February Volunteer Recap: February Workday Successes! | Cal Parks
Published: March 15, 2023

State parks are an important resource for communities that surround them with an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation, education, and conservation. Protecting and preserving these valuable resources is made possible by volunteers. We’re excited to share that in February, we had 230 volunteers who contributed 686 hours of service to make a significant impact on the quality and sustainability of our state parks!  

Thank you to our dedicated volunteers for continuing to support our parks through workday projects that enhance park experiences for all visitors and protect wildlife and nature. Read more to learn about what our volunteer community has been up to the past month. 

February Workday Impacts: 

“Very well organized, friendly, and helpful staff. I thoroughly enjoyed the event, and hope to volunteer again!” Volunteer, Rio de Los Angeles State Park  

 

Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park 

February 11, 2023 

On a sunny morning, 51 volunteers joined our habitat restoration efforts at Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park! Volunteers planted 400 native plants in previously sheet-mulched areas, then cleared 2,800 square feet of invasive ice plant. After the workday, volunteers had the option to stay for a guided tour by Senior Park Aide John McCaull. John toured volunteers around the lighthouse grounds and treated them to a rare look inside the bottom floor of the lighthouse. We also celebrated six volunteers who received a quail pin for attending three workdays. Special thank you to our Volunteer Core Leaders and park staff partners John Salcido, the Gupta family, John McCaull, and Ethan Rayner.  

Join our next Half Moon Bay State Beach volunteer workday on March 18!

 

Humboldt Lagoons State Park 

February 24, 2023 

On a surprisingly snowy morning along the sun-exposed slopes, 9 volunteers joined us at Humboldt Lagoons State Park to ensure the western azalea continues to flourish on the coast. This tenacious but vulnerable habitat relies heavily on sunlight to thrive. Volunteers helped remove competing brush and small trees that encroached into the azalea bushes. Azalea season happens in the spring and early summer. Visitors can enjoy the flowers unfurl and offer splashes of color along the North Coast with a profusion of pink and white blossom scents filling the air. Special thank you to our Volunteer Core Leader and park staff partner Charlotte Bergheimer and Katrina Henderson.  

Do you want to help us lead volunteer workday events in special parks like Humboldt Lagoons State Park, Trinidad State Beach, Sue-meg State Park, and more? Please email volunteer@calparks.org to learn how to become a Volunteer Core Leader today!  

Check out our events calendar for volunteer workdays near you! 

 

Chino Hills State Park 

February 26, 2023 

A great group of 21 volunteers joined us at Chino Hills State Park on a beautiful day. Endless clouds with pockets of blue skies were hovering over the rolling green hills as volunteers helped beautify trails for upcoming school programs hosted in the park. The school programs provide students with the opportunity to learn about the importance of open spaces for animals, birds, insects, and native plants. These programs allow students all around Southern California to experience our state parks and their diverse ecosystems. Our volunteers made the trail more inviting and accessible for future visitors by picking up trash and cutting back overgrown foliage along the trail path. In addition, we honored one volunteer for receiving their quail pin. Special thank you to our Volunteer Core Leaders and park staff partners Stephanie Klem, Cade Klem, Lisa LaFlame, and Ian Bernstein. 

Join us for our Earth Day Climate Action volunteer workday at Chino Hills State Park!  

 

Ready to get outside and support our state parks? Join a community of park volunteers today! Check out our calendar to see what workdays are around your area: volunteer.calparks.org.