Volunteer

VOLUNTEER COMMUNITY SERVICE DAY

Volunteers are encouraged to join us to work in the habitat on the 2nd Saturday each month from the hours of 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM.

Come and make some new friends while helping to beautify Shipley. We need you to help us on trail maintenance, sign renovation and weed removal. Your leader will instruct you how to safely perform the task assigned to you. These tasks ensure the health of the habitat and the safety of the visitors.

Make sure to wear closed-toed shoes.  Bring your own work gloves.  Tools will be provided.  You may want to wear a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and long sleeves/pants for protection. Bring a water bottle so that you stay hydrated for the 2 hours of volunteering. We have a water refill station onsite for your convenience. Safety is important.  We appreciate your time!

Please note that volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.  Persons under 14 years of age must be accompanied by a responsible adult.  All volunteers are required to complete and sign an application.  You may start the process now by filling in the on-line Volunteer Application and bring the completed application with you.  Or you may complete an application the day of the event.

Please send your request or questions to info@shipleynature.org

View Fact Sheet – Volunteer Tasks

VOLUNTEER FORMS

Volunteer Application 2019 Fillable Form

Volunteers Age 18 and Under Hold Harmless Form

group-volunteer-application-09-17-16-fillable-form

You may bring the completed application when you arrive, or email it to info@shipleynature.org. We look forward to meeting you and appreciate your interest in helping us provide nature education and encourage stewardship in this very urbanized part of Southern California.

We greatly appreciate the energy and enthusiasm of our youth.

Habitat Maintenance

Habitat RestorationA morning spent outdoors in nature is exhilarating and fun. If you can join us on a regular basis, you may find your place in maintaining the habitat and trails. We are on the grounds with our volunteers Monday thru Fridays, 9:00 a.m. through noon. We will provide training for pruning, planting, and irrigation of California native plants. We will require a day and time commitment from our volunteers. Please call ahead to sign-up at (714) 842-4772.

Nursery

The Shipley Nursery Volunteers propagate native plants from cuttings, tend the plants for sale and help with plant sales. Seeking individuals interested in learning about propagation and general care of California Native plants, weeding.  If you have knowledge of California Native plants currently and like to share your talents and information, you are very welcome.  Currently the volunteer days are 9am – 11 am on Tuesdays and Fridays.  Additional hours and days will be added in the future. They also help maintain the native plant and butterfly gardens across from the stream. The major native plant sale is held the last Saturday in September and kicks off the winter planting season for natives. Plants are available for sale throughout the year with sales being a major source of funds for Shipley Nature Center.

Composting

Volunteers manage the Compost Center and may be found at work most Friday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.. They also assist with seminars typically held on Saturdays four times per year.

Bird Surveys

We invite you to spend the morning with fellow nature enthusiasts and participate in our monthly bird survey held on the last Friday of each month. See seasonal schedule below. No experience is necessary. To sign up, email lena@shipleynature.org.

There will NOT be a monthly bird survey for Shipley on Friday, Dec. 29.  Both will be done during the Christmas Bird Count.  The monthly counts will resume the last week of January 2023. Thank you for coming out for the surveys last year and through the many years of surveys.  Have a wonderful Christmas and holiday season.

Seasonal Schedule of Bird Survey Times

March through October

begins at 8:00 a.m. and ends at 10:00 a.m.

November through February,

begins at 9:00 a.m. and ends at 11:00 a.m.

 

Visitor Services

Are you a cheerful person willing to assist our staff during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. each Saturday? Cheerfully greet guests, count number of guests, relay the activities that are being offered for the day.  Hand out trail guides, flyers and scavenger hunts.  Bring your love of interacting with people.  Volunteer the number of hours you are comfortable with, anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours.  We will train you.

Kids Activity Leaders

Lead activities for kids of all ages, Crafts, reading a book, playing an interactive game, explore the trails, talks about composting in general, worm composting and much more.  We will train. Current volunteer days and times are Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm.  Volunteer the number of hours you are comfortable with, anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours.  Volunteer the number of hours you are comfortable with, anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours.  Volunteer to fit your schedule.

Board Member

Do you want to make a difference in your community?  We need your time and expertise to shape the future or our nonprofit organization through your board service.  Help strengthen the communities to preserve, protect and maintain Shipley Nature Center for future generations.

Docent Program

Shipley Nature Center has an exciting docent program where volunteers who have been trained are able to offer tours, represent Shipley at events, host Saturdays at Shipley, and provide services in any way that is needed to make sure that the community is involved with what is happening in this wonderful native plant area of Central Park.

Engage with guests sharing information about Shipley History, Current goings on regarding flora and fauna, show guests points of interest.  We will train you. Current volunteer days and times are Saturdays 9 am – 1 pm.  Volunteer the number of hours you are comfortable with, anywhere from 2 hours to 4 hours.  We will expand the volunteer days and hours during the weekdays.  Please state your availability.  We will work with you.

Shipley Volunteers

The Docent handbook for volunteers of FSNC will provide you with a complete guide to what is offered at Shipley from the history of Shipley, the native plant habitats, restoration efforts, the animal and birds found at Shipley, and our educational programs. This is a good way to become familiar with just what Shipley has to offer. Join with the hundreds of Shipley volunteers and become a Shipley Docent.

Photos of Community and Volunteers in Action