Looking to learn new things, give back to your community, and have fun? The Bolsa Chica Conservancy is a small non-profit organization so we are highly dependent on our incredible crew of dedicated volunteers. Volunteering at the Conservancy can be a unique opportunity to get involved with your local wetlands! We have many different volunteer positions ranging from one-time volunteer events to long-term volunteer positions. Because of our small size here at Bolsa Chica, we have many different types of volunteer positions for all different skill sets. Information on every volunteer opportunity can be found below!
This 3-hour session will discuss the Bolsa Chica Conservancy and our programs, natural and human history of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands, and which areas volunteers can get involved. It will also include a short walk along the trails, so please wear close-toed shoes and bring water and sun protection.
Bolsa Chica Conservancy provides a variety of science-based education programs for ages Pre K to College, as well as public tours of the wetlands. As a naturalist, you will help us provide fun activities covering wetland ecology and history. You will get a chance to lead outdoor science labs and educational tours of the wetlands, providing fun interactive programs for students, scouts and adults alike. We provide training for all of our Naturalists and Assistant Naturalists, so experience is not necessary!
Restoration Volunteer
Help us to restore native habitats at Bolsa Chica by removing invasive plant species and installing native plants. Restoration volunteers will get a chance to clean up our wetlands with trash pick-ups and even occasional kayak clean-ups. Restoration volunteers may also help with growing native plants and educating the public.
Interpretive Center Host
Our interpretive center is open every day from 9:00am-4:00pm and provides the public with the perfect opportunity to learn about Bolsa Chica wetland ecology. The interpretive center is a great place for the public to learn about the animals and plants they may encounter on the trails! As an enthusiastic host, you will help welcome visitors to our center and answer questions about our wetlands and the public trails. Typical hosting shifts are 9:00am-12:00pm and 12:00pm-4:00pm. Training will be provided so no experience is necessary!
The Bolsa Chica Conservancy’s Eyes on Nest Sites (EONS) program is a seasonal opportunity generally held from March to July (the nesting season). EONS is an education and public outreach program that monitors the activity and behavior of the threatened Western Snowy Plover and the endangered California Least Tern on the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Volunteers will be recording and observing the nesting activities and behaviors of these two species of birds at Nest Site 1 on the reserve and educating the public visiting the nest site. This is a unique opportunity to engage in wildlife field work and public outreach, while helping these threatened and endangered species of birds. We are looking for volunteers to help our efforts for the next nesting season beginning March 2019. All training will be provided, so no experience is necessary! If EONS is for you, contact Jeannette at 714-846-1114 or jeannette@bolsachica.org
Specialty Volunteering:
Bolsa Chica Conservancy is always looking for individuals with specialty skills that can help with our mission. If you have any skill that you think would be helpful for us, contact Whitney at 714-846-1114 or whitney@bolsachica.org. Examples of specialty skills include: advanced or expert birder, CPA, graphic/web design, marketing, fundraising, communications, etc. We’d love to create a special volunteering position just for you!
Other opportunities available! Please contact Whitney Thompson at 714.846.1114 or at whitney@bolsachica.org if you are interested in volunteering with us!
