City of Berkeley
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Volunteer with Parks and Recreation

Help care for public spaces, support community events, and protect natural habitats.

Volunteer opportunities include gardening, shoreline cleanups, and assisting at City-run festivals. Whether you want to get your hands dirty planting trees or help set up for community events, there’s a role for you.

Explore our volunteer opportunities below and fill out our online volunteer interest form.

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Special event volunteer opportunities

Lend a hand at community events such as the Harvest Festival, Egg Hunts, Haunted House, Bay Festival, and Community Picnic.

Volunteer roles might include setting up, welcoming attendees, and helping with activities. Volunteers aged 12 -17 must have an adult present.

Ongoing volunteer opportunities

Shoreline cleanups

Remove trash and plastic pollution from local beaches, bays, and waterways, along various areas of the Berkeley Waterfront. Every third Saturday, volunteers meet at the Shorebird Park Nature Center, 160 University Ave anytime from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. Look below to find the next event date.

Groups of 5 or more are encouraged to RSVP through naturecenter@berkeleyca.gov.

Bay Interpretive Training at the Shorebird Park Nature Center

Volunteer at the Berkeley Marina and help teach children and adults about the San Francisco Bay's ecology as a Bay Interpretive Training docent.

Training covers the Bay estuary’s birds, fish, marine mammals, and intertidal life, along with instructional techniques for engaging students. Volunteers also take part in a sailboat experience on the Bay.

We ask that you commit to:

  • Participating in training sessions
  • Assisting with at least two education programs per month, mainly Tuesday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

To become a Bay IT volunteer:

Rose Garden

Contribute to the beauty of the Berkeley Rose Garden by pruning roses, weeding, clearing debris, and maintaining pathways. Tools and safety equipment are provided.

Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome on weekdays, from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm. Special weekend projects can be arranged. Contact the City of Berkeley Rosarian directly, mcortes@berkeleyca.gov, to schedule a volunteer orientation.

Pollinator gardens at various parks and open spaces

Help maintain pollinator gardens across Berkeley to support local wildlife. Tasks include:

  • Weeding, planting, and watering
  • Adding compost and removing debris to create habitats for bees, butterflies, and birds

Volunteer Leads are also needed to organize activities, recruit volunteers, and coordinate with staff. Email the contacts below to help maintain and support Berkeley’s parks.

Park(s), Open SPacesContact(s)
James Kenney Park, George Florence, King School Park, Prince Street Mini Park, Haskell Mable Park Erin
Strawberry Creek ParkLinda, Bonnie, Sylvia
Grove Park, San Pablo Park, Charlie Dorr ParkBonnie
Ohlone ParkKristin, Stephen, Erica
Remillard Park, John Hinkel Park, Monterey and PosenCharles
César Chávez ParkBob
Sixty - Third Street Mini ParkSivan Orr

 

Upcoming Events

News

Nature Center
Email: naturecenter@berkeleyca.gov
Phone: (510) 981-6720