Frequently Asked Questions

• I want to volunteer. How do I get started?
• Do I need to register for a volunteer program or event?
• How do I sign up a group from my school, office, or community to volunteer?
• Volunteer Waivers, Group Lists, and Work Description
• Young volunteers and Youth Policy Guidelines
• Do I need experience to volunteer?
• What should I bring to a volunteer program?
• What if it’s raining? Will the volunteer program be canceled?
• I need to cancel. What should I do?
• How do I get proof that I’ve volunteered?
• I’m interested in an internship. How can I apply?

I want to volunteer. How do I get started?
Volunteer opportunities exist year-round throughout Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo County and can accommodate various schedules, interests, and skills. Minimum age requirements vary by project and are listed on each programs volunteer page along with our Youth and Family Guidelines Policy (PDF) for youth under the age of 15.

Many programs are available on a drop-in basis, meaning you can show up to volunteer once or as much as you’d like. Choose a regularly scheduled drop-in program by visiting the Individuals page or choose a date by visiting the Park Calendar. If you are new to a program, we recommend you sign-up using the registration link.

Visit our Internships & Long-term Volunteer Opportunities page for a list of programs that need volunteers on a long-term basis. These programs usually require an application and commitment to volunteering for a specified amount of time.

For more information on volunteer programs, contact (415) 561-3044 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org.

Do I need to register for a volunteer program or event?
Registration is not required for regularly scheduled drop-in programs, but is highly encouraged.

Some programs have different meeting locations for their workdays and may need to send you directions. If you are new to a program we recommend that you register so you receive the meeting location, directions, and any other important information you may need.

Alcatraz Historic Gardens and long-term volunteer opportunities are not drop-in programs and require registration and/or an application. These programs have limited capacity and require training and a commitment to volunteering for a specified amount of time.

How do I sign up a group from my school, office, or community to volunteer?
Our volunteer programs are a great team-building experience for corporate groups, community organizations, youth groups, and schools. Some programs are limited in the number of volunteers they can take so we ask that groups of five or more be confirmed in advance.

Visit our Groups page or complete the Group Project Request Form. We’ll help you find the right project for your group.

For more information on Group opportunities and scheduling, contact (415) 561-3077 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org.

Volunteer Waivers, Group Lists, and Work Description

• All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Waiver (PDF). Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed.
• View the Volunteer Work Description (PDF) for a general description of work and field safety.
• Groups: The group leader should complete one Waiver Form for the entire group and each member of the group will sign the Groups List Form (PDF). Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed on the waiver form.

Young volunteers and Youth Policy Guidelines
We love working with youth, but due to staffing limitations we require that there is an adult present for every 10 youths under the age of 15 unless it’s a program geared specifically for youth. Please read our Youth and Family Guidelines Policy (PDF) for youth under the age of 15.

The minimum age requirements for volunteer programs vary by project and are listed on each programs volunteer page. We also have a number of programs that are family friendly and welcome volunteers of all ages with adequate parent/guardian supervision. Visit our Youth & Family Opportunities page for details.

Do I need experience to volunteer?
No experience is needed for any of our drop-in programs or special volunteer events such as Coastal Cleanup Day or National Trails Day. You will receive training at the beginning of the workday which will cover safety and tool use.

Long-term volunteer opportunities may require some experience and/or training. These programs generally require you to submit an application. Visit our Internships & Long-term Volunteer Opportunities page for a list of programs that need volunteers on a long-term basis.

What should I bring to a volunteer program?

• Your completed waiver form (PDF). Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed.
• Dress in layers for changing weather, wear comfortable clothes, long pants, long sleeved shirt, sturdy shoes or boots (no shorts or sandals). Be prepared to get dirty!
• Bring a hat and wear sunscreen.
• Bring a reusable water bottle (we’ll have water stations for refills).
• If you have a favorite pair of work gloves, feel free to bring them.

Your program leader will provide all necessary tools, supplies, gloves, and training. Our project leaders are trained to deal with emergency situations and will have a first aid kit on site.

What if it’s raining? Will the volunteer program be canceled?
Most of our programs work rain or shine. Programs that cancel due to rain will have this information listed on their program page. Check the Individuals page for program details.

I need to cancel. What should I do?
If you are unable to attend a volunteer program or event that you have registered for, we appreciate a call or e-mail letting us know you will be unable to attend. This is especially important when the project or event is limited in the number of people that can participate.

If you have registered for the volunteer program, look for your project leader’s contact information in your confirmation e-mail or leave a message with our Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 561-3044 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org.

How do I get proof that I’ve volunteered?
Your project leader can sign a volunteer hours form for your school or court-ordered service at the project site. Be sure to bring any paperwork you need signed.

I'm interested in an internship. How can I apply?
Internships are offered during different times of the year. The length of the internship and skills required varies by program. Visit our Internships & Long-term Volunteer Opportunities page for more information.