Volunteering Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Start by visiting our Volunteer Homepage to find an opportunity that interests you. Opportunities exist year-round throughout Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo County and can accommodate various schedules, interests, and skills.

We have a variety of options to choose from – many that do not require experience or commitment. You can search the Events Calendar if you have a specific date in mind.

We also have specialized volunteer roles available that require training and a commitment for a specified amount of time. Check out the different opportunity pages to learn more about the role and how to get involved.

Registration is required for all of our programs – you will receive the meeting location, directions, and other important information you need for the day in your confirmation email. Minimum age requirements vary by project and are listed on each programs volunteer page along with our Youth Policy Guidelines (PDF) for youth under the age of 15.

For more information on volunteer programs, contact (415) 561-3044 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org.

Yes, registration is required for volunteer programs.

A number of programs have different meeting locations for their workdays and need to send you directions. Upon registering for a program you will receive a confirmation email that includes the meeting location, directions, and any other important information you need for the day.

Schedule a project for your school, work team, non-profit, club, youth group, faith group, etc! No experience necessary. We provide all of the tools, training, and leadership.

Visit our Groups page to learn more about activity types and complete the Group Project Request Form. Once your form is submitted, we will assume your group is committed to the dates and times specified on the form and will begin looking for a suitable project. Groups projects generally accommodate up to 15-20 people. Scheduling a group program takes at least 3 weeks and is dependent on the size of your group, your availability, and the time of year.

If you are simply looking for general information, please do not submit a group project request form. Contact us for more details, (415) 561-3044 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org.

All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Agreement Form. Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed. Your project leader will provide a copy of the form ahead of time via email and/or will have paper copies on-site for you to complete.

All volunteers should review the Work Description and Field Safety (PDF) in advance. Your project leader will be able to address any questions or concerns you may have.

Groups: The group leader needs to complete one Volunteer Agreement Form for the entire group and each member of the group will sign the Group List (PDF). Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the parent/guardian approval section signed on the Volunteer Agreement Form.

The minimum age requirements for volunteer programs vary by project and are listed on each programs volunteer page.

There are a number of programs that are family-friendly and welcome volunteers of all ages with adequate parent/guardian supervision. Review the Youth Policy Guidelines (PDF) for youth under the age of 15.

For youth groups, we require that there is at minimum an adult chaperone present for every 7 youths under the age of 15.

Bring your completed Volunteer Agreement Form. If you are under the age of 18, make sure the parent/guardian approval section is signed. Once you have registered, you will receive the Volunteer Agreement Form via email and/or your project leader will have copies on-site for you to complete.

Be prepared to work outdoors. You should bring:

• A personal water bottle (we’ll have water stations for refills).
• Clothes that can get dirty. Long pants and closed-toe shoes are required.
• Layers for changing weather and rain gear if necessary.
• Sun protection, such as a hat and sunscreen.

Your program leader will provide all the necessary tools, supplies, gloves, and training. Our project leaders are trained to deal with emergency situations and will have a first aid kit on site.

If you are registered for a program and it is canceled due to weather, you will receive an email notification.

Most of our programs run rain or shine. With extreme weather events such as poor air quality and atmospheric rivers, programs will be canceled.

Stay home and DO NOT attend if you:

• Have any illness symptoms
• Have tested positive for COVID-19
• Suspect you have had contact with a COVID-19 positive case

Face coverings and social distancing are encouraged, but not required.

If you are unable to attend a volunteer program or event that you have registered for, please let us know ASAP. To cancel your registration, look for your project leader’s contact information in your confirmation email or leave a message with our Volunteer Coordinator at (415) 561-3044 or volunteer@parksconservancy.org.

Volunteer programs typically have limited spots – canceling your registration may allow someone else to attend and helps the project leader plan appropriately.

Your project leader can sign a volunteer hours form for your school or court-ordered service at the end of the volunteer project. Be sure to bring any paperwork you need signed to the volunteer workday.