Newport Bay Conservancy & OC Parks Volunteer Training

Become a Volunteer with Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks

We truly have an opportunity for everyone (age 16 and over): from kayak and outrigger tours to nature walks, Interpretive Center visitor services, habitat restoration (invasive plant removal & planting native species), leading/assisting educational programs with youth, Earth Day, and other special events. This orientation day is your first step towards joining our team. We are grateful for the enthusiasm and commitment of our roughly 200+ active volunteers. We look forward to having you join us!

Participant Requirements

Minimum Age: 16 years old (minors will need a parent/guardian to sign paperwork)

Commitment: New Volunteers are expected to commit to approximately 3 hours per month or 36 hours in their first 12 months of volunteering.

Background Check: New Volunteers will be required to complete a background check as part of the onboarding process.

What to Expect

Location: Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center

• NOTE: We will start at this location, then move to the Back Bay Science Center halfway through the day.

What you'll learn: In this orientation/training, we will introduce you to the ecology of the Upper Newport Bay, the history of the organizations working to preserve and protect this space, and the range of opportunities for you to participate in. During the training, we will also explore the world of interpretation through customer service and how it relates to an open space setting.

• This orientation makes you eligible to volunteer in any OC Parks space, and is the first part of the site-specific training for the Upper Newport Bay.

• This orientation is also the prerequisite for Newport Bay Conservancy's Naturalist Training Program, which begins in September.

Lunch: There will be a 30-minute lunch break in the middle of the day, with lunch provided by OC Parks.

Amenities: Free parking & public restrooms available on-site.

Further Resources

Feel free to familiarize yourself with our programs and events by going to www.newportbay.org.

(Can't make it to this event but want to help out? Please email hilary.cunningham@newportbay.org to let our Education Manager know you want to be notified when the next training date is available. Trainings are typically offered 4 times a year between January and August).