GET INVOLVED
Connect • Care • Take Action

Join the amazing local organizations working to protect and celebrate nature along the Central Coast!

From habitat restoration and tree planting to education, advocacy, and hands-on volunteering — there are so many ways to make a difference in your community.

Find a group that inspires you and get involved today!

Local Nature Organizations

California Coast State Parks Association (CCSPA)
Volunteer opportunities include:
• Oceano Dunes District: Monarch Butterfly Grove, Adventures with Nature (design your own program), Chumash Education, Visitor Center, Camp Hosts, and more
• SLO Coast District: Elephant Seal Docents (Piedras Blancas Rookery), Coast Mounted Assistance (volunteers on horseback), SeaLife Stewards (Morro Bay), CCCMB (Mountain Bikers) trail work, Campground Hosts
🔗 https://centralcoastparks.org/volunteering-parks/

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California Native Plant Society – SLO Chapter
Restores native plant habitats and promotes conservation through hikes and educational events.
🔗 https://cnpsslo.org/

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Central Coast Aquarium – Avila Beach
Hands-on marine education center offering volunteer roles in animal care and public programs.
🔗 https://www.centralcoastaquarium.org/join-give/volunteer/

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Central Coast Zoo – Atascadero
Community zoo with opportunities for animal care, education, and conservation volunteering.
🔗 https://www.centralcoastzoo.org/get-involved/volunteer/

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Chumash Heritage National Marine Sanctuary
Supports ocean conservation, cultural heritage, and marine education along the Central Coast.
🔗 https://chumashsanctuary.org/volunteer

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City Farm SLO
Community farm teaching sustainable agriculture and providing fresh produce locally.
Volunteer options:
• Saturday Volunteer Days – 2nd & 4th Saturdays, 9 AM – 12 PM
• Harvest Shifts – Tuesdays & Thursdays, 9 AM – 12 PM (training required; ages 18+)
🔗 https://www.cityfarmslo.org/volunteers

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Creek Lands Conservation
Restores and protects local watersheds through community projects and outreach.
🔗 https://creeklands.org/get-involved/volunteer/

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EcoSLO (Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo)
Trail workdays, beach cleanups, and sustainability programs across SLO County.
🔗 https://www.ecoslo.com/

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Friends of the Elephant Seals – San Simeon
Educates visitors about elephant seals and promotes ocean stewardship at the Piedras Blancas rookery.
🔗 https://elephantseal.org/become-a-docent/

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Friends of the Fiscalini Ranch Preserve
Protects and restores the coastal ecosystems of the Fiscalini Ranch through community trail workdays, habitat restoration, and educational walks.
🔗 https://www.fiscaliniranchpreserve.org/

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The Land Conservancy of San Luis Obispo County
Join in native tree planting, trail building, outdoor education, and land stewardship efforts.
🔗 https://lcslo.org

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The Marine Mammal Center – Morro Bay
Marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation, research, and ocean education programs.
🔗 https://www.marinemammalcenter.org/get-involved/volunteer

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Morro Coast Audubon Society
Birding walks, habitat restoration, and conservation education throughout the Central Coast.
🔗 https://www.morrocoastaudubon.org/

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Pacific Wildlife Care – Morro Bay
Rehabilitates injured birds, mammals, and reptiles. Volunteers help w/ animal care, transport, and outreach.
🔗 https://pacificwildlifecare.org/volunteer/

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Piedras Blancas Light Station

Historic Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in San Simeon

🔗 https://www.piedrasblancas.org

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Rancho Burro Donkey Sanctuary
Rescuing, rehabilitating, and offering lifelong sanctuary to donkeys and mules in need.
🔗 https://ranchoburrodonkeysanctuary.org

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Sea Otter Savvy
Promotes coexistence between people and sea otters through education and volunteer citizen science.
🔗 https://www.seaottersavvy.org

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SLO Beaver Brigade
Educates the public on beavers’ role in restoring ecosystems through guided walks & restoration projects.
🔗 https://www.slobeaverbrigade.com/

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SLO Climate Coalition
Community-based group advancing climate action and sustainability in San Luis Obispo County.
🔗 https://sloclimatecoalition.org/

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SLO County Parks Volunteer Program
Join Adopt-A-Park, Service Projects, Park Docent & Host roles, Trail Workdays, Kids Fishing Clinics, and more.
🔗 https://slocountyparks.com/donation/volunteer-opportunities/

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The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue
Animal Sanctuary in Arroyo Grande for turtles, tortoises and other animals 🔗https://www.turtleandtortoiserescueofarroyogrande.org

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UC 4-H Youth Development Program
Hands-on learning for youth ages 5–19, with projects in nature, agriculture, and science.
🔗 https://ucanr.edu/site/4-h-san-luis-obispo-county