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?