VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

We’re looking for talented photographers to capture photos of our properties and events! You may be asked to join us on a variety of outings: conservation property visits, hikes, Picnic at the Preserve (fundraisers), and more! This volunteer opportunity is on an on call, as-needed basis.

Join us in tending to native habitat and trail restoration efforts at some of our favorite locations! This volunteer role includes activities like planting, mulching, weeding, and trail maintenance. No prior experience necessary, training is provided as part of the event. Special trainings to learn about trail maintenance and habitat restoration are occasionally offered. Note that some of these opportunities may be physically challenging: tasks can include heavy lifting and using gardening tools/equipment.

Ongoing opportunities include:

Arroyo Hondo Preserve (Gaviota Coast) – Workdays at Arroyo Hondo Preserve are held every month (normally on the first Saturday) from 9:00am – 12:30pm, weather-permitting. Activities vary on a seasonal and project-related basis and include native habitat restoration, planting, and trail maintenance.

Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve (Lompoc) – Workdays are held a few times during the year from 9:00am – 2:00pm. Help the Land Trust support the Nature Conservancy‘s Dune Headland Restoration project by removing ice plant and flagging native plants!

Orcutt Community Park (Santa Maria) – Workdays support our partner, Santa Maria Valley Open Space, as they complete the Natural Open Spaces with Recreational Trail Access Project, expected to continue into early 2027. Activities will vary on a seasonal and project-related basis.

Other Locations – Workdays are occasionally hosted at other properties throughout the year, help us care for Coronado Butterfly Preserve, Carpinteria Salt Marsh, and more!

Age Minimum: 16+ (minors must have an adult chaperone)

The Land Trust hosts a number of special events throughout the year and would love your assistance! Help support our team during events like Picnic at the Preserve, Discover Outside, and special major donor outings. Tasks may vary and there’s a role for everyone! No prior experience necessary, training is provided as part of the event. This volunteer opportunity is on an on-call, as-needed basis.

Set-Up: This may include assembling signage, prepping materials, and setting up the event space.

Check-In/Guest Support: Be the friendly face that welcomes guests! Help orient guests to the event and answer questions.

Bartending: If you’re comfortable behind the bar, we’d love your help pouring beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages! (Must be 21+.)

Green Team: Keep us sustainable! Monitor waste stations to ensure trash and recycling are sorted correctly and tidy up throughout the event.

Clean-Up: Help take down and pack up supplies as we close out the event.

Age Minimum: 16+ (minors must have an adult chaperone)

We’re looking for volunteers that are eager to talk about our mission and provide information to the public! Be the face of the Land Trust and help share what we’re up to around the county. Examples of community tabling events include Chumash Earth Day, Trailpalooza, and other partner events throughout the year. Tasks may require some lifting (moving tables and other materials). Events tend to fall on Saturdays, but this volunteer opportunity is on an on-call, as-needed basis.

*Requires background check and one training.

Age Minimum: 16+ (minors must have an adult chaperone)

Our incredible Nature Guides and Program volunteers help lead and support guided hikes and activities for people to experience the spectacular open spaces of Santa Barbara County. Deepen your knowledge of local plants, animals, and natural history as you explore a variety of trails, parks, and preserves. Assist our team with a staff-led experience or be creative and co-design a new activity! We host an average of 4-5 public events per month with flexible days/timing. Ideally, these volunteers are available to help with at least one event per month.

*Requires background check, one-two trainings (depending on location), and shadowing other volunteers.

We’re looking for volunteers that are available on weekends to help support our team at Arroyo Hondo Preserve! Ideally, these volunteers are able to help out a few days a month on Saturdays and/or Sundays. Volunteers at the Arroyo Hondo Welcome Center will help greet and check in visitors, answer questions, and share information about our nature discovery table. This opportunity is wonderful for those that want to be immersed in nature but don’t want to do much hiking.

*Requires background check, one training, and shadowing other volunteers.

Age Minimum: 16+ (minors must have an adult chaperone).

Do you enjoy hiking and leading group tours? Do you have a passion for inspiring the next generation of conservationists? Annually, Arroyo Hondo Preserve hosts over 2,000 students during the school year and thousands of visitors on weekends/special group visits. We’re looking for a group of dedicated leaders that would like to become Docents at Arroyo Hondo! Ideally, these volunteers are able to help out a few days a month on Mondays, Wednesdays, and/or weekends. Previous environmental education/volunteer experience is a plus, but not required. All new docents will be required to attend a series of eight trainings to learn about the history, flora, and fauna of Arroyo Hondo.

*Please fill out the additional docent specific question at the bottom of the application. Requires background check, references, eight trainings, and shadowing other volunteers. The next Docent training will begin in Fall 2026, dates TBD.

Age Minimum: 18+