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Commit Now to Helping Your County Parks

Trail Volunteers

San Mateo County Parks asks you to make a commitment to your parks by registering for one of the upcoming volunteer events listed below.

Check out some of our current volunteer opportunities:

Upcoming Events

San Bruno Mountain State and County Park, Weed Rangers: Saturday, September 4 & 18, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Join San Bruno Mountain Watch volunteers who are working to eradicate invasive plants on the mountain. Bring water and sun protection and wear sturdy shoes and layered of clothing.  Meet at San Bruno Mountain Watch office, 44 Visitacion Ave, Suite 206, Brisbane.For additional information, call (415) 467-6631.

San Pedro Valley County Park Trail Day: Saturday, September 11, 9 a.m. – Noon
Help rangers at this beautiful park in Pacifica maintain the trails.  Come prepared by wearing long pants, long sleeve shirts, and closed-toes shoes.  It is best to dress in layers and bring a hat and refillable water bottle. Gloves and tools provided. Meet at the Visitor Center. For more information, call the park at (650) 355-8289.

San Bruno Mountain State and County Parks, Bog Restoration: Saturday, September 11 & 25, 10 a.m. – Noon
Work with other volunteers dedicated to restoring the bog on the Mountain. Meet at the park kiosk in the main parking lot. Wear long pants, sturdy shoes and layered clothing.

For additional information, call (415) 467-6631.

San Pedro Valley County Park Native Plant Restoration: Saturday, September 18, 9 a.m. – Noon
Work with rangers and other volunteers to preserve the native plants in the park.  Long pants, long sleeve shirts, a hat and water bottle are advised. Gloves and tools provided. Volunteers should meet at the Visitor Center near the entrance of the park. For additional information, call the park at (650) 355-8289.

National Public Lands Day & California Coastal Clean-Up Day Volunteer Activities, Saturday, September 25
Celebrate the diversity of the great outdoors in San Mateo County -- four locations to volunteer and enjoy your County parks: see event times and meeting locations.

Edgewood County Park and Natural Preserve Habitat Restoration: Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturday, September 18
Join volunteers dedicated to removing invasive plants in this park and restoring the native plants that support the important ecosystem found in this natural preserve. For meeting locations and additional information visit:

  • Wednesday weeding group meets at 5:30 p.m. Email Drew Shell at shell@corp.webtv.net for meeting location and additional information.
  • Friday weeding group meets at 9 a.m. Email John Allen at jcakwa@comcast.net for meeting location.
  • Saturday work day is: September 18 at 9 a.m. Email Drew Shell at shell@)corp.webtv.net for meeting location.

Ongoing Volunteer Activities 

Ongoing volunteer assistance is needed in the following areas:

Trail Patrols
Hike trails and report any trail conditions that you feel Park Rangers should be made aware of such as fallen limbs or trees, overgrowth that narrows the trail, wildlife sightings, hazardous conditions, etc.  Volunteers also provide park and trails information to trail users. Completion of training required.
Habitat Restoration
Restore parklands that have been impacted or harmed by the invasion of non-native plants. There are also ongoing projects at several parks. This activity is well suited for small groups.
Trail/Facility Maintenance
Assist with the repair and upkeep of park picnic areas, tables, signs, fences, buildings, and other park facilities and structures.

Special Group Volunteer Projects by Arrangement
Special service projects can be arranged for your group—corporate, youth, civic, school and faith-based. To plan your project, contact Volunteer Programs Coordinator Carla Schoof at cschoof@co.sanmateo.ca.us or (650) 599-1306.
Park Docents (Environmental Education)
Lead hikes for school groups and organizations.  Introduce visitors to the ecology and history of a park and encourage appreciation of our natural features.
Visitor Services
Staff reception desks at visitor centers and provide general park information to visitors.
Special Events
Assist park staff with set-up of displays and represent park volunteers at booths; participate in special annual type events such as "Earth Day," "California Trails Day," the San Mateo County Fair, park special events and training workshops.

Qualifications:

  • Enjoy working outdoors
  • Enjoy individual and group activities
  • Willingness to complete related training
  • Interested in serving as stewards of County Parks

For more information contact Carla Schoof, Volunteer Programs Coordinator, San Mateo County Parks Department, (650) 599-1306 or email cschoof@co.sanmateo.ca.us.

Community Organizations - Below are some local organizations that also help in our county parks:
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