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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) 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 ([email protected]) at 949-858-0309.Visit: https://starrranch.org/volunteer/
Join the Volunteer Team at Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW)
Want to volunteer for CLAW? CLAW is a public benefit non-profit 501(c)(3) environmental organization that works to protect and restore the environments of wildlife of Los Angeles and California from dwindling open spaces. Their mission is to promote, educate and protect the fundamental importance of wildlife, wildlife habitats, and wildlife corridors in Los Angeles and beyond.If you want to volunteer in fundraising, advocacy or enroll children in their CLAW Kids program click here to sign up: https://www.clawonline.org/volunteer
Donate to Support Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife (CLAW)
Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife, Inc. (CLAW) is at the forefront of urban wildlife advocacy. Their mission is to protect wildlife habitats and corridors throughout Los Angeles and California, restore habitats destroyed by development, and educate citizens about how to co-exist with their animal neighbors. Citizens for Los Angeles Wildlife, Inc. is a public benefit non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt corporation. Please consider making your donation a sustainable monthly donation. All donations are tax deductible. Visit: https://www.clawonline.org/donatepage
Join the Earth Day Habitat Restore & Renew with Friends of the LA River
Join hundreds of volunteers at the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve for a morning of habitat restoration, where they will remove invasive plants, learn about their impact on the environment, and plant native species. Then, they'll finish the morning with a nature walk to enjoy the restored area and spot some local wildlife! Visit: https://folar.org/events/
Party at the Earth Day Extravaganza with Friends of the LA River
What better way to honor Earth Day than celebrating and learning about local ecosystems like the LA River? Join them for FoLAR’s Earth Day Extravaganza: a day outdoors filled with hands-on learning activities, eco-friendly vendors, art, music, food trucks, and more! Visit: https://folar.org/events/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Take Care of Horses at Hanaeleh Horse Rescue
A great way to help is to work with Hanaeleh Horse Rescue's horses on a weekly basis. This option is for the individuals who are able to commit to volunteering once a week. Their trained volunteers come out on Saturday mornings from 8:30am-noon, and all weekly volunteers must be at least 18 years of age. They are currently scheduling orientation training for new volunteers on Saturdays 8:30 to 10:30. Their volunteers learn the ins-and-outs of how the rescue runs. They muck out all of the horse’s stalls, wash and clean their feed bins, salt licks and water containers, and feed the horses. After a volunteer has come out four times, they pair them up with a “buddy” to show how they work with the horses; this way the horses get consistency when they are handled. Please note that volunteers do not ride the horses. NOTE: Volunteering at Hanaeleh does have physical requirements. Some individuals may not feel comfortable and/or aren’t able to meet the rigors of a ranch where the ground is uneven and is on an incline. Additional requirements to volunteer are: Ability to lift 30-40 pounds. (they cart around full muck buckets, hay pellet bags and other heavy items), You will be on your feet for four hours. They have chairs and breaks are welcome, but it’s physical work on your feet. There is a lot of lifting, bending and carrying involved and if you don’t feel comfortable with this, please consider coming out for a tour or a workday instead of regular weekly horse care. They do have a limited number of volunteer spots available for lighter work helping with other chores around the ranch. Please email them for further details. To volunteer, please email: [email protected]. Visit: https://www.hanaeleh.org/help-a-horse/volunteer/
Featured Projects
Spend a Day with Rescue Dogs and Us at The Brittany Foundation!
Big Sunday,
[email protected],
(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,
[email protected],
(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,
[email protected],
(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/