Individual Volunteer Opportunities
(Group Volunteer Programs also available)
We Need You! Volunteers are the heart of Lakeside's River Park effort.
Individual Volunteer Programs: (accepting Volunteers year round!)
The River Park is always in need of volunteers to improve the Park, including invasives removal and constructing the wetlands habitat envisioned for the park. Winter and spring are especially busy times. Because of this, we are in the process of developing many new volunteer programs to work on invasives removal and native plant introductions. Even if you can't come every week, we would be glad to see you when you can come. Contact Cindy Collins, 619-443-4770
Among the available program are:
Herbicide Application Team (aka Weed Warriors):
Under the directions of Gary Ruyle, a licensed herbicide applicator, the "Weed Warriors" are dedicated to eradicating non-native species throughout the project via herbicide applications, cutting, and weeding. Areas of arundo and tamarisk have already been cleared and the Warriors are now turning their attention to castor bean, tumbleweed, and crown daisy. They meet on Thursday morning every week. More info...
Plant Nursery Group:
The nursery group meets weekly to propagate and plant native plants along the trail and in the riverbed. They also cultivate the plants after placement with watering, weeding, and tender loving care. more info...
Gatekeepers:
Gatekeepers are volunteers who are responsible for unlocking the two gates to the trail at dawn and/or locking them at dusk. Volunteers may select one or more days each week. Substitute gatekeepers fill in when the regular Gatekeeper is not available. more info...
River Park Patrol:
Lakeside’s River Park Conservancy Volunteer River Park Patrol are the eyes and ears of the land. Volunteers are dedicated to preserving the safety and habitat of the River Park by providing a visible presence, reporting and educating.
more info...
Nest Box Volunteers:
Volunteers work with school and community groups to build nest boxes for native animals such as owls, western bluebirds, flycatchers, and bats. They also install boxes and monitor the animals using them during breeding season. more info...
EScrip Solicitation
As part of their corporate giving program Vons, Safeway and Pavilions grocery stores have teamed up with the River Park through e-Scrip. For every dollar a customer spends using their Vons Club Card 2% of their total purchase are automatically donated to us and it doesn’t cost the customer a thing! more info...
Mailing Volunteers
Would you like to join our list of Mailing Volunteers, sign your group up for a mailing project or possibly host a "mailing party"? more info
Outreach Ambassadors
Outreach Ambassadors help promote Lakeside's River Park Conservancy at many important community and county wide events and to local groups. more info