Volunteer with Us

Two people paddle in a kayak in order to pick up trash in and along the San Diego River.

Get involved. Take action. Make a difference.

Become a San Diego River volunteer! Whether you are looking for a one-time opportunity or would like to volunteer on a regular basis, the San Diego River Park Foundation has something for you. We encourage you to make an impact, meet people, and have fun!

View our events & activities

Become a Volunteer

  1. Go to the events & activities portal
  2. Find a volunteer opportunity that interests you
  3. Click Sign Up

Note: if you prefer not to enroll online as a volunteer, after you pick an event you can call us at 619-297-7380 or email volunteer@sandiegoriver.org. Please let us know the date of the event, which event, your name and the number of people joining you.

A group of volunteers pose in front of the San Diego River Park Foundation tents
Two River Rescue team members pull a large piece of trash out of the riverbed.

Ongoing Activities

Are you looking to volunteer on a regular basis? We have some great ongoing activities. Check the list below and contact us to learn more.

Don't see what you are looking for? We have other opportunities. Just let us know your interest!

Call us at 619-297-7380 or send an email to volunteer@sandiegoriver.org to get started!

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

  • Garden Club: Do you love plants and gardening? Join our regular groups at the Point Loma Native Plant Garden or at the River Mouth.
  • Weekly River Clean-Ups: If you're looking for camaraderie and hard work, join the fun team of River Rescuers with activities Wednesday and Saturday mornings.
  • Weekly River Assessment Field Team (RAFT): The Assessment Team completes weekly field surveys of different sections of the San Diego River.  Along with a staff person or experienced guide, volunteers scout for trash and other issues, mark the locations on maps for future actions.
  • Monthly heathy river monitoring team: Join the team that collects important water quality data about the health of the River. Learn about our RiverWatch team.
  • Video production: Work with our engagement team to create short videos for social media, or longer videos for fundraising and outreach.
  • Habitat restoration: Work with staff and and volunteers to remove non-native invasive plants and other restoration activities on weekdays and weekends.
  • Trail Team – If you enjoy working on trails at one of our preserves, then consider joining the Trail Team. The current focus is enhancing trails at Eagle Peak Ranch and the South Rim area. We provide the tools and supplies.
  • Remote Wildlife Camera Team - This crew cares for our remote wildlife camera network. This requires some hiking (generally off-trail). You will help download images, change batteries, care for solar panels and equipment and help move cameras as needed. This work is critical to our research on wildlife movement.
  • Event Planning - If you love hosting parties, have event planning experience, or just want to have fun, let us know!
  • Admin Team - We have a range of opportunities from being in the office a couple hours a week partnering with the admin. staff or being on call for special projects.
  • Do you have another special skill or passion for the River? Call us at (619) 297-7380 or send us an email! We'd love to work with you.

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