December Volunteer Recap: December Workday Successes!

Published: January 18, 2023

In December, we had 65 volunteers contribute 217 hours of service to Los Angeles State Historic Park, Rio de Los Angeles State Park, China Camp State Park, and Candlestick Point State Recreation Area. We can’t thank our volunteers enough for helping us close out the year strong! They continue to show us impressive examples of stewardship and as they engage in workday projects to enhance park visitor experiences, honor history and culture, promote climate resiliency, and protect native wildlife and nature.

December Workday Impacts:

4 workdays throughout the month
5,000 square feet of invasive species removed
300 native plants planted
15 bags of trash collected

“Thanks for all of the hard work - I really enjoy volunteering and everyone is always very friendly and approachable! I’ve learned a lot about the great outdoors and California native plants!” - Volunteer

Los Angeles State Historic Park

On December 3, we had 31 volunteers join us at Los Angeles State Historic Park. At this ribbon of green space in an urban setting, our awesome volunteers came together and planted 300 native plants such as yarrow, buckwheat, and milkweed for monarch butterflies. They also removed invasive species that disrupt and take nutrients from native plants in the area. Our state parks play an important role in the health and wellness of our communities and provide critical habitat for wildlife, which can be unique in urban spaces. Special thank you to our Volunteer Core Leaders, Kay Foster, Brian Hembacher, Michelle White, and our park staff partner, Luis Rincon!

Click here to join a volunteer workday near you!

China Camp

On December 4, we had 22 volunteers brave the North Bay rain and join us at China Camp State Park. Located on the shores of San Pablo Bay in Marin County, China Camp State Park protects some of the most intact salt marshes and wetlands in the San Francisco Bay estuary. The park is covered with miles of multi-use trails along its diverse landscape. Our volunteer workday project focused on clearing the debris and the trail edges from the Shoreline Trail, which features great views and wildlife, including turkey, coyote, and a variety of shorebirds. Their efforts are the first stage of converting this section of the Shoreline Trail to ADA compliance and making it more accessible to future park visitors. Special thank you to our Volunteer Core Leader, David Littlejohn, and our partners at Friends of China Camp!

Click here to join a volunteer workday near you!

Let’s keep the momentum going!

As we officially say goodbye to 2022, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful contributions our volunteers have made throughout the year as champions of our state parks. This past year showed us that true partnerships between us, park staff, community partners, and volunteers elevate the experience for all park lovers. Every year of the volunteer program – each in its own way – has been a success with your support!

We understand our unique opportunity to be part of people’s stories in parks and our role in creating meaningful introductions to first-time volunteers or park-goers. We hope our volunteer workdays continue to be a welcoming space that benefits everyone and brings community together.

Finally, we want to thank all the amazing volunteers supporting our state parks outside our program as docents, camp hosts, and more. We thank you all for your stewardship and for helping our parks thrive.