Our Volunteers Are Making a Difference for the Planet
Build meaningful connections with visitors and nature
Help make Santa
Clara Valley a better place
Protect and restore natural lands for future generations to enjoy
Land Steward, Docent
When Stephen retired about 10 years ago, he began volunteering at San Jose’s Lake Cunningham Park where he started learning about native plants. After a few years of volunteering there, he wanted to take the next step in making a difference in our wildlands, which led him to begin the initiative of extensive restoration work in Alum Rock Park. In addition to his volunteer work with the Open Space Authority and San Jose City Parks, Steve is also active with the Native Plant Society, documenting invasives as well as rare plants.
Year of volunteering
with us
Favorite Program
Favorite Open Space Preserve
As a volunteer for the Open Space Authority, you will help preserve and protect valuable natural resources for yourself and future generations. At the same time, you’ll get a chance to learn about the environment, meet interesting people, work hard, and have fun. Learn more about volunteer roles.
Enjoy and Protect
Trail Patrol team members are agency ambassadors and information resources for visitors, and commit to patrolling the Authority’s open space preserves a minimum of once a month, on foot, bicycle or horseback.
Fun and Fairs
Community Outreach Volunteers represent the Authority at community festivals, nature or science themed fairs, and other public events.
Restore and Preserve
Land Steward volunteers assist Authority staff with trail maintenance, habitat restoration, fencing and cleanup projects.
Educate and Inspire
Docents share information about nature and the Authority's mission and work, leading groups on fun, educational programs and activities.
Learn and Manage
Trail Masters is a fun, hands-on, skills-based program designed to train volunteers to complete trail maintenance and field work alongside Authority staff
Trail Patrol, Docent, and Community Outreach roles are open to anyone 18 years of age and older. Youth aged 14-17 are welcome in the Land Stewards Program or for Internship and Special Projects with parental consent. Contact Gavin for more information.
Volunteer Handbook
