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.
Program Links
Trail Status
Closed
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.
School Nature Docents
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.
Oak Nature Stewards
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.
General Stewardship
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!
Handy Helpers
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.
Specialized Experts
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!
Octagon Barn Historical Tour Docents
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!
Community Outreach
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.
Wildlife Camera Project
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.
Pismo Preserve Trail Crew
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!
Pismo Preserve Kiosk Keeper
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!
Pismo Preserve Gate Crew
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!
