Join Our Trail Restoration Volunteer Program

Foothills Forever in collaboration with the San Marcos Foothills West Mesa land management team at Channel Islands Restoration, are coordinating a trail maintenance program that will provide easier trail accessibility, stable footing, and designated walking paths for visitors, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts at the San Marcos Foothills West Mesa Preserve located in Santa Barbara. This is a great opportunity to learn about trail maintenance and join a new program on how to maintain trails. We are looking for regular volunteers who are passionate about making a discernable environmental impact and allowing the public to more easily enjoy the outdoors.

This will be a regular opportunity to get involved with a volunteer group that will actively meet at least once a month! This is the perfect time of year for trail restoration as the the soft ground and cooler temperatures will make it easy to get the maximum benefits from our efforts and will allow us to widen trails where necessary with ease.

Sign up for our trail team using the form below and choosing “Trail Team” under volunteer role.
We’ll send you additional updates about this exciting new volunteer opportunity!

We also have additional Foothills Forever volunteer opportunities that are available.

If you would like to volunteer on the San Marcos Foothills, please join our volunteer email list and you will be kept informed about volunteer opportunities, such as the following:

Sheep Docent

Help provide information to the public when the sheep return to the San Marcos Foothills (typically in the winter and spring) to restore the native grasslands and lessen the fire danger. Sheep docents spend their time on the Foothills near the sheep enclosures, chatting with visitors about the grazing program, which is very popular with the public.

Site Steward

Join a group of CIR staff and volunteers that regularly walk the trails of the foothills. Site stewards can provide information to visitors about the preserve, encourage visitors to follow the rules,and watch for emergencies and/or other situations that could harm the land.

Clean Up Crew

Due to factors out of our control, litter is often a problem along Via Gaitero Road. Docents work with staff and other volunteers to keep the roadway and other areas on the Foothills litter free, explaining the dangers our litter pose to wildlife.

Tour Docent

After docents receive training in all aspects of the natural and cultural history of the San Marcos Foothills, docents have the option of sharing their knowledge with the public on planned tours.

Weed Warrior

Winter through early summer (especially in wet years) provide volunteers with multiple opportunities to work with other pulling non-native weeds on the Foothills. Although labor intensive, hand-removal of weeds can be effective, especially around native plants.