Ways to Get Involved
Volunteer at Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
Although the refuge is closed to the general public, there are many ways you can get involved and make a difference!
How to Volunteer
All volunteers must complete a Volunteer Services Agreement form. Groups should fill out the Group Volunteer Form.
Monthly Volunteer Work Days
- When: First Wednesday of each month, 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Activities: Habitat restoration, trash cleanup, and work in the native plant nursery.
- Registration: Call (562) 598-1024 by the Monday before the event. Provide first and last names (spell them out) and phone numbers for all participants.
- Meeting Location: Main Gate parking lot, 800 Seal Beach Blvd., at 8:00 a.m.
- Requirements: Photo ID, U.S. citizens only. Long pants and sturdy shoes recommended.
Special Events
Join us for events throughout the year, such as National Public Lands Day and community trash cleanup days.
Stewardship Work Days
Groups of 10–20 can arrange special stewardship activities. Contact the Refuge Manager at least two months in advance.
Other Volunteer Opportunities
Want to get more involved? If you can commit 100 hours per year, contact the Refuge Manager at (562) 598-1024. A background check is required.
Join Our Friends Group
Support the refuge by becoming part of the Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge. Visit their website for details.
Volunteering
Volunteer Workdays
Join us for monthly volunteer workdays held on the first Wednesday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Activities include upland habitat restoration, trash cleanup, and work in the native plant nursery. Registration is required by the Monday before the event.
For details and to sign up, please visit the Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge website.
Our Partners
Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge is committed to building strong partnerships that support the conservation and protection of natural and cultural resources. Because the refuge operates with limited staff and funding, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service works closely with a variety of agencies and organizations to achieve important conservation goals outlined in our management plans. These partnerships provide critical support through funding, staffing, research, and project assistance.
Our primary partners include:
- Naval Weapons Station Seal Beach
- Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
We also collaborate with other organizations and agencies to enhance habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and community engagement such as:
- Friends of Seal Beach National Wildlife Refuge
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America
- CA Light-Footed Ridgway's (Clapper) Rail Recovery Team
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife
- CA Waterfowl Association.
- Cal State - Long Beach
- Cal State - Fullerton
- California Conservation Corps
- City of Seal Beach
- Disney VoluntEARS
- Huntington Beach Wetlands Conservancy
- National Marine Fisheries Service
- National Audubon Society
- Orange County Water District
- Simple Green
- US Navy
- US Geological Survey
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- US Department of Transportation, Volpe Center
Education Programs
Junior Duck Stamp Contest
Calling all teachers and students in grades K–12! Did you know you can take part in a nationwide art contest by drawing North American ducks? Use your creativity and artistic skills to compete at the local level and even earn national recognition.
Learn how to get involved by visiting the official Junior Duck Stamp website.