BECOME A VOLUNTEER
From transplanting seedlings within our nurseries to removing harmful invasive species, volunteers are essential to the success of Save The Bay’s restoration work.
VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS
Save The Bay’s number one priority is the health and safety of our supporters, volunteers and staff. In the face of COVID-19, we are suspending all student, public and corporate programs through April 2020. Read More.
To restore the shoreline, Save The Bay engages community volunteers, schools, and businesses throughout the year to help with seasonal phases of the restoration cycle. All Restoration Volunteer Programs include:
- At least one Project Leader from the Habitat Restoration Team, certified in Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
- Introduction to Save The Bay and San Francisco Bay history and ecology
- Gloves, tools, and all necessary equipment
- Restoration project direction and tool safety instruction
- Sunscreen and water
- No experience necessary
Public Programs
You can protect and restore the Bay! Individuals, families, and community groups are encouraged to join our public restoration programs. Most public programs occur on Saturday mornings, but there are occasional weekday public programs to assist within our Native Plant Nurseries.
Student Programs
Our service learning programs, aligned with California’s Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards, help students gain an understanding of Bay ecology and local wetlands, drawing on the connections between human actions and the impact on the environment.
Corporate Sponsorship & Programs
Corporate partners play an important role in the protection, restoration, and celebration of San Francisco Bay. Save The Bay’s award-winning restoration program allows your employees to give back to their community while protecting the natural treasure that defines our region.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there an address for the meeting location?
Our restoration sites do not have street addresses, and meeting location is determined based on site needs. If you are participating in any of our volunteer programs, you will receive directions to the meeting location 1-2 weeks prior to the event. We provide specific GPS points that can be plugged into any mapping app or site to get you to the correct location. Because our sites are often not recognized by most mapping programs, we ask that you do not use any other source of directions besides the GPS points provided by Save The Bay.
May I bring my children?
Absolutely! Our restoration programs can be a great learning experience for the whole family, and we often have toddlers in our programs. All that is required is a little extra attention and guidance from the parent/guardian. Many of the activities can be modified with your supervision for an enriching day, and we encourage exploration of the shoreline by your little ones!
What should I bring and wear?
Be prepared to be outdoors for three hours. We recommend that you do not bring any valuables, and do not plan to leave valuables in your car.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required
- Dress in layers; long pants are recommended
- Sun protection, such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Full reusable water bottle
Are your sites accessible by public transportation?
Yes! Most of our sites are accessible by public transit and by bike. Make sure to reference our site directions for bike paths. Our site in Oakland is the only site accessible by BART.
Do you cancel programs because of bad weather?
We will still run programs in a light rain and will provide ponchos for volunteers. High winds or thunderstorms may force us to cancel a program. If your program is canceled, you will be contacted on the phone number provided during online registration.
Can I volunteer to attain Community Service Hours?
Yes, our volunteer programs count toward community service hours, whether school or court mandated. Each program counts for three hours, and field staff can provide and/or sign forms on the day of the event at the end of the program.
Additional Questions?
For more questions or concerns about volunteering on a restoration program, contact us at bayevents@dev.savesfbay.org.