Lighthouse Field State Park: Volunteer Day, Jan 3, 9 am – 1 pm
Support habitat restoration of popular day use areas and trails by planting native species and removing non-native vegetation. Target non-native species are Himalayan blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) and Ice plant (Carpobrotus edulis). Ages 8 and older welcome (minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a signed waiver). Full opportunity address and directions will be sent to you by e-mail after you sign up. Info and signup HERE.
Surfrider Santa Cruz: Stop Offshore Drilling Canvassing and Paddle-Out, Jan 3, 2 – 4 pm
Ahoy Santa Cruz Surfriders, join us for an impactful day taking action against offshore drilling! Engage the public to oppose offshore drilling leases off California, raise awareness of threats to our coast and marine life, and empower the community to take action through comments and advocacy. We will be canvassing against new offshore drilling leases, collecting public comments, and have a paddle-out to protect our coast. Meet at the Hook, 511 41st Ave. Register HERE.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Park Refresh, Jan 4, 9 am - 1 pm
Help prepare the parks’ campgrounds for the upcoming season! Tasks include raking leaf litter from trails and campsites, blowing roads to clear them of debris, painting food lockers, creating slash piles or dispersing debris, and picking up trash. We may also sand, and stain picnic tables as needed. Ages 8 and older welcome (minors must be accompanied by an adult and bring a waiver signed by their guardian). Free tent camping is provided on Friday and Saturday nights for registered volunteers only. Sign up HERE.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch: Garden Gurus, Jan 9, 10 – 11 am (And every Friday)
Maintain the Native Plant Demonstration Garden at the Wetlands Educational Resource Center which includes weeding, planting, pruning. Observe plants in their habitat and record findings as a group. Keep plant ID markers current and visible. Tools and Gloves provided. Bring kneeling pad if desired. Info HERE
CA Native Plant Society: Quail Hollow Ranch County Park, Jan 10, 10 am - 1 pm
We are a volunteer group working to restore native habitat in the parks and protected lands in Santa Cruz County. Our program provides an opportunity for people to learn about the natural systems that surround them while helping to restore special and wild places. We work rain or shine, but if things get particularly unpleasant, we call it a day. Tools provided; bring gloves. Meet in the gravel parking lot on the left side of the entrance road. Program Leader, Linda Brodman 831.334.3858, redwdrn@pacbell.net LINK.
Coastal Watershed Council: River Health Day, Jan 10, 10 am - Noon
Volunteer and make a difference in the San Lorenzo River ecosystem! Join us and plant and maintain native seedlings along the banks of the San Lorenzo River to increase biodiversity and revitalize the river ecosystem. Generally, we will meet on the east riverbank between the Laurel Street bridge and the Branciforte Creek pedestrian bridge. Sometimes we will meet near Mike Fox Skate Park. Free parking is available in the CWC parking lot at 107 Dakota Ave. Please RSVP below to receive up-to-date location information. Signup HERE.
Native Habitat Restoration: Hands-On Habitat Restoration at Highlands Park, Jan 17, 10 am – Noon
Join us at the Highlands Park Community Center, a unique location nestled close to the San Lorenzo River and surrounded by diverse ecosystems of mixed evergreen forest, redwoods, and Oak woodland. We will be developing the evolving Native Plant Demonstration Gardens surrounding the Center. This is a hands-on opportunity to learn about native plants and approaches to native habitat restoration. Bring your questions, gloves, pruners, and a water bottle. We will supply the answers and tools. INFO.
S C Museum Of Natural History: Saturdays In The Soil, Jan 17, 10 am – 12 noon
“It’s time to get your hands dirty at our 3rd Saturday of the month volunteer program in our native plant garden. Learn about local ecology, native plants, and sustainable gardening while coming together as a community to steward Tyrrell Park through the City’s Adopt-A-Park program. This native plant garden requires general landscaping, occasional watering, weeding, and replanting. All ages are welcome; children under 14 require adult supervision. Every third Saturday at the SC Museum of Natural History.” RSVPs are required. Email volunteer@santacruzmuseum.org to express interest. More info HERE.
Amah Mutsun Tribal Band: Volunteer at the Native Garden at Pie Ranch, Jan 17, 2 – 5 PM
Volunteers have been an essential part of our repair and regeneration efforts after the CZU August Lightning Complex fire burned through Pie Ranch. Designed by tribal member, Matthew Lopez, the Native Garden is shaped like a pie with pathways representing the four directions. Each “pie slice” represents different ethnobotanical native plants featuring grassland foods, fibers and basketry plants, nuts and berries, and personal care. Some of us will stay in the garden for the whole work shift and some will venture to other projects around the farm. Volunteers help with planting, weeding, harvests, culling and mulching. Volunteer work days are on the third Saturday of each month. Pie Ranch, 2080 Green Oaks Way, Pescadero.” To RSVP go HERE or email: aarganbright@amahmutsun.org
Advocates for Nicene Marks State Park: Trailwork Days, Jan 18, 9:30 am – 1 pm
Every 3rd Sunday of the month (except December) the Advocates meet in the park for trailwork days. Brushing back & spiffing up popular trails. Cleaning out culverts to prepare for winter rains. Possibly Remove invasive species, especially English Ivy. No experience necessary. Coffee, pastries, fruit and tools provided. Meet at Entrance Kiosk. Sign up HERE.
SC Mountain Trails Stewardship: Students' Dig Day, Pogonip Open Space Preserve, Jan 19, 9 am - 3 pm (Martin Luther King Junior Day of Service)
This is a meaningful volunteer opportunity where youth can contribute to trail stewardship while enjoying a day outdoors with their peers. We provide: All tools and training, Breakfast and lunch, Post-dig raffle and ice cream, A chance to make a real impact on local trails Location: Pogonip Open Space Preserve (Emma McCrary Trail and University Connector Trail). Sign up HERE
Watsonville Wetlands Watch: World Wetlands Day 2026, Feb 7, 9 am - 1pm
We hope that you will join us for our World Wetlands Day celebration at Struve Slough. We will share more details in next month's newsletter and via our social media accounts @watsonvillewetlands.
Save Our Shores: Becoming a Sanctuary Steward, Training Starts Feb 8
Sanctuary Stewards are trained adult volunteers that lead events on behalf of Save Our Shores. During training, Stewards learn about our local marine environment, threats facing Monterey Bay, how to be an effective community scientist, practice public speaking, and connect with fellow ocean advocates! Once graduated, you’ll run cleanup events, support education programming, and get involved with our public outreach events (film screenings, speaker series, local festivals, etc.). Your special skills and interests can support our local marine conservation efforts! Training schedule HERE. More info HERE.