Get outdoors. Get involved. Volunteer with us today!
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us! As a nonprofit organization, we rely on the passion and commitment of volunteers to turn our mission into action. Whether you wish to protect native habitats, support environmental education, or assist with outreach, there are many meaningful ways you can make a lasting impact, both in nature and in our community.
Have questions about volunteering? Contact information@escondidocreek.org
Come prepared!
Please bring with you water, a hat, sun protection, and proper hiking or outdoor clothing and shoes. Long pants are recommended for working in dense vegetation. We will provide tools and gloves, but feel free to bring your own if you have them. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Shrub Club–Available September through May
Join a community of passionate volunteers and experience the beauty of nature while caring for habitats along the Escondido Creek watershed. Together, we will remove invasive species, restore trails, and create space for native plants and wildlife to thrive. It is a hands-on way to connect with the land and make a real environmental impact.
Volunteer activities can be physically active, but everyone is encouraged to work at their own pace. Project sites vary across North County, often near the Elfin Forest and open spaces around Escondido. Participation counts toward community service hours.
Shrub Club typically meets on the second Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ​
Wednesday Crew
On Wednesday mornings starting at 8:30 a.m., our ambitious group of mid-week volunteers gathers to take on projects and tasks around the Mountain Meadow Preserve. From tending to seedlings and native plants in the nursery to pulling weeds and creating habitats, these volunteers are committed to bringing our mission to life! If you are interested in joining our Wednesday crew, contact us at information@escondidocreek.org.
Thursday Conservation Crew
Every Thursday morning at 8:00 a.m., you will find our dedicated Conservation Crew rolling up their sleeves to take on meaningful conservation projects across our preserves. Whether planting and weeding in the native garden at our Boulder Outlook office or lending a hand in building our gorgeous new outdoor classroom, their hard work plays a vital role in protecting these special places. Turn your passion for nature into a lasting purpose. Join our Conservation Crew and preserve habitats across the landscapes we all love.
If you’d like to join the Conservation Crew and work on one of our preserved lands, spanning from Lake Wohlford in Escondido to the San Elijo Lagoon in Encinitas and Solana Beach, email: information@esondidocreek.org.
Land Stewards
Our dedicated Land Stewars–often promoted from Shrub Club, Wednesday Crew, or Conservation Crew, have a unique opportunity to explore and care for the Escondido Creek Conservancy’s 3,100 acres, including areas not accessible to the general public. Acting as the eyes and ears for our professional land management team, these passionate volunteers build a deep connection with the land while helping to protect and preserve it. Stewards also serve as friendly ambassadors, providing information to trail users and reporting issues, violations, or invasive species.
To become a volunteer you have to:
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Be at least 18 years old.
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Pass a background check.
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Complete a 3 hour training course.
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Commit to at least one shift per month
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Be comfortable working outdoors in varying weather and environmental conditions
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Communicate professionally with the public, staff, and fellow volunteers
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First Aid and CPR certification is preferred, but not required.
For more information about the Land Steward Program, please contact information@escondidocreek.org
Outdoor Education
The Escondido Creek Conservancy provides field trips for students at the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and the Swenerton Education Center, a new outdoor classroom at our Mountain Meadow Preserve and office site. Our fun, science-based outdoor education programs are designed to encourage curiosity, help kids understand the natural world, and develop an appreciation for nature. Field trips are typically held on weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Each fall semester, we welcome interns to support our field trip program and participate in the Service Learners program in partnership with California State University San Marcos (CSUSM).
At this time, we do not take on regular volunteers, but we value the contributions of interns and service learners who help us deliver high-quality outdoor education experiences.
For more information about internships or service learning opportunities, contact our Education Director at ariel@escondidocreek.org.
Voted best place to volunteer in Coast News Group’s Best of North County 2025
The Conservancy works closely with the Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD) which manages the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve and owns the Elfin Forest Interpretive Center Honoring Susan J. Varty. Interpretive Center docents are stationed at the Reserve’s one-of-a-kind Interpretive Center that hosts free bi-monthly educational speakers and interactive exhibits. They provide support for the Center’s enrichment activities, tours of the building, and assist with general park information to visitors. They also have the option to participate in the Conservancy’s fun-filled school field trip programs, leading groups of children through a rotation of environmental education stations.
Qualifications
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must be at least 18 years old or volunteer with an parent/guardian
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must pass a background check
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ability to work effectively and cooperatively with docents, Reserve staff, and a diverse public
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good verbal communication skills
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To be a docent, please contact Head Ranger Jeff Anderson at Janderson@olivenhain.com
For more information on the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve, please see: https://elfinforest.olivenhain.com/
