Volunteer with us

The Land Conservancy depends on many dedicated individuals who contribute their time, talents and expertise to improve our communities and preserve our landscapes.

Whether they are planting native trees and shrubs, working on a trail at the Pismo Preserve, maintaining our restored Octagon Barn, leading a hike, serving on a committee, or helping with our outreach events, our volunteers make a big impact.

Volunteers are invited to Land Conservancy private events and special activities, and have the opportunity to earn rewards.

To get involved, review our volunteer opportunities below and explore the links to the right.

Ongoing Volunteer Opportunities

Explore our ongoing, year-round volunteer opportunity descriptions below! Email our Volunteer and Events Coordinator Niki Uyemura for more details at nikiu@lcslo.org.

Who: People who enjoy exploring nature with children and nurturing curiosity.

What: Assist with school hikes on LATO trails and/or in LATO nature classrooms.

When: Primarily fall (October – early December) and spring (late February – May).

Why: Help build a community of kids who care about nature and each other.

Commitment level: Varies; help one morning per week or once each month. Training, fingerprinting + CPR/First Aid required.

Where: Templeton, Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande/Pismo Preserve and/or Nipomo.

Who: Gardeners and others who like to work outdoors and get their hands dirty.

What: Care for LATO trail oaks and for native landscapes.

When: Primarily late spring through fall.

Why: Our earth needs our help.

Commitment level: Varies; you can sign up to help when you’re available.

Where: Templeton, Santa Margarita and Pismo Preserve.

What: Get your hands dirty caring for our native plant landscaping and our conserved properties.

When: Typically weekly for each location, more frequent for the Octagon Barn Center.

Where: Octagon Barn Center, Pismo Preserve, Kathleen’s Canyon Overlook, and more!

Commitment level: A regular commitment is not required, any help is appreciated!

Who: People with handy skills who like to work independently.

What: Variety of jobs – building, fix-it, creating, etc.

When: As needed; projects vary in duration.

Why: There’s always something to be done to make LATO better.

Commitment level: Varies; you can generally set your own schedule.

Where: Templeton, Santa Margarita, Arroyo Grande and beyond.

Do you have expertise in something applicable to our mission? Birds? Fish? Water quality? Bats? Native or invasive plants? We’re open to anything and love working with experts with intimate knowledge on a topic!

We are looking for volunteers to become Octagon Barn tour docents to help us share this historical landmark of San Luis Obispo!

After 20+ years of restoration, The Land Conservancy wants to honor and share the Octagon Barn’s history with locals and visitors alike. Built in 1906, the Octagon Barn is the only one of its kind still standing in California that is open to the public. Tours discuss its construction, use, and how the dairy industry helped turn San Luis Obispo into what it is today.

Just interested in taking a tour? Sign up for one at the link here!

Who: People who enjoy getting out in the community, meeting new friends and doing a variety of activities.

What: Help set up, staff and/or clean up for community event stations, including easy up and tabling events.

When: As needed for occasional events; monthly for downtown SLO Farmers Market and Pismo Preserve and REI outreach events. 

Why: Expand Land Conservancy reach to new audiences, make new friends and build support.

Commitment level: Varies; you can sign up to help when you’re available.

Where: County-wide.

Who: People who like to hike and are comfortable with technology.

What: Wildlife cameras maintenance jobs (memory cards, record data, upload images).

When: Each team signs up for two months of duty per year.

Why: Share our wild backyard and build public support for wildlife habitat conservation.

Commitment level: 6-8 hrs. per month x 2 assigned months per year + required annual training.

Where: Templeton (2 locations), Santa Margarita and the Pismo Preserve.

What: Hands-on fun with the trail crew to keep our trails and wildlife Preserve accessible and beautiful!

When: 9:00-11:00 AM every Thursday.

Where: Pismo Preserve

Commitment level: A weekly commitment is not required, any help is appreciated!

What: Advise visitors at the kiosk on the ideal hike for their needs. Maintain a clean, welcoming kiosk area.

When: Any time during Preserve open hours.

Where: Pismo Preserve

Commitment level: A regular commitment is not required, any help is appreciated!

What: Open the gates to the Pismo Preserve at dawn or close the gates after dusk.

When: Either at dawn or an hour after dusk.

Where: Pismo Preserve

Commitment level: A consistent weekly commitment is encouraged.

Thank you to our volunteer project partners and sponsors!