Band Birds 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, Audubon California/Starr Ranch Sanctuary 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!). Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Monitor Songbirds with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Besides bird banding, 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 they 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. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Monitor Wildlife with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
In spring 2004 Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary trained volunteers to assist their biologists with a long-term study that examined the effects of artichoke thistle control and coastal sage scrub restoration on small mammals (and songbirds). The goal of this project was to produce estimates of small mammal species composition, richness, diversity, and abundance in their paired restoration and pristine coastal sage scrub monitoring sites as well as over a chronosequence of sites of increasing restoration age. Data collected through 2010 indicated a negative effect of artichoke thistle and a positive effect of restoration, so this small mammal study is currently inactive. Monitoring responses to actions or lack of actions remains the key strategy for resource management in a changing climate. 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. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Assess Streams for Science with 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. Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Remove Invasive Plants with Audubon California/ Starr Ranch Sanctuary
Starr Ranch “Weed Warriors” help them remove invasive plant species. Invasive species can alter habitats and can have negative effects on wildlife. All of their weed control is non-chemical, and done with hand tools. Currently volunteers help them 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.Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Participate in Garden Days with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust
Learn how to sow and care for seeds in Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust 's community garden! Visit: https://www.lanlt.org/events-calendar
Participate in Garden Days with the Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust
Learn how to sow and care for seeds in Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust 's community garden! Visit: https://www.lanlt.org/events-calendar
Take Part in the Emergency Preparedness and Food Giveaway Event with LANLT
Participate in Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust 's emergency preparedness and food giveaway event! Visit: https://www.lanlt.org/events-calendar
Take Part in the Emergency Preparedness and Food Giveaway Event with LANLT
Participate in Los Angeles Neighborhood Land Trust 's emergency preparedness and food giveaway event! Visit: https://www.lanlt.org/events-calendar
Join Los Angeles Audubon Society’s Open Wetlands at Ballona Salt Marsh
The first Saturday and second Sunday of every month (EXCEPT AUGUST), from 9 a.m. to noon, Los Angeles Audubon Society hosts the “Open Wetlands” event at the Ballona Salt Marsh. Binoculars will be available to borrow, and volunteers will help visitors view aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learn about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona, and view birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Please call (310) 301-0050 if you have any questions. Enter through the gate located in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind Alkawater/Gordon’s Market, in the 300 block of Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. No baby strollers please. Print and bring your own copy of "Field List of the Birds of Los Angeles County (mainland and off shore waters)". Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join Los Angeles Audubon Society’s Open Wetlands at Ballona Salt Marsh
The first Saturday and second Sunday of every month (EXCEPT AUGUST), from 9 a.m. to noon, Los Angeles Audubon Society hosts the “Open Wetlands” event at the Ballona Salt Marsh. Binoculars will be available to borrow, and volunteers will help visitors view aquatic invertebrates through microscopes, learn about the unique ecosystems found at Ballona, and view birds through powerful spotting scopes along Ballona Creek. Please call (310) 301-0050 if you have any questions. Enter through the gate located in the northeast corner of the parking lot behind Alkawater/Gordon’s Market, in the 300 block of Culver Blvd. in Playa del Rey. No baby strollers please. Print and bring your own copy of "Field List of the Birds of Los Angeles County (mainland and off shore waters)". Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Walk and Learn at the Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area Bird Walk
This walk covers landscaped parkland, an artificial creek, and lake and natural and restored areas of Coastal Sage Scrub habitats within the Baldwin Hills. You are likely to see many of the resident birds such as Black Phoebe, Cassin's Kingbird, California and Spotted Towhee, Song Sparrow, Red-tailed, Red-shoulder and Cooper's Hawk. Refer to the Western Tanager Newsletter for seasonally specific birds that may also be encountered. The park entrance is off of La Cienega Blvd. between Rodeo Rd. and Stocker St. After passing the entrance kiosk ($7.00 parking fee) turn left (leading to the “Olympic Forest”) and park in the first available spaces. (4100 S. La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles 90056). Binoculars provided. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Walk and Learn at the Beginner’s Bird Walk – Will Rogers State Historic Park
