Master Ocean Advocacy with Heal the Bay at the Education Talk Tent
Heal the Bay is offering a dedicated space for learning and discussion at their Education Talk Tent. Throughout the morning, they feature guest speakers, including marine scientists and environmental policy specialists, who share insights into the health of Southern California’s waterways. To wrap up the event, they host a community raffle where participants have the chance to win prizes like Heal the Bay gear and partner gift cards.
Celebrate Earth Day at White Point Nature Preserve with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s natural lands, rare wildlife and coastal beauty for the benefit of its communities. The Conservancy is committed to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s unique local habitats that sustain rare and endangered species, including helping to lead the recovery of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and was once thought extinct. Join PVPLC for their Outdoor Volunteer Day at White Point Nature Preserve! Celebrate Earth Day by helping to care for the White Point Nature Preserve Native Plant Demonstration Garden! Enjoy weeding, native plant seed preparation, children’s learning activities at the Nature Center, a guided garden walk, raffle prizes, and more! Click here: https://pvplc.org/events/earth-day-celebration-at-white-point-nature-preserve04-18/?occurrence=2026-04-18
Explore Nature at White Point Nature Preserve with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s natural lands, rare wildlife and coastal beauty for the benefit of its communities. The Conservancy is committed to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s unique local habitats that sustain rare and endangered species, including helping to lead the recovery of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and was once thought extinct. Naturalists will guide you along a trail to discover a unique variety of wildlife in their coastal sage scrub habitat with amazing views across to the ocean. Meet in front of the Nature Center and come inside to explore after the hike. Click here: https://pvplc.org/events/guided-nature-walk-at-white-point-nature-preserve/?occurrence=2026-04-18
Protect Wild Habitats with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Rapid Response Team
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s natural lands, rare wildlife and coastal beauty for the benefit of its communities. The Conservancy is committed to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s unique local habitats that sustain rare and endangered species, including helping to lead the recovery of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and was once thought extinct. The Rapid Response Teams protect important wildlife habitat by helping to close unauthorized trails through trail maintenance, installing signage, fences and more. Events held most Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-noon. Open to Ages 15+ Click here: https://pvplc.org/volunteer/
Volunteer at Ahead With Horses’ Garden Landscaping Party!
Ahead With Horses is looking for volunteers to help at their other location with landscaping, watering, planting, and weed clearance. This is very important for fire safety. YOU MUST SIGN UP BY 4:00PM ON SATURDAY, THE DAY PRIOR, IN ORDER TO CONFIRM THAT THEY WILL BE THERE. (If they do not have anyone signed up by that time, there is no guarantee that they will still be having the opportunity.) Their dress code requires you to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for safety reasons. They also recommend bringing plenty of water. If you have your own gloves or tools, please bring them with you. They will have some if needed. A reminder that they always require volunteers to be 12 and older.
Witness the Sage-Grouse Dance with the Los Angeles Audubon Society at Dancing Chicken Weekend
Los Angeles Audubon Society invites you to Dancing Chicken Weekend 2026! They coordinate a unique multi-day field trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevada to witness the remarkable "ritual dance" of the Greater Sage-Grouse. Led by Mary Freeman, this 34th annual excursion takes a small group to Long Valley to observe these birds on their lek (breeding grounds) at dawn. The weekend includes a Friday evening presentation by a Sage-Grouse biologist and daytime birding throughout the Mono Basin to search for specialty species like the Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse, and Rosy Finch. This immersive experience combines citizen science with high-altitude birding, all while acting as a fundraiser to support the Society's ongoing conservation and education programs
Protect Wild Habitats with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Rapid Response Team
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s natural lands, rare wildlife and coastal beauty for the benefit of its communities. The Conservancy is committed to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s unique local habitats that sustain rare and endangered species, including helping to lead the recovery of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and was once thought extinct. The Rapid Response Teams protect important wildlife habitat by helping to close unauthorized trails through trail maintenance, installing signage, fences and more. Events held most Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-noon. Open to Ages 15+ Click here: https://pvplc.org/volunteer/
Protect Coastal Biodiversity with Heal the Bay at the Manhattan Beach Dunes BioBlitz
Heal the Bay is partnering with The Bay Foundation to host a special BioBlitz and restoration day at the Manhattan Beach Dunes as part of the 2026 L.A. City Nature Challenge. Volunteers will spend the morning recording observations of wild plants and animals using their smartphones to contribute to global biodiversity data. Following the exploration and cataloging, the team will transition into hands-on restoration work to help protect and maintain this vital coastal ecosystem.
