• EEC Community Science Volunteers
• Outreach Volunteers
• Nature Store Coordinator
• Visitor Center Information Desk Volunteers
• Warm Springs Docent

For more inquiries, click here

4. Habitat Restoration Volunteering

They concentrate on restoring and keeping an eye on vital habitats. Tostore monitors important natural areas and constructs wildlife corridors for threatened and endangered species. They are looking for volunteers.

Invasive plant eradication, winter planting, litter clearance, seed gathering, fence construction, trail upkeep, and plant monitoring are some of the activities. Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo County are among the locations.

Future programs will include

• Habitat Restoration Team
• Invasive Plant Patrol
• Presidio Habitat Stewards
• San Francisco Habitat Stewards

For more inquiries, click here

5. Plant Seedlings Along with Camping and Music: October 27–29

10,000 Bitterbrush saplings will be planted by California Backcountry Hunters and Anglers in northern California (Hallelujah Junction Wildlife Area along Highway 395, directly across from Nevada). Bring gloves, a hat, layers of clothing for different climates, camping supplies, and personal necessities.

For more inquiries, click here or get in touch with David Allen at davebda@yahoo.com or 510.915.1972.

6. California Climate Action Corps

The California Climate Action Corps, a division of the Office of the Governor, equips residents of California to take up climate service and action in their neighborhoods.

They developed an online volunteer hub that compiles opportunities from all over the state to assist Californians in connecting with local climate volunteer activities.

For more inquiries, click here

7. Point Blue Conservation Science

Being a “boots on the ground” organization, Point Blue Conservation Science takes great pride in this. They were established with a dedication to cutting-edge conservation science and a contagious excitement for using science to improve the lives of birds, other wildlife, and all of us who live on the same planet as them.

Join an event, volunteer for conservation, or make a gift to support the work—these are just a few ways you can support the environment and the mission.

For more inquiries, click here

8. Stinson Beach – Stewardship at Martin Griffin Preserve!

You may participate in a day of stewardship at Stinson Beach in West Marin! This is a fantastic exercise for individuals who enjoy weeding in the garden because they will be concentrating on managing unwanted plants.

You are required to bring a lunch and sturdy, gardening-appropriate clothing. They will supply tools, refreshments, and gloves. All levels of experience are welcome! Every month, volunteers participate in stewardship workdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The West Marin Stagecoach Route 61 provides access to the meeting location for those who use public transit.

For more inquiries, click here

9. The American River Parkway Needs Volunteers for Invasive Plant Patrols!

The American River Parkway is a significant natural oasis in the expanding metropolitan area, home to approximately 40 fish species, hundreds of plant species, and 220 species of animals. The Parkway is home to some of the last remaining parts of the Great Valley, including famous Valley Oaks and critically endangered salmon.

Invasive plants are one of the biggest dangers the park is currently facing. The American River Parkway Foundation has been in charge of controlling invasive plant species throughout the whole American River since 2009.

Invasive plant species are located and removed from the parkway by ARPF in cooperation with volunteers. Volunteers remove plants that reduce biodiversity, increase the risk of fires, outcompete native plants, and alter the natural food chain during these events using specialized equipment.

Attending a planned event or becoming a Plant Steward are two ways that volunteers might participate. During planned activities, ARPF supplies all the necessities, such as gloves, weed wrenches, water, and light refreshments. Excellent for groups under 15.

For more inquiries, click here

10. Presidio Trust Weekly Volunteer Programs!

In the Presidio, volunteer work is done almost every day of the week. Weekly volunteer programs offer adaptable possibilities that fit any schedule, whether you have three hours or 500 to donate.

On our website, you can find a list of all the programs we provide, including Habitat Restoration, Horticulture, Sustainability, Forestry, and Nursery opportunities.

For more inquiries, click here

11. Volunteer in the Mt. Tam Watershed! 

The Mount Tamalpais Watershed’s aesthetic beauty and biological diversity are crucially dependent on volunteers. The volunteer opportunities offered by Marin Water are diverse and can be matched to your interests, abilities, and free time. These activities range from enhancing trails to restoring habitat to preserving endangered species.

For more inquiries, click here

12. Hands-on Restoration in East Bay!

A 24-year-old, all-volunteer organization called Friends of Five Creeks hosts weekly “weed warriors” service opportunities and monthly weekend labor parties. From Berkeley to Richmond, and from Bay to Hills, they are employed in diverse locations.

For more inquiries, click here or contact f5creeks@gmail.com for more information.

13. Starr King Open Space Call for Native Plant Restorationists and Land Stewards!

Starr King Open Space needs your care! On the second Saturday of every month, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., there are monthly volunteer days.

Come out to celebrate our lovely local open space, meet your neighbors, be a community steward, take in the natural grassland ecosystem, take in the breathtaking views, and help us keep it in great shape for all to enjoy.

For more inquiries, click here

14. Golden Gate National Recreation Area Habitat Restoration Volunteering!

Create wildlife corridors for threatened and endangered species, and aid in the restoration and monitoring of important natural regions. Invasive plant eradication, winter planting, litter clearance, seed gathering, fence construction, trail upkeep, and plant monitoring are some of the activities.

For more inquiries, click here

15. Volunteer with Audubon Canyon Ranch Stewards!

Over the past 60 years, volunteers have become field observers, maintained trail cameras, cleared trails, eliminated unwanted species, and shared their love of nature with countless schoolchildren.

You may start connecting with the natural beauty of our preserves right away, meet new people, and feel good about protecting the wildlife and wild areas of Marin and Sonoma counties when you join them.

