The UC Santa Cruz Arboretum & Botanic Garden relies on 100+ volunteers year-round to keep this place growing! By volunteering you become part of a community that directly supports the Arboretum’s overall mission to connect people with plants. No matter what group you work with, you will learn by working side by side with home gardeners, experienced and amateur naturalists, active and retired professionals as well as people who are just beginning to explore the world of plants. To become a volunteer at the Arboretum, prospective volunteers review available volunteer opportunities then fill out an online application form. More info HERE.

Rights of Nature is a growing legal and cultural movement that recognizes ecosystems — like rivers, forests, and oceans — as living entities with inherent rights to exist, thrive, and regenerate. Instead of treating nature solely as property, this framework gives communities a legal tool to defend the natural world when it’s threatened. We are a grassroots working group pursuing a ballot initiative to grant local ecological entities legal rights to exist and evolve. We're currently researching which ecosystem or species — such as the San Lorenzo River, salmon, or wildlife corridors — should be the focus of the policy. We need researchers now, and will need help with communications and signature collection as we move forward. We hope you will join us. Please visit our website HERE.

The City of Santa Cruz, in partnership with Ecology Action, is offering Neighborhood Sustainability and Resiliency Workshops for Santa Cruz residents throughout calendar year 2026. The objectives of these workshops are to build neighborhood connections and increase community confidence, preparedness, and resiliency towards climate disasters while informing community members of resources that support sustainable and resilient habits. Our flexible, interactive workshop model aims to accommodate a wide range of formats, from small gatherings (6+ participants) to larger community events. If you are interested in hosting or participating in a workshop, click HERE.

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.

This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature, lend a helping hand, and meet fellow community members. Whether you're an experienced gardener or simply excited to support our mission of inspiring the young ones through garden-based learning, there’s a task for everyone! Kids are welcome to join too. Hands-on projects such as planting, weeding, and general garden maintenance. A chance to learn new skills and enjoy the fresh outdoors. Some goodies to take home: fruit, plant cuttings, seeds. Sign up HERE.

Join us for a unique combination of a social hike and trail maintenance event on weekday mornings, and become a valuable part of the team that monitors local trails. Adults only. Difficulty: Easy to moderate. It's okay if you've never done trail work before. We love accommodating new and returning volunteers—all experience levels are welcome at SCMTS events. At Hike & Help events, we scout trails and perform light maintenance tasks while exploring the beauty of Santa Cruz parks. Join us at the Spring St trailhead as we make improvements to the Lookout Trail. Spring Trailhead - Pogonip, 700 Spring St, Santa Cruz Info HERE.

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. No prior work experience is necessary, just show up at the park. Wear comfortable layered clothing, bring something to drink, and lots of enthusiasm! 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

This event is an opportunity to host your own cleanup!.  We are giving back to your community, protecting wildlife and keeping litter from entering our watersheds, the Monterey Bay and our oceans beyond. Together we can make Santa Cruz the cleanest County in the State! Please sign up with your email, approximate number of participants at your cleanup event, location, and date and meet up time. (Some folks are doing cleanups before or after May 9th)   We will post this to our website, so others may join. Check HERE for more info, and go HERE for signup