Ways to Get Involved
Getting involved with the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge is a special treat. Volunteers come together to assist in stewardship projects with not only the Refuge staff, but also California Department of Fish & Wildlife, U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and non-profits such as the Crestridge Ecological Reserve, the Earth Discovery Institute, and the Friends of San Diego Refuges.
Volunteering
Do you live in San Diego and want to give back by helping wildlife in the foothills? Join us as a volunteer!
Whether you enjoy hands-on work like removing invasive weeds or prefer hiking trails to capture stunning photographs of unique wildlife, your skills can make a difference. Most volunteer events are coordinated with our partners, such as the Earth Discovery Institute.
Volunteer Activities Include:
- Special Events – Education and outreach.
- Habitat Restoration – Weed removal, planting native trees and plants, and trash cleanup.
- Maintenance and Trail Work –
- Weekly habitat restoration and maintenance at Rancho Jamul Ecological Reserve, led by Earth Discovery Institute (contact: info@earthdiscovery.org).
- Trail maintenance on Mother Miguel Trail, led by San Diego Mountain Biking Association and Bonita Bikers.
- Photography – Document threatened and endangered species.
- Carpentry – Assist with building and repairing structures.
Visit the Events section to see what’s happening at the refuge or contact our partner Earth Discovery Institute at info@earthdiscovery.org for more information.
Important: All volunteers must sign a Volunteer Services Agreement before participating in any activities on refuge lands. Watch this tutorial video on how to complete the form.
Our Partners
San Diego National Wildlife Refuge works closely with partner agencies, organizations, and contractors to implement region-wide projects that support multiple species conservation and the long-term management of plant and wildlife resources.
The refuge also provides logistical and permitting support for research projects that improve our understanding of ecology and management practices, benefiting wildlife and habitat conservation.
By partnering with agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, City of San Diego, City of Chula Vista, and County of San Diego, as well as conservation organizations like Earth Discovery Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and Conservation Biology Institute, and engaging community volunteers, the refuge advances its mission to conserve the rich biological diversity of the San Diego region.
Key Partners Include:
- Friends of San Diego Refuges
- County of San Diego and the Multiple Species Conservation Program
- City of San Diego
- City of Chula Vista
- San Diego Association of Governments
- Metropolitan Transit System
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- U.S. Department of Transportation, Volpe Center
- San Diego Audubon Society
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- California Department of Transportation
- Endangered Habitats League
- Earth Discovery Institute
- California Conservation Corps
- U.S. Bureau of Land Management
- U.S. Border Patrol
- Water Conservation Garden
- San Diego Mountain Biking Association
- Bonita Bikers
Outreach
Most of the events are coordinated with our partners such as the Earth Discovery Institute.
Education Programs
Youth Groups and Scout Troops
The San Diego National Wildlife Refuge nurtures projects and partnerships with local youth groups and scout troops. Youth groups are a great and organized way of getting work done on-the-ground on the Refuge, and gets kids inspired to learn about careers with public lands.
The refuge surrounds communities in East County San Diego filled with schools, churches, boy and girl scout troops, and outdoors clubs that have interest in designing projects that directly benefit the Refuge. Some of the activities done in the past have been projects in construction, maintenance, signage, and more.
The Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) is a 8-10 week Summer internship that employs six local high school students aged 15-18 years old, chosen by the Refuge Manager. Environmental awareness is an integral aspect of the YCC program, with projects embracing both work and environmental learning goals.
If you are interested in coordinating or assisting with a project such as an Eagle Scout or Girl Scout Gold Award, please contact the Refuge Manager Dwane Binns at Dwane_Binns@fws.gov or (619) 385-1190
Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Calling all teachers or students K-12! Did you know you can participate on a nation wide art contest by drawing North American ducks? Use your skills to compete at the local level and possibly receive national recognition. Learn how you can get involved by visiting the official Junior Duck Stamp page.