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
Preserve Steward, Land Steward, Docent
Anyone who knows John, appreciates him for his diverse interests, willingness to share his knowledge, and his great sense of humor. After a career in the gaming business, John went back to school to get a PhD in evolutionary biology. He and several scientists worked on the phylogenetics of birds using DNA sequences, resulting in the ‘Early Bird Project’- a fantastic, big-picture view of avian phylogenetics.
These days John tutors for the GRE and GMAT, and in his spare time, he learns about birds, bugs, rocks, science fiction, and history, though the order may vary. Not only does John share his knowledge at our monthly volunteer book club meetings, he is also a regular Preserve Steward at Sierra Vista and has joined us for several Land Steward projects over the years.
John's curiosity for the natural world is inspiring to all of us who get to work with him.
Years 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. You can also volunteer for roles on the Authority's committees.
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
