Take ownership of your state parks by making a powerful investment in them- your time. As budget cuts continue, volunteers play an increasingly important role in helping to keep state parks open.

Volunteers are Key to State Park Survival

California’s state park system heavily relies on volunteers for their survival. Statewide, volunteers currently contribute over 900,000 volunteer hours each year to help improve and maintain their state parks.

Volunteers at state parks lead interpretive tours and hikes, staff visitor centers and help with park maintenance, cultural resource management and clerical support.

How to Become a Volunteer
There are many ways you can volunteer your time at a state park. Here are a few ways to get started!

Park Champion Program
This program is run by the California State Parks Foundation and is currently offering volunteer opportunities at 10 state parks, with plans to expand. To learn more about this program, visit here.

Volunteer with Your Local Cooperating Association

There are currently 86 nonprofit partner organizations with over 27,000 members that are dedicated to serving California’s state parks. These organizations provide park units with volunteers and essential funding for educational and interpretive needs that are otherwise impossible for state parks to meet. A list of cooperating association can be found online here.

Volunteer as a State Park Advocate

Are you interested in volunteering as a state park advocate with the Save Our State Parks Campaign? Email Advocacy@calparks.org.