Trail Closure

At Kirby Park, the accessible trail remains closed due to storm damage.

Volunteer hero
Volunteer

Ready to Lend a Hand?

Volunteer at Elkhorn Slough

Become a Regular Program Volunteer

Both the Elkhorn Slough Reserve and the Elkhorn Slough Foundation are supported by an incredible team of volunteers—from land stewards and scientists to docents, educators, and more. Whether you’re a green thumb looking to restore native habitats or a naturalist hoping to share your love of the wetlands, there’s a place for you here.

Education
Education

Our education volunteers engage the public on weekend tours, or assist with K-12 school field trips.

Stewardship
Stewardship

Our stewardship volunteers focus on habitat restoration involving planting, weeding, or propagating plants in our greenhouse.

Research
Research

Our research volunteers conduct long-term monitoring on water quality and wildlife, as well as help scientists with general field work.

To express interest in becoming a program volunteer, fill out the form below. All program volunteers must complete paperwork and training before coming on board.

Note: volunteer training occurs once a year, typically in the winter. 
January 2024 recruitment has concluded. 

Volunteer for an Event

The Elkhorn Slough Foundation and Elkhorn Slough Reserve regularly host volunteer events. Anyone can attend—all you have to do is check out the calendar, register for an event, and show up to help!

Volunteer for an event

Group Volunteer Events

To arrange a volunteer event for your group, please fill out the Group Volunteer Request Form.

Group volunteer events

Why I Volunteer

  • Casey Castillo
    Casey Castillo

    “I like being outside in beautiful areas, but it’s more than that. I love the feeling of community I get from the staff and other volunteers. It’s a community of folks who know and appreciate the full, rich history of Elkhorn Slough. Each time I participate, I learn something. Experiences are shared and support is given freely as we go about tending the land. Sometimes the work is easy, sometimes it’s muddy, and sometimes it’s challenging, but it is always enjoyable.”

  • Regina Donohoe
    Regina Donohoe

    “Twice a day, for 20 years, I passed by Elkhorn Slough on my commute. The sunrise-tinted water, graceful egrets, vibrant marshes, and playful otters were my daily gifts of beauty. When I retired, I wanted to give back as a land steward. Harvesting seeds, planting natives, weeding out invasives, and seeing bare dirt return to native habitat has been rewarding. But I have received another surprise gift from the Slough—a kindred community. When the volunteers sit in a circle and separate purple needlegrass seeds from the chaff, we share our life stories, our dreams, and many laughs. This community is a dose of good medicine that keeps me returning again and again.”

Volunteer CTA

Keep Elkhorn Wild

Give today to preserve the lands and waters of Elkhorn Slough for future generations.

DonateOther Ways to Give
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