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
Our education volunteers engage the public on weekend tours, or assist with K-12 school field trips.
Stewardship
Our stewardship volunteers focus on habitat restoration involving planting, weeding, or propagating plants in our greenhouse.
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!
Group Volunteer Events
To arrange a volunteer event for your group, please fill out the Group Volunteer Request Form.
Volunteer Stories
Why I Volunteer
- 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
“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.”
Keep Elkhorn Wild
Give today to preserve the lands and waters of Elkhorn Slough for future generations.