Witness the Sage-Grouse Dance with the Los Angeles Audubon Society at Dancing Chicken Weekend
Los Angeles Audubon Society invites you to Dancing Chicken Weekend 2026! They coordinate a unique multi-day field trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevada to witness the remarkable "ritual dance" of the Greater Sage-Grouse. Led by Mary Freeman, this 34th annual excursion takes a small group to Long Valley to observe these birds on their lek (breeding grounds) at dawn. The weekend includes a Friday evening presentation by a Sage-Grouse biologist and daytime birding throughout the Mono Basin to search for specialty species like the Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse, and Rosy Finch. This immersive experience combines citizen science with high-altitude birding, all while acting as a fundraiser to support the Society's ongoing conservation and education programs
Explore Nature at White Point Nature Preserve with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s natural lands, rare wildlife and coastal beauty for the benefit of its communities. The Conservancy is committed to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s unique local habitats that sustain rare and endangered species, including helping to lead the recovery of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and was once thought extinct. Step into the beauty of the White Point Native Plant Garden and discover the wonders of California’s native flora! On this guided tour, you’ll learn expert tips on growing and caring for native plants, explore the vibrant garden habitats, and see firsthand how native plants support local wildlife. Perfect for gardeners, nature lovers, and anyone curious about sustainable landscaping. Meet at the White Point Nature Education Center and take home ideas to make your own garden a native plant paradise! Click here: https://pvplc.org/events/guided-garden-tour-02-28/?occurrence=2026-04-25
Protect Wild Habitats with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Rapid Response Team
The Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy is the only nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s natural lands, rare wildlife and coastal beauty for the benefit of its communities. The Conservancy is committed to protecting and restoring the Peninsula’s unique local habitats that sustain rare and endangered species, including helping to lead the recovery of the endangered Palos Verdes Blue Butterfly, which is found only on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and was once thought extinct. The Rapid Response Teams protect important wildlife habitat by helping to close unauthorized trails through trail maintenance, installing signage, fences and more. Events held most Fridays and Saturdays, 9am-noon. Open to Ages 15+ Click here: https://pvplc.org/volunteer/
Volunteer at Ahead With Horses’ Garden Landscaping Party!
Ahead With Horses is looking for volunteers to help at their other location with landscaping, watering, planting, and weed clearance. This is very important for fire safety. YOU MUST SIGN UP BY 4:00PM ON SATURDAY, THE DAY PRIOR, IN ORDER TO CONFIRM THAT THEY WILL BE THERE. (If they do not have anyone signed up by that time, there is no guarantee that they will still be having the opportunity.) Their dress code requires you to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants for safety reasons. They also recommend bringing plenty of water. If you have your own gloves or tools, please bring them with you. They will have some if needed. A reminder that they always require volunteers to be 12 and older.
Restore Native Habitats with Heal the Bay at Temescal Canyon Park
Heal the bay is co-hosting a meaningful restoration day at Temescal Canyon Park in partnership with Resilient Palisades and TreePeople. This event honors the lives lost during the Palisades Fire by caring for twelve native trees planted in their memory. Volunteers will focus on removing fast-growing invasive plants that threaten the canyon's recovery, allowing the beautiful native habitat a chance to return. Due to the nature of the work and the potential for skin irritation from certain plants, protective clothing is required.
