Community Event Volunteers
Return of the Natives (R.O.N.) community events are held on most Saturdays throughout the year to restore native habitat and cleanup our green spaces! Our sites include Fort Ord Dunes and Fort Ord National Monument, CSUMB, Monterey State Beach, and Creeks of Salinas.
One Time/Drop-in Volunteer
Community-based restoration needs volunteers like YOU! Join Return of the Natives at one (or more!) of our free weekend restoration events. R.O.N.’s events include a variety of service activities. Generally:
- August – October: trash cleanups, trimming native plants, and removing invasive plants, seed collection
- November – March: planting native plants, removing invasive plants
- April – June: mulching, weeding, trash cleanup
We can't wait to work with you! Check out the list below to ensure you are prepared for a day of outdoor fun:
- R.O.N. provides light snacks, water and any equipment needed
- All events are staffed by trained crew members, and at least 1 staff training in CPR/First Aid
- Please be prepared for the weather - clothing you won't mind getting dirty, layers, hats and water bottles
- Volunteers under 18 must bring with them a completed waiver or be accompanied by parent/guardian
- Parents must be able to commit to picking up their children after events
- Groups of 10 or more please RSVP to Nancy Vielmas at friends.of.ron@gmail.com
R.O.N.'s Restoration Crew
Interested in on-going volunteering with R.O.N. and in-depth training on habitat restoration and native plants? R.O.N. is looking to expand our Restoration Crew! Restoration Crew members will receive twice annual training on topics ranging from native plant care, leadership skills, planting techniques and outdoor safety. Members of our Restoration Creq team make a commitment to:
- Attend two trainings per year (one in Fall, one in Spring)
- Attend at least 4 weekend community events
- Attend at least 1 weekend community event in Salinas and 1 weekend community event in Monterey/Seaside
- Attend at least 1 tabling/outreach event, representing Return of the Natives in our community
- Assist in leading (and planning, if interested) at least 1 Return of the Natives educational activity at a community event
R.O.N.'s Junior Restoration Crew
Similar to our R.O.N.’s Restoration Crew, Return of the Natives would like to support on-going volunteers that are under 18 years old. R.O.N. is seeking motivated young leaders to commit to community based habitat restoration for 1 school year. R.O.N.'s Junior Restoration Crew will learn community service for their hours, will be eligible for a letter of recommendation and get to work with community members of all ages! Junior Restoration Crew members make a commitment to:
- Attend two trainings per year (one in Fall, one in Spring)
- Attend at least 4 weekend community events
- Attend at least 1 weekend community event in Salinas and 1 weekend community event in Monterey/Seaside
- Act as a R.O.N. representative for their school or a community group, and assist in sharing information about upcoming R.O.N. events with peers.
R.O.N.'s Restoration Crew and Junior Restoration Crew members commit to working with Return of the Natives, and will receive in-depth training on restoration, California native plants, Monterey-area habitats and leadership. These volunteers will also qualify for a letter of recommendation upon completion of service, and continued support beyond R.O.N. weekend events. Fill out the interest form below to sign up for R.O.N. Crew training!
Co-host an event
Is your organization or company interested in co-hosting an event with Return of the Natives at one of regularly scheduled events? We would love to work with you! Please e-mail: friends.of.ron@gmail.com or call 831-582-3686.
More information
For more information please contact Nancy Vielmas at friends.of.ron@gmail.com or 831-582-3686