Make a difference for local youth
Volunteer Among the Oaks
Since the start of Learning Among the Oaks in 2005, volunteers have been an important part of the program. A strong network of volunteers, some with more than a decade of involvement, keep LATO growing.
Volunteer Positions
Hike Volunteer
This volunteer position is best for those who are naturally curious, enjoy working with kids (inside/outside the classroom), and like to explore nature. Volunteers need not know everything, however, successful volunteers will be open to learning!
Requirements:
1. Background check
2. School Volunteer paperwork to be completed with the school districts.
3. Volunteer training to be completed within the first year of volunteering.
4. Fingerprinting and CPR certification may required depending on level of involvement.
Location: Santa Margarita, Templeton, Pismo Preserve
Commitment: Generally weekly during fall and/or spring.
Nature Docent
This volunteer position is best for those who are naturally curious, enjoy teaching others, and like to explore nature. Volunteers need not know everything, however, successful volunteers will be open to learning!
Nature Docents can lead educational enrichment hikes for groups, including adults and children. These will be themed hikes on a special topic of the Docents expertise (ex: botany, geology, entomology, etc.).
Additional Requirements:
1. Background check
2. Volunteer training to be completed within the first year of volunteering.
3. Fingerprinting and CPR certification may required depending on level of involvement.
Location: Santa Margarita, Templeton, Pismo Preserve
Commitment: Flexible.
Nature Care
Nature care involves hands-on activities such as trail maintenance, planting, and maintaining native gardens.
Location: Santa Margarita and Templeton
Commitment: As needed, with groups and/or independent.
Wildlife Camera Project
This volunteer position is for those who are organized, are willing to problem solve, and enjoy hiking and exploring trails.
The Wildlife Camera Project involves checking cameras in the field, as well as processing photos on a computer.
Requirments: Annual training meeting.
Location: Santa Margarita, Santa Rita Ranch, Pismo Preserve
Commitment: Two months per year (6-8 hrs total).
Nesting Bird Box Monitor
This volunteer position is for those intersted in community science projects, birding, and hiking.
Monitors will check our bird boxes to help collect nesting data through out the breeding season. We submit this data to statewide and national programs to inform nesting trends of our local species.
Requirements: Training with staff member to go over monitoring process.
Location: Santa Margarita, Templeton
Commitment: Minimum one shift per season (March – August), shifts are about an hour long.
Check out current volunteer opportunities and events!
Ready to become a volunteer?