Volunteering at the Open Space Authority brings people together in a beautiful setting to work and have fun. Whether they’re helping visitors, working to improve habitat, or leading interpretive hikes, volunteers play a vital role in the Authority’s mission. OSA has a number of activities to choose from.

Resource volunteers serve on the trail patrol or contribute to land stewardship projects. Community Outreach volunteers represent OSA at booth events and speaking engagements. Resource and Community Outreach volunteers are trained and supervised by the Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator. Interpretive volunteers help with hikes, camps and special events under the guidance of the Coordinator of Interpretive Programs.

For more information about joining the OSA volunteer team, contact Dana Litwin, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at 408-224-7476 X27 or volunteer@openspaceauthority.org.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

Free and fun training for new Trail Patrol Volunteers!

Learn how to be an ambassador for OSA and the natural environment on an afternoon hike along the beautiful Mayfair Trail. Then you'll be ready to meet people of all ages anxious to learn about the lands around them and the species that share our valley.

The next Trail Patrol training session is Saturday May 7th, 1pm - 4pm at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve: Map

Trail Patrol Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, attend a Trail Patrol training session, and be able to patrol at least once a month. The Open Space Authority has trails in two locations, Rancho Cañada del Oro south of Calero County Park and the Boccardo Loop Trail above Alum Rock Park. Trail patrol opportunities for mountain bikers, equestrians and hikers are available at both sites.

Boccardo Loop Trail offers a 3.1-mile trail in a loop with a steep western and more gradual eastern leg. Volunteers will have contacts with trail visitors throughout the week. Access is only through Alum Rock Park at this time.

Rancho Cañada del Oro offers 8.8 miles of trails including a half-mile paved loop in the Llagas Meadow. Paved parking, restroom and picnic tables are available at the staging area. Two picnic tables are also situated on the trail. The preserve sees a steady volume of traffic throughout the week.

To save your spot in the Trail Patrol training session, or for more information, contact Dana Litwin, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at (408) 224-7476 or dlitwin@openspaceauthority.org.

January and February Land Steward Opportunities:

have fun, restore habitat, enjoy a free lunch!

All Land Steward shifts are 10am - 3pm, with a 30-minute lunch around noon. Open Space Authority provides lunch (sandwiches and chips), water and coffee, gloves, and all necessary tools for the work day. Volunteers must be 18 or older, and in good health for moderate to strenuous physical work. Map and parking instructions provided when you sign-up. Save your place on the Land Steward team by contacting Dana Litwin, Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, at (408) 224-7476 xt.27, or email volunteer@openspaceauthority.org.

Feb. 4th & 5th (Saturday & Sunday) "Sierra Vista Fence" - Taking out fence along Alum Rock Falls Road to improve wildlife corridors.

Feb.18th & 19th (Saturday & Sunday) "Sierra Vista Fence, Part 2" - Continuing the work along Alum Rock Falls Road.

Volunteer Overview

Trail Patrol – Enjoy and Protect
Get out on the trail and serve as a resource to hikers and OSA staff. Members of the Trail Patrol program distribute information, brochures, and maps to trail users, educate visitors about proper trail use and safety, and provide staff with information on trail conditions and visitor use patterns. Patrol can be done on foot, bicycle, or horseback following trail use regulations. Trail Patrol Members commit to patrolling OSA lands a minimum of once a month.

Community Outreach – Fun and Fairs
Put your “people skills” to work for open space preservation. Community Outreach Volunteers represent OSA at community festivals, health fairs, and other public events. Activities include staffing the Open Space Authority display, answering questions, leading fun educational games, and sharing information.

Land Stewards – Restore and Preserve
Get your hands dirty and affect a positive change on open space lands. Volunteers for the Land Steward’s program aid OSA staff with trail maintenance and construction, restoration, fencing, and cleanup projects. All training is provided. This is a great opportunity for people who are interested in volunteering for just one day, or for several projects.

Docents – Educate and Share
Share your love of nature and the outdoors with others. Docents talk about the natural environment, leading groups on fun and informational hikes on Open Space lands. Each docent receives training on leading group hikes, and on information specific to each area. Docents commit to leading/assisting one hike per quarter.

Special Projects – Skills and Experience
Use your unique skills to benefit the environment. Special Projects may include conducting plant or wildlife inventories, updating maps, serving as photographer during OSA events, or helping with clerical tasks in the office.

 

Many thanks to all the volunteers who contribute their time and talent to support the Open Space Authority.