Volunteers

Volunteer Kendra Armer releases an American Kestrel
Volunteer
The Golden Gate Raptor Observatory's mission is to inspire the preservation of California raptor populations. The GGRO was formed in the early 1980s to track the Golden Gate migration, an annual flight of tens of thousands of hawks, eagles, falcons, and vultures, birds collectively called “raptors.”
Teens Working on Batteries to Bluffs Trail
Volunteer
This volunteer program is currently on pause and not hosting weekly/monthly events. Please view our active events calendar to browse available volunteer opportunities in the parks. Just for teens – this is a great way to explore your local national park, meet other Bay Area teens, and help restore trails.
Volunteers transplant toyon at the Presidio Nursery
Volunteer
When: Wednesdays (commitment required) and one Saturday per month | Where: Presidio Nursery | Learn to grow and care for native plants from seed, while helping to preserve and restore your national park.
Odette Alcazaren-Keeley, Board Trustee, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy
Park E-Ventures Article
In a personal essay, Parks Conservancy Board Trustee Odette Alcazaren-Keeley shares why public lands represent the best of our democracy—and how we at Golden Gate continue to strive to make national parks open, welcoming, and relevant to all.
Alcatraz Historic Gardens
Park E-Ventures Article
We caught up with “Chief Composting Officer” Dick Miner to get the scoop on Alcatraz Historic Gardens’ award-winning compost—and learn some tips for your own.
bird watching
Park E-Ventures Article
When volunteer Christina Cambie “migrated” from England, she had no idea she would find comfort and community in her new home by studying another migration—that of raptors over Hawk Hill.
Turkey Vulture
Park E-Ventures Article
Here’s one “turkey” you might not want around your Thanksgiving dinner. The Turkey Vulture defecates on its feet, vomits as a defense, and feasts on carcasses. But it’s also one of the most fascinating animals in our parks. Learn how the GGRO is trying to unravel its mysteries.
Tennesee Vallery Nursery
Park E-Ventures Article
Established in 1987, the Tennessee Valley Nursery closed its nearly 30-year run in May 2016. Thanks to dedicated volunteers, the facility produced thousands of plants for habitat restoration sites all across the parks. In this video, hear from some of the amazing people who made it all possible.
Students search for migrating raptors
Park E-Ventures Article
What’s the greatest number of raptor (bird of prey) species seen in one day on Hawk Hill? And what’s the highest volume of raptors spotted in a day? Read on to find out—and learn how you can witness a possible “best day” at the West Coast’s premier hawk migration monitoring...
Past and present volunteers at the Redwood Creek Nursery closing celebration.
Park E-Ventures Article
For 23 years, the Redwood Creek Nursery grew hundreds of thousands of native plants for restoration sites in Muir Woods and throughout the watershed. We salute the nursery with a video featuring lovely black and white photos, and voices of some amazing staff and volunteers who gave it life.