Parks and Communities

Volunteers will actively be involved in preserving, protecting, and restoring habitat that is significant to the people in the community. The continuing threats to these precious habitats need volunteers to help the sites survive and prosper for future generations to enjoy. Volunteers can work with children and families to appreciate nature, educate about the Maidu Indians, help with special events or work in the office. There are a variety of fun activities for all skill levels.
​Learn more about volunteering opportunities at our beautiful regional parks. 

Effie Yeaw Nature Center

The Effie Yeaw Nature Center is an award-winning environmental and cultural education center located within the beautiful American River Parkway in Carmichael, California.
The 100-acre nature preserve features interpretive trails that meander through woodlands along the American River that are home to deer, coyotes, migratory songbirds, raptors and wild turkeys.  They offer a variety of fun activities for children and adults including  popular educational programs and tours for schools and groups,  interactive exhibits and fun workshops.  There is always something happening at the nature center and many opportunities to volunteer, including Animal Care Assistants, Clerical Assistants, Docents, Fund-raising Assistants, Habitat Restoration/Landscape Assistants, Trail Walkers, Receptionist, and Special Events Assistants 

Golf Course

If you love being around golf, becoming a Player Assistant may just be the job for you. Help maintain the pace on the game by helping players find their missing golf balls and move along the course. Player Assistants are offered compensation by the pro-shop at each course. To find out more, contact the general manager at the pro-shop. For more information, view the Golf website

Public Restoration Team

Public Restoration Team Are you looking for work experience, service learning hours or maybe you just want to have fun outdoors? The Public Restoration Team (PRT) is a great way to get involved and be hands-on with the environment. You can make a difference by assisting the Preserve with new and on-going restoration projects. Training is provided and you will get to see parts of the Preserve that are rarely visited by humans. For more information, view the Preserve's website or volunteering page

Sacramento Area Sanitation District

The Bufferlands has several volunteer opportunities for groups, individuals or schools interested in service learning projects. Lending a hand at the Bufferlands is a rewarding way help local habitat conservation efforts. Volunteering at the Bufferlands can also help students and/or organizations fulfill their community service obligations. For more information about current volunteer opportunities, contact Lora Leerskov

Therapeutic Recreation Services

Therapeutic Recreation Services (TRS) provides skill-training and recreational opportunities for individuals within the community with various disabilities. Volunteers are utilized as chaperones at dances, day trips and community events such as The Great Race® and events in the park. Volunteers have the opportunity to coach Special Olympics teams and are class instructors in your area of interest. To learn more about this exciting volunteer opportunity, contact TRS at 916-381-0255 or TRS@saccounty.net. Visit the TRS Volunteer web page

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) – An Invitation for Seniors to Serve

Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) promotes volunteerism and helps people over age 50 find their perfect volunteer niche among approximately 130 affiliated public or non-profits agencies. RSVP volunteers may serve as docents in Nature Centers, or with the American River Water Education Center or plant trees or give advice through the Sacramento Tree Foundation. For more information about specific volunteer opportunities, please visit the Human Assistance website, call 916-875-3631 or e-mail at DHA-RSVP@saccounty.net.