Environmental Volunteer Opportunities in Orange County, California

Surfrider Foundation- This foundation has many opportunities for volunteer work; from volunteers that just want to go out with a group of dedicated individuals to clean up the beaches by picking up trash, to political activism to save our marshes and wetlands. All you have to do is call and ask or better yet attend a local chapter meeting to find out more. The first chapter was formed in Malibu, California by local surfers in 1984, now there are 70 chapters across the United States and Puerto Rico. Volunteers are the roots of the Surfrider Foundation and they welcome you with open arms. Check out the Surfrider Chapter in Seal Beach/Huntington Beach, California. Barbara Bosch hsbvicechair@surfrider.org

"The Surfrider Foundation is the watchdog for our oceans," says team member Damien Hobgood. "Anyone who enjoys or has anything to do with our oceans should support Surfrider."

Sea and Sage Audubon Society- An Orange County Chapter of the Audubon Society

The Audubon Society is as a whole dedicated to the preservation of wildlife and their habitats, the Orange County Chapter is committed to both inland and coastal preservation of birds and wildlife, including protecting the areas where they abide. There are many volunteer positions available including Activist involvement with the government, revegetating and monitoring wildlife. Here you'll find a list of current volunteer activities. Or you may contact Sea and Sage Chapter office at 949-261-7963. Open from 8 am to 4 p.m.

Going Green in Orange County, California- This is a Meetup Group in O.C. Their mission is connecting Orange County, CA residents with one another to learn about, promote sustainability, eco-friendliness, being green, and how to go about it as a group. This is a healthy group with a Meetup Rating of 4 ½ stars and 392 meet-ups since January 22, 2008. To Contact this Meetup Group visit: Meetups- Going Green in Orange County. An upcoming Event for this group is Green Building Tour at the Environmental Nature Center's LEED Platinum Building Wednesday Oct 20, 6:30 PM. You are encouraged to learn more about Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) and the Green Building Rating System™ LEED here

Adopt-A-Park- Ocgov.com- There are just too many volunteer opportunities to name here; administrative, non-native plant removal, greeting visitors, building and repair of trails and structures. This is an excellent organization that will help you fit in no matter your amount of time or abilities. To contact OC Parks Volunteer Services Coordinator, Angeline Soto, Work (714) 480-2827 Angeline.Soto@OCCR.ocgov.com Visit there website here.

California Coastal Clean-up Day- This event takes place the 3^rd Saturday of September every year. But keep in mind this year it takes place on the fourth Saturday of September so as not to conflict with Yom Kippur. It's huge. If you really want to be part of something big, plan on this and sign up quick or keep it in mind for next year as a family event. This is a great educational experience for kids and adults as well. Last September over 80 thousand volunteers cleaned up 1, 300,000 pounds of trash from our beaches. That's just amazing. Coastal Cleanup Day starts off Coastweeks, a three week event. See the following links for more information and sign-up instructions. Coast Conservancy- Start a Sea of Change or California Coastal Commission Public Education.. Contact: Toll-free: 800-519-1541 or cleanup@oceanconservancy.org

Writer's Note: These opportunities are all great. You'll find the staff of each to be helpful in helping you 'help' by volunteering your time and efforts.