River Crew VolunteerAt — Friends of the Los Angeles River

Opportunity Summary 

Volunteering with FoLAR is a hands-on way to make a real impact while connecting with nature and your community. Whether you are restoring habitat, picking up trash, or supporting our staff at an event, you are helping to build a healthier River for everyone. At Habitat Restoration Days, work alongside ecologists to remove invasive species and plant native vegetation, creating healthier ecosystems for local wildlife. At Community Events, help our staff with set up, greeting guests, answering questions, passing out supplies, and packing up. If you have a specific skill/hobby like photography, science communications, artist, or have another skill to share, we welcome volunteers who can help expand our reach and impact. Join us at community events not led by FoLAR to host an info table on behalf of FoLAR and sharing our mission with the public.

Opportunity Learning Outcomes 

Our volunteers help in all kinds of ways, building their confidence in public speaking, event planning, conservation efforts along the LA River, local plants and animals, history of the LA River and the region, habitat restoration best practices, and other skills if they complete other projects like graphic design or science communication. They also build community and make connections within our larger LA River community. It's a great way to meet people from across the LA region with volunteers from Northridge down to Long Beach.

Opportunity Training 

Students will receive a virtual or in-person orientation to FoLAR, our programs, mutually agree upon goals and projects for the student to undertake, and be provided a volunteer handbook with important information about the organization and resources to learn more about the LA River. FoLAR will also provide a waiver and non-disclosure form for that student to complete.

Additional risk specific to this opportunity 

Safety training will be provided based on the types of programs/projects that the student will be supporting. Staff will share safety precautions and info before a student commences a program/project. Some responsibilities might include heavy lifting, kneeling/sitting/standing in outdoor settings for extended periods, and/or work from a computer. If interested, students should notify FoLAR staff of any physical limitations or accommodations that are needed to safely and successfully complete a program/project.

Program 
Academic Internship
Service Learning
Location Type 
Hybrid (combination of on-site and remote)
Location 
United States
Expected Hours 
HoursDuration
5hours per month
Students required to have a personal vehicle 
No
Fees students may incur with this opportunity 
No Fees will be incurred by students
This opportunity provides some form of compensation 
No
Opportunity Availability 
Ongoing