Volunteer FAQs

Signing Up for / Canceling an Event:

HOW DO I JOIN A WORKDAY?

We require all interested volunteers to create an account and register on our volunteer webpage. This ensures you receive important meeting directions and any workday updates/cancellations. Need help? Click here to see our volunteer registration manual.

HOW DO I SIGN UP A GUEST(S)?

You can register them by clicking on the workday event and selecting “Sign up with a Team.” From there, a pop up box will ask you to either ‘create a new team’ or choose an existing team (if you’ve previously added one to our system).

HOW DO I CANCEL MY VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION?

You can login to your account on our webpage and click on the “for volunteers” tab in the upper left-hand side of the page. You will get a drop-down menu of options, click on ‘volunteering overview’. Once on the page, navigate to the "Upcoming Opportunities" section where you will see events you’ve signed up for. Click the ‘remove me’ button to cancel your registration.

What to Expect the Day of:

WHAT SHOULD I WEAR TO A WORKDAY?

Closed-toe shoes (mandatory)
Layered clothing (weather may be cold in the morning)
Long-sleeved shirts and long pants for some projects due to sharp brush and splinters

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO A WORKDAY?

Water container (filled)
Your favorite pair of work gloves (will be provided if you don’t have your own)
Sun protection such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

WHAT IS PROVIDED AT A WORKDAY?

Registration materials (waivers, nametags)
Tools and training
Free parking pass
Snacks
Gloves
Lunch may be provided for workdays 3 hours or longer

WHERE DO I GET DIRECTIONS FOR WORKDAYS?

Meeting locations and detailed directions will be sent via email in the week before your volunteer workday event. Be sure to read these sections carefully as some park sites can be tricky to find or have little to no service available when driving into the park.

WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL DEMANDS?

Most workdays have tasks for all physical levels. Some workdays will require a hike in/out, sometimes on uneven terrain. Some projects will require crouching or kneeling during the workday. The project descriptions will note any important considerations – for example, if a project will be strenuous or the expected length of hiking involved.

Camping, Corporate Groups, and Pets:

IS CAMPING AVAILABLE?

Some volunteer workdays offer free camping as an additional perk. If camping is available, we will list details in the project description and ask you to RSVP during the registration process. After your registration is complete, we will email you details about the campsite and check-in process.

For those interested in booking your own campsites, you can visit https://reservecalifornia.com/.

DO YOU PROVIDE WORKDAYS FOR CORPORATE GROUPS?

If you are interested in bringing your corporate group to an event, please fill out our corporate volunteer workday event inquiry form. If you have any questions, you can reach out to development@calparks.org.

WHAT IS THE PET POLICY?

We love your furry friends, but please leave all pets at home. Pets are not permitted at our workdays. Exceptions can be made in the case of service animals.

Safety Protocols:

CAN I JOIN A WORKDAY IF I AM UNDER 18?

Each park has different requirements. Some workdays are all ages, while others have age restrictions. You can find these details for your park in the project description on the registration page. We require all minors (under 18 years old) to have a signed waiver by their legal guardian and that an adult must accompany them at the volunteer workday event.

IS SMOKING ALLOWED AT WORKDAYS?

Smoking is not permitted during our volunteer workdays. Please remember smoking is also not permitted in State Parks, except on paved roadways or parking facilities.

WHAT IS THE VOLUNTEER ACCOUNTABILITY POLICY?

Our volunteer workdays provide opportunities for all Californians to join our parks community and to give back to our state parks. We strive to create a welcoming and safe space for people from all backgrounds and walks of life at our events. All volunteers who join our workdays are expected to have respect for one another and the land. We ask that all participants join us with a curious mind and caring attitude to help us create a positive impact on our parks and our communities. Volunteers who do not adhere to the policies and procedures of the program are subject to dismissal. Dismissal is within the full discretion of California State Parks Foundation staff.

WHAT IS THE COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY? 

California State Parks Foundation prioritizes volunteer safety. Click here to view our Covid-19 Prevention Policy.