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College of Science

Science Internship Program

Volunteer Sites

Listed below are a variety of local and science-oriented volunteer sites who have hosted CSUMB science volunteers in the past. They cover anything from outdoor education to citizen science! Many of the organizations listed allow groups of volunteers, as well as individuals.

Click on the links in each description for access to the organization’s volunteer application or general volunteer information. If any of these sites interest you, feel free to reach out to them via email to inquire about volunteer openings! 

Image of a rocky outcropping in the Monterey Bay
Big Sur Land Trust
Big Sur Land Trust is a non-profit organization located in Monterey, CA. Their mission is to engage visitors in exciting outdoor activities in an effort to inspire conservation.
Elkhorn Slough
Elkhorn Slough Reserve & Foundation is a careful balance of farming, people, and nature all in one ecosystem. Elkhorn Slough employs the use of federal and local organizations, as well as dedicated volunteers.  
Elkhorn slough winding through a lush habitat
An injured marine mammal being rescued by volunteers
Marine Mammal Center
The Marine Mammal Center's Monterey Bay Operations (MBO) rescues stranded marine mammals in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties. 

 

Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium in Monterey, CA. Their mission is to inspire and educate visitors from various backgrounds on the importance of ocean conservation. 

 

A crowd stands in front of the outer bay exhibit at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Harbor seals relax on a rock in Monterey Bay
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary
Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS) is a federally protected marine area off the central coast of California. MBNMS is dedicated to protecting the vital resources this area provides.  

 

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History seeks to educate visitors on the natural and cultural diversity that exists on the central California coast. 
Display cases lit up inside a museum
Students planting native plants
The Habitat Stewardship Project (formerly Return of the Natives)
The Habitat Stewardship Project is a community & school-based environmental education program dedicated to involving students & the community in native habitat restoration in Monterey County. 
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
The Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History (SCMNH) has been connecting people to the wonders of nature for over 100 years; by highlighting the region's diverse ecosystems.  
The front of the yellow building housing the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
A harbor seal swims through a kelp forest in Monterey Bay
Save Our Shores
Save our Shores in a non-profit located in Santa Cruz. They advocate for clean shores, healthy habitats, and living waters in the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. 
Seymour Marine Discovery Center
The Seymour Marine Discovery Center is dedicated to educating people about the role scientific research plays in the conservation of the world's oceans. 
A whale skeleton on display outside of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center
Volunteers pick up trash at a local beach
Surfrider Foundation, Monterey Chapter
The Surfrider Foundation works to educate communities on the importance of protecting the ocean. The Monterey Chapter hosts regular beach clean-ups along the Central Coast.