• Afternoon clouds cover the distance peaks of the iconic Boney Mountain

    Santa Monica Mountains

    National Recreation Area California

There are park alerts in effect.
show Alerts »

  • Partial Park Closure Due to Hazardous Conditions

    Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa re-opens 5/14/13, with restrictions (sunrise to sunset, not all trails). Sandstone Peak & Mishe Mokwa trails will also open, as will Backbone Trail east of Point Mugu State Park boundary. Point Mugu backcountry remains closed. More »

  • Trucks on Cheeseboro Canyon Trail

    Occasional truck traffic (approx 6 trips per day) will take place on Cheeseboro Cyn Trail weekdays between 8am & 4pm for demolition and removal of Cheeseboro Tank. Should be completed by 5/24/13. Check back for updates or call 818-889-8996. More »

Public Restoration Programs

A student assists a restoration ecologist with redeveloping native plant habitats in the Santa Monica Mountains.

EcoHelpers: Service Learning

High School, Grades 9-12

EcoHelpers is an ecological restoration program that provides field trips for Los Angeles and Ventura County high school students. Students help restore disturbed parkland to enhance wildlife habitat, while learning about the importance of habitat conservation.

EcoHelpers Brochure (.pdf)

EcoHelpers Application (.doc)

EcoHelpers Teacher's Manual (.pdf)

 
A group of students and rangers help to restore Zuma Canyon.

Planting in the Park: Community Program

Organized Groups, all ages

Come spend a few hours with us restoring your local parkland! During this free community program participants will plant native plants and take a guided walk in the woods. Your efforts will provide habitat and food for local wildlife, increase the unique scenic value of the area, and reduce damage caused by erosion and fire.

Planting in the Park Brochure (.pdf)

Planting in the Park Application (.doc)

 

For All Programs

Locations: Field trips take place at lower Zuma Canyon in Malibu, Paramount Ranch in Agoura Hills, and Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park.

Transportation: Free bus transportation may be provided (subject to funding). Parking is available for personal vehicles and buses.

Information and Forms: For more information and to schedule a field trip, please see the brochures and applications. To submit, save to your files and submit as an e-mail attachment, or print form to fax.


Contact Information

EcoHelpers Coordinator
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
401 West Hillcrest Drive
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Phone: (805) 370-2314
Fax: (805) 370-1851
E-mail: samo_ecohelpers@nps.gov

Did You Know?

Franklin Canyon is a great place for natural and city views.

At the geographical center of Los Angeles is a national park site. At Franklin Canyon Ranch in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, you can see cityscapes and natural views. The recreation area extendes in an east-west direction running through the heart of the city.