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
Educational Hike Volunteer
What: Support educational hikes with our Learning Among the Oaks program. Assist youth Oak Ambassador hike leaders and attend K to 6th grade students. Carry supplies and ensure attendee safety. Share your knowledge about local plants, animals, geology, etc.
When: Hikes are 1-3 hours long, generally during the school day. Occasional weekend and afternoon/evening hike opportunities.
Where: Regular hike locations include Templeton, Santa Margarita, Pismo Preserve, and Nipomo. Occasional hike opportunities at LCSLO preserves and other oak woodland–dominated natural spaces throughout the county.
Prerequisites: Hike leader training and background check. For the highest level of volunteer responsibility, fingerprinting and CPR/First aid training is also required.
Sewing Volunteer
What: Support the Learning Among the Oaks education program by sewing classroom materials, youth vests for Oak Ambassadors, and other materials. These handmade items make our program so special. Materials will be provided.
When: Project based and on your own schedule.
Where: Wherever you like to sew.
Monarch Waystation and Pollinator Garden Crew
What: Care for the Gateway to Nature gardens in Santa Margarita. Pull weeds, plant native plants, water as needed, and perform general garden and pathway maintenance year-round.
When: On your own schedule or at a regular group worktime; weekly, biweekly, monthly.
Where: H street @ Highway 58 in Santa Margarita
Prerequisites: Garden orientation with project manager. A love of native plants and habitat gardening experience is suggested!
Wildlife Camera Project - Currently Full
What: Hike to and service wildlife cameras. Download images, change batteries, and update time, date, and type of images being captured. Manage upload of data and images after each camera visit.
When: Sign up for shifts during annual training. Regular monitoring occurs year-round and is weather and access dependent.
Where: Santa Rita Ranch, Santa Margarita Ranch, and the Pismo Preserve. Data management from your own home or office.
Nesting Bird Box Monitor - Currently Full
What: Check bird boxes on a regular schedule to document use and chick success rates. Data collected is shared with statewide community science project collaborators.
When: Sign up for monitoring shifts during annual training. Weekly monitoring March to August with nest box maintenance November and December.
Where: Santa Margarita
Check out current volunteer opportunities and events!
Ready to become a volunteer?
