• The Point Reyes Beach as viewed from the Point Reyes Headlands

    Point Reyes

    National Seashore California

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Operational Changes Took Effect on May 1

    The Lighthouse Visitor Center is now only open Fridays through Mondays. The Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center will be closed through late December 2013. More »

  • 2013 Harbor Seal Pupping Season Closures

    From March 1 through June 30, the park implements closures of certain Tomales Bay beaches and Drakes Estero to water-based recreation to protect harbor seals during the pupping season. Please avoid disturbing seals to ensure a successful pupping season. More »

Volunteer: Adopt-a-Trail

Overview
The Adopt-a-Trail volunteer assists park staff in maintaining trails throughout Point Reyes National Seashore.

Duties

  • Clear brush
  • Remove downed tree rounds and limbs
  • Dig drainage ditches
  • Hike on and off backcountry trails
  • May be asked to drive a government vehicle or crewcab pickup, transporting volunteers and tools on an incidental basis

Volunteers must be able to perform moderate to heavy laboring tasks, be able to read and follow directions, and possess experience and ability in using hand tools. Prior experience or training is required to use power tools, if approved by the volunteer supervisor.

Volunteers must also be able to work outside on backcountry trails in mountainous terrain along the Pacific Coast in elevations from sea level to 2000 feet; work in hot/dusty or cold/wet/foggy conditions; and be willing to work in areas with potential exposure to poison oak, stinging nettles and ticks. Volunteers are required to provide closed-toe shoes.

Schedule and Time Commitment
Volunteers work 6 to 8 hours per day, typically starting at 9:00am. Volunteers are not required to work more than one day at a time. However, volunteers are welcome to work as many days throughout the season as desired.

The Adopt-a-Trail season is scheduled during the months of April, May, September, and October.

Training
Training is provided on-the-job.

Benefits to the Volunteer
Volunteers have the opportunity to gain experience in trail maintenance techniques while enjoying the satisfaction in helping to maintain the trail system in Point Reyes National Seashore.

Group Type
Individuals and groups up to 80 people are encouraged to participate.

Minimum Age
Minimum age is 16 for those in organized groups and 18 for individuals. Volunteers under 18 must have a signed parental consent form. Please contact us (see below) for more information.

Accommodations
Housing and RV sites are unavailable.

Application and Contact Information
Please apply under the Current Opportunities listing. For more information, contact Shawn Maloney at 415-464-5145 or by email.

Top of Page

Did You Know?

Bull elephant seal © Richard Allen

Four species of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) rest onshore or breed at Point Reyes:  the Northern elephant seal (Mirounga angustirostris), the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina), the California sea lion (Zalophus californianus), and the Steller sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus). More...