This year, Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service is on Jan. 17, 2022, but we'll be celebrating the Civil Rights leader’s life and legacy all weekend with volunteer projects starting on Saturday, January 15th.

Observed each year on the third Monday in January as “a day on, not a day off,” MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all to volunteer to improve their communities. Check out ways to help out in your national park and register below:

• Saturday, January 15th - Baker Beach Habitat Restoration
  Time: 10am - Noon
  Join us in restoring dune habitat by removing invasive ice plant at Baker Beach in the Presidio of San Francisco. Additional projects will include removing man-made debris from the shoreline to help protect wildlife and visitors alike!
  Register
   
• Saturday, January 15th - Bee Lab
  Time: 9am - Noon
  In collaboration with Dr. Gretchen LeBuhn and her lab at San Francisco State University, One Tam is continuing our efforts to monitor and understand more about Mt. Tamalpais’ wild bees and other pollinators. Community science volunteers play a critical role in this study by pinning, sorting, and labeling specimens collected from the field. Join us to connect with the One Tam community of staff and volunteers, learn more about Mt. Tam’s wild pollinators, and gain skills in scientific collections management and insect identification!
  Register
   
• Sunday, January 16th - Habitat Restoration in the Marin Headlands
  Time: 9:30am - 2:30pm
  Join us at Battery Wallace & Camp Bicentennial in the Marin Headlands to help us halt invasive plants from taking over this lovely point! Enjoy spectacular views of the Golden Gate as we tackle ice plant patches and more.
  Register

• Monday, January 17th - Landscaping and Maintenance at Ocean Beach
  Time: 10am - 1pm
  Come out to Ocean Beach for some fresh air and give the historic promenade some much needed TLC! Volunteers will be cutting back overgrown vegetation and removing sand from the walkway to create a safe pathway for visitors to stroll, bike, and play.
  Register
   
• Monday, January 17th - Stinson Beach Cleanup
  Time: 10am - Noon AND 11am - 1pm
  Come help out at one of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s most scenic beaches – Stinson Beach! Help us protect endangered species and marine animals from the dangers of human-made trash, as well as keep our beach looking nice and safe for everyone who visits!
  Register
   
• Monday, January 17th - Gardening at Fort Mason
  Time: 9am - Noon
  Once part of the coastal defense system, today Fort Mason is the park’s headquarters, public residences, and a park for picnicking, bird watching, and recreating. Join the team of gardeners to learn more about the history of this site and lend a helping hand. Activities may include planting, weeding, litter pick-up, mulching, and more!
  Register
   
• Monday, January 17th - Gardening at Sutro Heights Park
  Time: 9am - Noon
  In the late 1800s, Adolf Sutro built his home, which featured elaborate gardens, just above the Cliff House. Today his former estate is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and open for all to explore. Learn about this history of this site and enjoy expansive views of the Pacific Ocean while tending to the historic rose gardens, weeding planted beds, mulching pathways, and more!
  Register
   
• Monday, January 17th - Landscaping and Maintenance at Crissy Field
  Time: 9am - Noon
  Did you know that Crissy Field used to be a marsh? How about a race track or airfield? Today, it's a park site that stretches along the Golden Gate welcoming thousands of visitors, is teeming with wildlife, and offers meadows that nod to its unique past. Join NPS staff on MLK Day to learn about the history of this area while maintaining pathways and natural areas in preparation for bird nesting season. Activities will include trimming back vegetation and weeding near the lagoon.
  Register
• Monday, January 17th - Baker Beach Habitat Restoration
  Time: 10am - 1pm
  The fun from Saturday continues! Join us in restoring dune habitat by removing invasive ice plant at Baker Beach in the Presidio of San Francisco. Additional projects will include removing man-made debris from the shoreline to help protect wildlife and visitors alike!
  Register

Looking to learn more? Check out the list of resources below. 

• Anti-racism and Social Justice Resources for the Parks and Beyond 
  To build a future where everyone feels welcome in outdoor spaces falls on the shoulders of all outdoor enthusiasts. Here at the Parks Conservancy, we believe in the power of nature, public lands and the history of resistance to inspire and educate. Here is an ongoing list of resources to help you in your journey to be an anti-racist in the parks. More information here >>

AGE, SKILLS, WHAT TO BRING:

• Volunteers ages 8 and up are welcome; participants under 15 require adult supervision 
• Bring your completed Volunteer Agreement Form (PDF). Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed.
• We'll be working rain or shine. Wear clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required. Bring layers for changing weather and rain gear if necessary.
• Bring a filled water bottle, personal snacks, and sunscreen.
• No experience necessary. Training and tools will be provided. Fulfills community service requirements.

COVID-specific Guidelines: