This is a test site. For the most accurate information, visit csumb.edu

College of Science

Habitat Stewardship Project, Monterey Bay Volunteer

Community Event Volunteers

Volunteers under 18 must get this waiver filled out by their guardians before events: (LINK)

Return of the Natives (R.O.N.) community events are held on most Saturdays throughout the year to restore native habitat and cleanup our green spaces! Our sites include Fort Ord Dunes and Fort Ord National Monument, CSUMB, Monterey State Beach, and Creeks of Salinas.

R.O.N. restores different ecosystem types at different sites around Monterey County. Click to learn more about our current project sites!

One Time/Drop-in Volunteer

Community-based restoration needs volunteers like YOU! Join Return of the Natives at one (or more!) of our free weekend restoration events. R.O.N.’s events include a variety of service activities. Generally:

  • August – October: trash cleanups, trimming native plants, and removing invasive plants, seed collection
  • November – March: planting native plants, removing invasive plants
  • April – June: mulching, weeding, trash cleanup

We can't wait to work with you! Check out the list below to ensure you are prepared for a day of outdoor fun:

  • R.O.N. provides light snacks, water and any equipment needed
  • All events are staffed by trained crew members, and at least 1 staff training in CPR/First Aid
  • Please be prepared for the weather - clothing you won't mind getting dirty, layers, hats and water bottles
  • Volunteers under 18 must bring with them a completed waiver or be accompanied by parent/guardian
  • Parents must be able to commit to picking up their children after events
  • Groups of 10 or more please RSVP to Lindsey Ochoa at at friends.of.ron@gmail.com

R.O.N.'s Restoration Crew

Interested in on-going volunteering with R.O.N. and in-depth training on habitat restoration and native plants? R.O.N. is looking to expand our Restoration Crew! Restoration Crew members will receive twice annual training on topics ranging from native plant care, leadership skills, planting techniques and outdoor safety. Members of our Restoration Crew team make a commitment to:

  • Attend two trainings per year (one in Fall, one in Spring)
  • Attend at least 4 weekend community events
  • Attend at least 1 weekend community event in Salinas and 1 weekend community event in Monterey/Seaside
  • Attend at least 1 tabling/outreach event, representing Return of the Natives in our community
  • Assist in leading (and planning, if interested) at least 1 Return of the Natives educational activity at a community event

R.O.N.'s Junior Restoration Crew

Similar to our R.O.N.’s Restoration Crew, Return of the Natives would like to support on-going volunteers that are under 18 years old. R.O.N. is seeking motivated young leaders to commit to community based habitat restoration for 1 school year. R.O.N.'s Junior Restoration Crew will learn community service for their hours, will be eligible for a letter of recommendation and get to work with community members of all ages! Junior Restoration Crew members make a commitment to:

  • Attend two trainings per year (one in Fall, one in Spring)
  • Attend at least 4 weekend community events
  • Attend at least 1 weekend community event in Salinas and 1 weekend community event in Monterey/Seaside
  • Act as a R.O.N. representative for their school or a community group, and assist in sharing information about upcoming R.O.N. events with peers.

R.O.N.'s Restoration Crew and Junior Restoration Crew members commit to working with Return of the Natives, and will receive in-depth training on restoration, California native plants, Monterey-area habitats and leadership. These volunteers will also qualify for a letter of recommendation upon completion of service, and continued support beyond R.O.N. weekend events. Fill out the interest form below to sign up for R.O.N. Crew training!

google 1FAIpQLSdsFBKVoOZVLEmIFffrggmpHnH5LNhOsfhowW8_d3o7mocl7w 300 https://docs.google.com/a/csumb.edu/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdsFBKVoOZVLEmIFffrggmpHnH5LNhOsfhowW8_d3o7mocl7w/viewform?embedded=true

Co-host an event

Is your organization or company interested in co-hosting an event with Return of the Natives at one of regularly scheduled events? We would love to work with you! Please e-mail: friends.of.ron@gmail.com.

More information

For more information please contact Lindsey Ochoa at linochoa@csumb.edu.