For more inquiries, click here

16. Literacy for Environmental Justice (LEJ)!

This group for urban environmental education and youth empowerment was founded primarily to address the distinctive ecological and social issues in Bayview Hunters Point, San Francisco, and the adjoining towns of Mission, Potrero Hill, Visitacion Valley, and Excelsior.

If you have a group, sign up to come on out to Candlestick and join them for seed cleaning, replanting, and plant maintenance at Candlestick Point State Park’s LEJ Native Plant Nursery.

You’ll aid in the growth of the vegetation that revitalizes Southeast San Francisco’s parks for people and wildlife. Additionally, you can assist in maintaining and restoring Candlestick Point State Park. Send an email to leeandrea.morton@lejyouth.org with any inquiries or to sign up.

As they attempt to rebuild the indigenous ecology within Candlestick Point State Recreation Area (CPSRA), you can also stop over and hang out with the California State Park Foundation and LEJ. Native plant planting, planting area preparation, and invasive species removal are all activities.

For more inquiries, click here

17. Point Reyes Habitat Restoration Volunteer Program!

By gathering and sowing native grass seed, preserving riparian habitat, and finding, identifying, and removing alien, invasive species, volunteers at Point Reyes restore crucial habitats, observe fauna, such as coho salmon and steelhead, trout, harbor seals, and snowy plovers, and maintain and repair trails.

For more inquiries, click here

18. Bolsa Chica Land Trust Stewards Restoration Project!

The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve’s native plant habitat is being restored by the Stewards, who gather twice a month on the first Sunday and third Saturday (rain or shine). Joining us begins at 9:00 am and lasts till noon. We provide everything else; just remember to wear long pants, closed-toe shoes, and sunscreen.

The entire community is welcome to participate in this volunteer opportunity, which is excellent for families, school groups, scout groups, employee appreciation days, church green teams, etc. Excellent for all ages (young children with a parent or instructor, please).

For more inquiries, click here

19. Conservation Volunteer – America Conservation Experience (ACE)!

ACE is a nonprofit conservation corps that provides American and foreign individuals ages 18 to 40 with the opportunity to work as entry-level crew members on challenging outdoor projects without being paid in many of the most beautiful National Parks, National Forests, and wilderness areas in the Western U.S.

Through our AmeriCorps relationship, they frequently offer living stipend opportunities as well as educational scholarships. Potential candidates are strongly urged to apply if they’re interested in getting to know individuals from other cultures and enhancing several of the West’s most picturesque locales.

ACE accepts applications all year long. Due to the limited availability and great demand for this program, all spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more inquiries, click here

20. 350 BayArea

The 350 BayArea organization offers a variety of volunteer options, including

• Local Groups
• Mobilizing Team
• Art Team
• Employees
• Web & Data Experts
• Writing & Outreach

Local Groups

You may find others who share your concerns about the climate in your area and work together to take local action! Pass local laws and ordinances, lobby for environmental protection in your city and county, and foster a sense of neighborhood togetherness.

Learn more about their 7 Local Groups and join an upcoming monthly meeting.

Mobilizing Team

Youth and young adults may use the Mobilizing Team as a platform to engage in concrete, group climate action that will result in social change in a cause we can all agree on.

Youth and young adults fill out this form to join.

Art Team

The Art Team serves as a gathering place for artists to collaborate and produce work for the climate movement. Every first Thursday, from 5:30 to 6:30, we have a meeting.

Please fill out this form if you are creative, and the Art Team will get in touch with you.

Employees

Any employee can advocate for the environment. Visit CARL.eco to learn more.  CARL is a site where you can get tools and ideas for promoting climate action in your neighborhood and place of employment. Additionally, volunteering and workplace giving are quite beneficial.

Send an email to info@350bayarea.org for further details.

Web & Data Experts

Volunteers who work on websites and with data are crucial in the age of digital organizing.

Send an email to info@350bayarea.org for further details.

Writing & Outreach

You could lend a hand with outreach on our team if you enjoy writing!

Send an email to info@350bayarea.org for further details.

21. The Climate Reality Project

Since 2015, the Bay Area Chapter has improved regional and local levels of The Climate Reality Project’s purpose. They include the general public, assist Climate Leaders in their work, and give them influence.

The chapter offers events with renowned experts and speakers, frequent meetings, in-depth training, and chances for engagement for Bay Area climate activists.

• Action Teams
• Engagement Teams
• Chapter Operations Teams

1. Action Teams

Chapter members are urged to participate in whichever activity(ies) best suit their interests.

Normally, each Action Team has a monthly meeting. Find out more about each below, or when the subsequent meetings of the recurring working groups will be held:

Action Team & Squad Meetings

• Alliances Team
• Business Engagement Team
• Climate Justice Team
• Policy Action Team
• Our Climate Moment

2. Engagement Teams

Their engagement teams enlist their members to carry out the Climate Reality Project Bay Area’s mission. introducing them to the group, giving them the tools they need to disseminate the message, and maintaining their interest in the battle against climate change.

• Member Engagement Team
• Presentations Team
• Y-CAT & Young Adult Teams

3. Chapter Operations Teams

By producing new content, updating their website, producing a newsletter, promoting social media, supporting online meetings, managing shared resources, supporting presentations, and other activities, this team keeps their 1000+ chapter members engaged.

• Communications Team
• Events & Programming Team

If there’s anything you’re looking for that isn’t here, email them at climaterealitybayarea@gmail.com

Conclusion

Though there are many more volunteering opportunities out there than the ones listed in this article we have seen that there are various opportunities available for you as an environmental change agent to leave your footprint on the sands of time. you can take advantage of these opportunities and apply to be given that opportunity.

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