Explore environmental volunteer opportunities in and around Los Angeles — they can be life-changing. If you’re a passionate Angeleno and want to give back to your environment, consider participating in volunteer opportunities with one of the following nine organizations.
Whether you like hiking, fire management, lobbying or bird-watching, there’s a volunteer opportunity out there for you, so roll up your sleeves and sign up today!
1. Sierra Club Angeles Chapter
Engage in conservation campaigns, political action and programs for all ages with the Sierra Club’s Angeles Chapter. This chapter runs extensive hiking programs, committees and rallies.
Get off the couch, join one of the organization’s many initiatives and protect nature — every volunteer matters. Plus, you can enjoy benefits, too. Even five minutes spent outdoors will instantly boost your mood.
2. LA Compost
Convert your free time into fertile volunteerism with LA Compost. They offer weekly opportunities across LA’s diverse neighborhoods. By joining, you’ll divert organic waste from landfills. The teams create organic compost, which enriches soil health. They also educate communities about sustainable organic composting and urban gardening.
The organization’s 2023 campaigns diverted a massive 1.8 million pounds of organics from landfills.
3. Pacific American Volunteer Association (PAVA)
PAVA launches environmental preservation and community engagement initiatives. The organization specializes in environmental education. They host cleanups, restoration work and multicultural performances as part of their services. These performances feature Korean and African drumming and dance.
Volunteers engage in park restoration and conservation projects in Griffith Park’s Bird Sanctuary. Their large-scale conservation initiatives, such as the Los Angeles River Cleanup, are well-supported. You may also be able to participate in cleanup initiatives that tackle pollutants like polystyrene, which makes up 10%-40% of waste found in national waterways — saving millions of aquatic birds in the process. Join PAVA to foster community relationships while making a positive environmental impact.
4. TreePeople
Join TreePeople today on their mission to support sustainable forest ecosystems in Southern California. Volunteers plant and care for trees. They also restore local forests and educate communities about environmental stewardship.
Your efforts can contribute to a greener, more resilient city.
5. Los Angeles Audubon Society
Are you passionate about birds and nature? The Los Angeles Audubon Society offers various volunteer opportunities. Engage in community programs and appreciate, enjoy and protect avian species and their habitats. Whether it’s through educational outreach or conservation projects, your involvement can make a positive impact.
6. San Gabriel Mountains Trailbuilders
Help maintain and repair hiking and nature trails within the Angeles National Forest with the San Gabriel Mountains Trailbuilders. Your volunteer work ensures safe and enjoyable access for all park visitors while preserving the natural beauty of the area. It’s a hands-on way to implement environmental conservation.
Sign up for the organization’s mailing list to stay informed of meetups and special projects.
7. Angeles National Forest Fire Lookout Association
Recent fires showed the importance of the fire lookout towers in the Angeles National Forest. Volunteer to restore, maintain and staff these towers by joining the association. As a volunteer fire lookout, you’ll contribute to early smoke and fire detection. Your services enhance the firefighting capabilities of the United States Forest Service.
The lookout volunteers are essential to identifying and reporting wildfires. Early detection matters when wildfires threaten forests and residential areas.
8. Citizens’ Climate Lobby – Los Angeles West Chapter
Join a group of dedicated individuals working toward effective climate solutions. The Citizens’ Climate Lobby’s Los Angeles West Chapter has many eco-activist activities. As a volunteer, you’ll start productive conversations about climate solutions. You’ll build support with community leaders and meet Congress members.
Your efforts and involvement can support effective climate legislation and help drive meaningful policy changes to address climate change.
9. Angeles Volunteer Association (AVA)
Assist in preserving and caring for the Angeles National Forest by joining the Angeles Volunteer Association. Under the supervision of the U.S. Forest Service, AVA volunteers conduct hiking trail safety patrols, staff visitor centers and provide outreach education at schools. There are also city events and collaborations on forest-related projects.
Your participation maintains forest resources, enhances visitor experiences and ensures the forest remains a vibrant natural space for all.
Become an Angeleno Volunteer
Each of these organizations offers the opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation and community engagement in the Los Angeles area. Your involvement can create positive changes in local ecosystems and help you lead the broader fight against climate change.
Through volunteering, you can make a significant difference and help build a Los Angeles you are proud of.
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