Join leaders Julie Hanson and Jane Klein for a beginners bird walk at this beautiful coastal location. Leaders will cover the basics of binocular use, bird identification, and common Los Angeles birds. Experienced birders welcome too. Some binoculars available to borrow. Children ages 8 and up welcome with parent. Please RSVP in advance by text to (310) 922-8153; limited to 10. Meet at the picnic tables next to the parking lot at Will Rogers State Historic Park at 1501 Will Rogers State Park Road in Pacific Palisades. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join the Dancing Chicken Weekend Field Trip with Los Angeles Audubon Society
Mary Freeman will be leading her 31st trip to watch the Greater Sage Grouse performing their ritual dance in Long Valley. You will have a Sage Grouse biologist present to talk about the biology of these wonderful birds, on Friday evening. You will search for many of the eastern Sierra Nevada specialty birds the whole weekend including Rosy Finch, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse and more. Reserve your accommodations as soon as possible as this is the opening weekend for fishing. Mail separate per person checks at $60 per person, payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society, mailed to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Net profits are an LAAS fundraiser. Note: Checks are held for deposit until closer to the event date and participants are confirmed. No refunds for cancellation after: End-of-day, Monday, April 8, 2024. Each participant will receive an itinerary of the weekend’s activities, and some of the hotels in Bishop, when your registration fee is received. $60 per person for the entire weekend. Limit of 12 participants, 8 cars allowed (NOTE: As of Wed. Feb. 14th, 5 spots have already been reserved with checks in the mail.). For more information on how to register, call Susan at (323) 876-0202 (voice) or email susancastor@laaudubon.org. To Register (sorry, no online payments or credit cards): 1) Send email to: susancastor@laaudubon.org and provide for EACH participant: •Name, •email address, and •Mobile phone number. If traveling with another, please advise who and how many will arrive in your vehicle. (8 car maximum allowed, 12 participants only). 2) Mail separate checks at $60 per person, payable to: Los Angeles Audubon Society to P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join the Dancing Chicken Weekend Field Trip with Los Angeles Audubon Society
Mary Freeman will be leading her 31st trip to watch the Greater Sage Grouse performing their ritual dance in Long Valley. You will have a Sage Grouse biologist present to talk about the biology of these wonderful birds, on Friday evening. You will search for many of the eastern Sierra Nevada specialty birds the whole weekend including Rosy Finch, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse and more. Reserve your accommodations as soon as possible as this is the opening weekend for fishing. Mail separate per person checks at $60 per person, payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society, mailed to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Net profits are an LAAS fundraiser. Note: Checks are held for deposit until closer to the event date and participants are confirmed. No refunds for cancellation after: End-of-day, Monday, April 8, 2024. Each participant will receive an itinerary of the weekend’s activities, and some of the hotels in Bishop, when your registration fee is received. $60 per person for the entire weekend. Limit of 12 participants, 8 cars allowed (NOTE: As of Wed. Feb. 14th, 5 spots have already been reserved with checks in the mail.). For more information on how to register, call Susan at (323) 876-0202 (voice) or email susancastor@laaudubon.org. To Register (sorry, no online payments or credit cards): 1) Send email to: susancastor@laaudubon.org and provide for EACH participant: •Name, •email address, and •Mobile phone number. If traveling with another, please advise who and how many will arrive in your vehicle. (8 car maximum allowed, 12 participants only). 2) Mail separate checks at $60 per person, payable to: Los Angeles Audubon Society to P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Join the Dancing Chicken Weekend Field Trip with Los Angeles Audubon Society
Mary Freeman will be leading her 31st trip to watch the Greater Sage Grouse performing their ritual dance in Long Valley. You will have a Sage Grouse biologist present to talk about the biology of these wonderful birds, on Friday evening. You will search for many of the eastern Sierra Nevada specialty birds the whole weekend including Rosy Finch, Juniper Titmouse, Pinyon Jay, Sooty Grouse and more. Reserve your accommodations as soon as possible as this is the opening weekend for fishing. Mail separate per person checks at $60 per person, payable to Los Angeles Audubon Society, mailed to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Net profits are an LAAS fundraiser. Note: Checks are held for deposit until closer to the event date and participants are confirmed. No refunds for cancellation after: End-of-day, Monday, April 8, 2024. Each participant will receive an itinerary of the weekend’s activities, and some of the hotels in Bishop, when your registration fee is received. $60 per person for the entire weekend. Limit of 12 participants, 8 cars allowed (NOTE: As of Wed. Feb. 14th, 5 spots have already been reserved with checks in the mail.). For more information on how to register, call Susan at (323) 876-0202 (voice) or email susancastor@laaudubon.org. To Register (sorry, no online payments or credit cards): 1) Send email to: susancastor@laaudubon.org and provide for EACH participant: •Name, •email address, and •Mobile phone number. If traveling with another, please advise who and how many will arrive in your vehicle. (8 car maximum allowed, 12 participants only). 2) Mail separate checks at $60 per person, payable to: Los Angeles Audubon Society to P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301. Visit: https://www.laaudubon.org/calendar?view=calendar&month=04-2024
