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 woodlanddominated 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! 

Nesting Bird Box Monitor

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 

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.  

Check out current volunteer opportunities and events!

Ready to become a volunteer?