Witness the Sage-Grouse Dance with the Los Angeles Audubon Society at Dancing Chicken Weekend
Los Angeles Audubon Society invites you to Dancing Chicken Weekend 2026! They coordinate a unique multi-day field trip to the Eastern Sierra Nevada to witness the remarkable "ritual dance" of the Greater Sage-Grouse. Led by Mary Freeman, this 34th annual excursion takes a small group to Long Valley to observe these birds on their lek (breeding grounds) at dawn. The weekend includes a Friday evening presentation by a Sage-Grouse biologist and daytime birding throughout the Mono Basin to search for specialty species like the Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse, and Rosy Finch. This immersive experience combines citizen science with high-altitude birding, all while acting as a fundraiser to support the Society's ongoing conservation and education programs
Become a Bird Banding Volunteer with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Dedicated birders who would like banding experience are invited to apply to become volunteer banders for a MAPS (Mapping Avian Productivity and Survivorship) station at the Starr Ranch Bird Observatory. MAPS is a growing network of hundreds of songbird banding stations in North America run by the Institute for Bird Populations (IBP). Long term banding data from MAPS stations help track changes in populations and migration patterns. In 2005, the organization became part of an international monitoring network that tracks birds in their wintering grounds, MoSI (Monitoreo de Sobrevivencia Invernal) with stations from Mexico to Columbia (and Starr Ranch!). Starr Ranch ornithologists offer beginning and advanced bird banding workshops every several years to train citizen scientists in songbird banding, ageing, and sexing. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.
Become a Songbird Monitor Volunteer with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Starr Ranch manages other songbird monitoring projects that utilize volunteer citizen scientists who are trained by ornithologists. Monitoring usually targets rare species and habitats such as coastal sage scrub but we also use songbirds as indicators of restoration success and climate change. New monitoring projects help them make decisions on which invasive plant species they will work to control. Below are some current songbird monitoring projects that utilize citizen science volunteers. Songbirds of Starr Ranch Coastal Sage Scrub, Effects of Coastal Sage Scrub Restoration on Songbirds, Effects of the Streambank Weed, Periwinkle, on Songbirds, Songbird Phenology in Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian Woodlands. If you would like to volunteer or would like to learn more about Starr Ranch songbird monitoring projects, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.
Become a Wildlife Monitor Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Currently Starr Ranch biologists train citizen science volunteers to help them monitor wildlife that serve as good indicators of habitat quality and help them decide which invasive species they will work to control. These are long term projects that will also aid in detection of shifts in wildlife populations that may be associated with a changing climate. Current wildlife monitoring projects include: Aquatic Vertebrates of Bell Creek (fish, reptiles and amphibians), Perennial Pools of Bell Creek, Effects of the Streambank Weed, Periwinkle, on Small Mammals and Invertebrates, Phenology of Butterflies (and Plants) of Coastal Sage Scrub and Riparian Woodland. If you would like to volunteer with their wildlife monitoring projects, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.
Become a South County Fire Watch Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
In partnership with the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), Starr Ranch runs a volunteer fire watch. Each year since 2008 volunteers are trained in late summer by the OCFA to deter arson and report behaviors that could lead to fires and to detect fires quickly if they start. Volunteers work in pairs during Red Flag Warnings, periods of high winds and dry conditions, usually in the fall. Lookout locations are at the edges of south Orange County preserved land from Starr Ranch south to the Reserve at Rancho Mission Viejo. Contact Sandy at (sdesimone@audubon.org), or Laura at (lcoleyeisenberg@ranchomv.com)
Become a Stream Bioassessment Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Since 2003, Starr Ranch biologists have trained volunteers to use a standardized protocol to gather data on stream water quality and the impacts of urban run-off on the physical, chemical, and biological components of water quality in the creeks of Starr Ranch. Their results are sent to a statewide database. If you would like to volunteer with the annual stream bioassessment project, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309. For more information visit Riparian Habitat Enhancement and Monitoring.
