VOLUNTEER WITH US


Removing invasive plants at a restoration event.

Get connected by volunteering with San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy.

Supporting San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy takes many forms, from financial gifts, to rolling up shirt sleeves. Many people find that volunteering opens new doors of opportunity—not only are you working outdoors in a special place, you’re alongside others who share your love for nature and for keeping it wild and healthy.

Learn more about these exciting ways to get involved with San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy:

HABITAT RESTORATION EVENTS
Since the Conservancy’s founding in 1987, a biological management plan for continued restoration of the reserve has included the removal of invasive species. Volunteers in our Habitat Restoration Events tackle invasive weeds in disturbed areas of the reserve, plant native species, remove debris, improve trails, and help with other work as needed during the seasons.
 
BECOME A DOCENT-NATURALIST
Join the San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy docent program and become trained as a naturalist, able to lead walks throughout the reserve. Last year, docents led nearly 3,000 visitors, representing school children, scouts and community groups, and the general public. Classes begin in October.
 
MONTHLY BIRD COUNTS
Field reports on the lagoon’s bird life are submitted to several places: eBird, a global database of bird counts, developed by Cornell’s Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, California Coastal Wetlands Recovery Project (a collaboration of 19 agencies and five coastal counties of Southern California) and to strategic planning for San Elijo Lagoon Restoration Project.

Please click on the right column for more information on ways you can contribute your time and expertise. Visit our Internship page for a list of current openings.

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy protects and restores the resources of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, its watershed, and related ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations.

 

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Habitat Restoration Events
Docent-Naturalists
Monthly Bird Counts
Internships

New! Invasive Species App

Do you have a smartphone? You can play a role in restoring habitat for wildlife. Download the new What's Invasive App to your iPhone or Android to begin mapping invasive plants around your neighborhood and workplace. Conservancy biologists will catalog your invasive sightings, coordinate with landowners, and send crews into the field to remove invasive plants to enhance native landscapes. Begin today to add your observations.