Beautify Lunada Bay at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Volunteer Day
Join the PVP Land Conservancy from 9am-11:30am for a Beautify Lunada Bay Volunteer Day! The long-term goals of this project are to restore attractive, locally native, drought tolerant plants to open space areas in Lunada Bay. Help restore this site for wildlife and the community to enjoy! The Beautify Lunada Bay Volunteer Day event is open to all skill levels. Please note that this event may be canceled due to rain, mud, or preserve closure. Please check your email before attending. Visit: https://pvplc.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
Plant Native Species and Remove Invasive Plants with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Plant native sage scrub habitat and/or remove invasive plant species which will help them preserve resources critical to local wildlife. Please meet PVP at the Alta Vicente trailhead next to St Paul's Lutheran Church at 31290 Palos Verdes Dr W, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 and 33°44'48.7"N 118°24'22.9"W. Please do not park in the church parking lot. Park on the street. Extra parking can be found in Golden Cove Shopping Center. They will be working outdoors, so please wear closed-toed shoes, sun protection, bug spray and be sure to bring drinking water and a snack. A reusable water bottle is recommended. Please also be prepared for mildly strenuous hiking to reach volunteer locations. There may be uphill conditions depending on the work project. Thank you for volunteering to conserve the Palos Verdes Peninsula! All volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign and complete their release before they can volunteer. Volunteers under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Visit: https://pvplc.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
Join Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy’s Rapid Response Team at White Point Nature Preserve
Join the Rapid Response team every Friday and Saturday from 9am to 12pm for various easy to moderate trail maintenance activities such as; closing unauthorized trails, trimming and clearing brush, minor tread repair, and other projects! (Minor hiking involved). Special Earth Day Event on Saturday, April 20, 9am - noon. You'll meet at White Point Nature Center - In front of the entrance. 1600 W Paseo del Mar, San Pedro. Please come prepared to work outdoors with sturdy closed toed shoes, long pants, sun protection, a snack and water. Level: easy to moderate. Open to 15 years old and up. *Please note that all volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign and complete their waiver. Visit: https://pvplc.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
Celebrate Earth Day at White Point Natural Preserve with Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy
Celebrate Earth Day by helping to care for the White Point Nature Preserve Native Plant Demonstration Garden! Enjoy weeding & watering activities, native plant seed preparation, children's learning activities at the Nature Center, a guided garden walk, raffle prizes, and more! Join PVP and make a difference this Earth Day! Please note that events may be cancelled due to weather conditions. Please check the event page at https://volunteerhub.com before leaving for the event. Please note that all volunteers under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign and complete their waiver at the event. All volunteers under 16 should be accompanied by an adult. Visit: https://pvplc.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
Featured Projects
Spend a Day with Rescue Dogs and Us at The Brittany Foundation!
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Join us for a day of walking, bathing, and working alongside the dogs of The Brittany Foundation! Volunteering is a great way to offer direct help to the dogs at the rescue and you’ll get to see first-hand the difference you're making! They need your help with dog walking, socializing dogs, playing with the dogs, grooming, and landscaping. Whatever you know how to do, there’s a place for you! The event will take place outside, so please remember to dress warmly and wear comfortable shoes. All ages are welcome, but all children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. VIsit: https://bigsunday.org/wildwoollyapril24/
Get Your Pet Portrait Taken with Big Sunday
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Bring your pet by Big Sunday headquarters to have their portrait taken (for FREE!) by a professional photographer. The portrait can include people (e.g., you) or just be your pet. For every portrait we take, Big Sunday will donate 5 cans of dog food or cat food (your choice!) to our Wild & Woolly Pet Food Collection! (The goal in April is 2024 cans of each. You do the math!) Please Note: This is a limited capacity event. Please sign up for the event if you would like to attend. All ages welcome! Visit: https://bigsunday.org/wildwoollyapril24/
Come to Big Sunday’s Kitty-Palooza!
Big Sunday,
info@bigsunday.org,
(323) 549-9944
Join Big Sunday and Kitty Bungalow for a Volunteer/Adoption/Kitty-Palooza! We'll be building kitty supply kits, kitty-sized fleece blankets, helping Kitty Bungalow staff with cleaning and care maintainance and facilitating their weekly adoption event. Bring your best cat-themed outfit and get ready to party! Visit: https://bigsunday.org/wildwoollyapril24/