Become an Invasive Plant Control Volunteer at Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Starr Ranch “Weed Warriors” help us remove invasive plant species. Invasive species can alter habitats and can have negative effects on wildlife. All of our weed control is non-chemical, and done with hand tools. Currently volunteers help us with periwinkle, English ivy, and Smilo grass removal. If you would like to become a “weed warrior” at Starr Ranch, please contact Sandy DeSimone (sdesimone@audubon.org) at 949-858-0309.For more information and Saturday volunteer dates please see our invasive plant control volunteer flyer.
Featured Projects
Assist Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at AW@10 (Accessible Wednesday at 10am)
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
Big Sunday invites volunteers of all abilities to join our weekly Accessible Wednesday morning program, AW@10, to support local animal rescue efforts. During this session, participants will work together to assemble "Kitty Kits" for feline residents in need at local nonprofit organizations. These activities are specifically designed to be inclusive and accessible, ensuring that everyone—including volunteers with developmental challenges—can participate in the joy of giving back. It is a wonderful opportunity to build community while providing essential supplies to help rescued cats thrive. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Assist Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at AW@10 (Accessible Wednesday at 10am)
Big Sunday,
passion@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
Big Sunday invites volunteers of all abilities to join our weekly Accessible Wednesday morning program, AW@10, to support local animal rescue efforts. Volunteers will gather at the Big Sunday headquarters to assemble "Doggie Bags" filled with helpful items for local animal-related nonprofits. This program emphasizes that absolutely everyone has something to give, providing a structured yet fun environment where guests of honor with developmental challenges and the general public can volunteer side-by-side. By preparing these supplies, the community helps ensure that local animal shelters and advocacy groups have the resources they need to care for their resident dogs. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian.
Support Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at TM@10 (Thursday Morning at 10am)
Big Sunday,
nicolo@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
TM@10 (Thursday Morning @ 10) is not only one of our favorite programs, but it’s one of our most popular, too! We meet every Thursday morning, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. And we host hands-on projects to help local nonprofits. This week, participants will work together to assemble handmade dog toys for animals residing in local shelters. This event offers a social, lighthearted environment where people can meet new neighbors, enjoy some laughs, and create tangible items that improve the quality of life for rescued dogs. It is a perfect way to support animal welfare while being part of a helpful, diverse community. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. No fee is required to participate, but slots are limited.
Support Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at TM@10 (Thursday Morning at 10am)
Big Sunday,
nicolo@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
TM@10 (Thursday Morning @ 10) is not only one of our favorite programs, but it’s one of our most popular, too! We meet every Thursday morning, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. And we host hands-on projects to help local nonprofits. This week, volunteers will gather to put together "Dog Care Kits" filled with supplies that support local animal-related nonprofits. This event offers a social, lighthearted environment where people can meet new neighbors, enjoy some laughs, and create tangible items that improve the quality of life for rescued dogs. It is a perfect way to support animal welfare while being part of a helpful, diverse community. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. No fee is required to participate, but slots are limited.
Support Animal Nonprofits with Big Sunday at TM@10 (Thursday Morning at 10am)
Big Sunday,
nicolo@bigsunday.org,
(323)549-9944
TM@10 (Thursday Morning @ 10) is not only one of our favorite programs, but it’s one of our most popular, too! We meet every Thursday morning, from 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM. And we host hands-on projects to help local nonprofits. This week, volunteers are invited to assemble "Cat Care Kits," which are distributed to nonprofits specializing in cat rescue, fostering, and adoption. This event offers a social, lighthearted environment where people can meet new neighbors, enjoy some laughs, and create tangible items that improve the quality of life for rescued cats. It is a perfect way to support animal welfare while being part of a helpful, diverse community. Metered street parking is available, and a public parking garage is directly across from our building. Participants are encouraged to arrive ready to work as part of a helpful and diverse community. All ages are welcome; volunteers under 12 must be accompanied by a guardian. No fee is required to participate, but slots are limited.