What we’re about
Welcome! We're a 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit based in Santa Barbara that hosts volunteer events and trips on both the Channel Islands and the adjacent mainland. If you're looking to help restore the local environment and volunteer in nature, then you're in the right place!
We host a variety of volunteer and educational activities throughout the year including native plant restoration, overnight backpacking trips, bird watching excursions, and opportunities to help educate the public about the importance of our native ecosystems.
From the Los Padres National Forest to the Channel Islands of California, explore and restore with us alongside the company of like-minded friends and our local environmental community!
Be the first to know about upcoming volunteer events when you sign up for our volunteer list at www.cirweb.org/volunteer
We hope to see you out there soon!
Channel Islands Restoration
Upcoming events
6
Volunteer Event at Hedrick Ranch Nature Area
Hedrick Ranch Nature Area, 20395 South Mountain Road, Santa Paula, CA, USJoin Us for a Volunteer Day at Hedrick Ranch Nature Area!
We're excited to invite you to a volunteer day at Hedrick Ranch Nature Area (HRNA) hosted by our partner, Friends of the Santa Clara River. Join us at the Hedrick Ranch Nature Area near Santa Paula for a special volunteer event. Along with supporting the restoration of the Santa Clara River, you can learn more about native riparian wildlife in this area. Our lead for restoration, Holly Wright, will guide the day's activities. These events are held on the first Sunday of every month, offering regular opportunities to get involved.
What to Expect
You'll have the opportunity to participate in enjoyable activities like:
- Simple trail maintenance
- Invasive plant weeding
Where to Meet
The entrance is through an open farm gate at 20395 S Mountain Rd, Santa Paula, CA 93060. Please follow the ‘River Event’ signs to the meeting area. Please use caution when driving down South Mountain Road and turning onto the field road. This is an active agricultural area with large trucks and tractors.
REGISTER TO VOLUNTEER!
About Friends of the Santa Clara River
Since its founding, Friends of the Santa Clara River has been dedicated to protecting the entire river across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Their efforts include:
- Opposing large urban development projects that encroach on the river’s floodplain
- Preventing the channelization of the river
- Conducting detailed analyses and providing testimony during environmental review processes
- Riparian restoration partnerships
- Education and stewardship programs
When You Volunteer With Us, Please Remember:
- Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt for protection
- Bring sunscreen and a sunhat
- Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety. No flip-flops or sandals allowed
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day
- Make sure to sign all required waivers before arrival
Have Photos From Your Volunteer Day?
- Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram.
- Or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature
2 attendees
Elings Park Transformation Project
Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USSanta Barbara Botanic Garden & Channel Islands Restoration Elings Park Transformation Project
Thursday, December 18, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Channel Islands Restoration and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are working together to transform a one-acre plot in Elings Park into a native plant habitat, and we need your help!
Details: Running for the past three years, this restoration project concentrates on California-native plants within a one-acre plot and compares the abundance, diversity, and composition of plant and animal life before and after the transformation. To achieve this work, we’re seeking volunteers to help clear invasive plant species, prepare the site for plantings, plant our projected 1,400 plants, and monitor progress along the way using a variety of scientific methods.
Working in partnership with Elings Park and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, volunteer opportunities will evolve as the project continues.
Sign Up To Volunteer
When You Volunteer With Us, Please Remember:
- Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt for protection
- Bring sunscreen and a sunhat
- Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety. No flip-flops or sandals allowed
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day
- Make sure to sign all required waivers before arrival
Have Photos From Your Volunteer Day?
- Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram.
- Or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature.
Directions: When you reach the entrance gate, let the attendant know you're there for the Elings Park Restoration with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Continue straight up the driveway to the last parking lot where the Elings Park office is located. The far end of this parking lot has a trailhead that will take you to the restoration area at the top of the hill.
1 attendeeElings Park Transformation Project
Elings Park, 1298 Las Positas Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USSanta Barbara Botanic Garden & Channel Islands Restoration Elings Park Transformation Project
Thursday, December 18, 2025
9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Channel Islands Restoration and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are working together to transform a one-acre plot in Elings Park into a native plant habitat, and we need your help!
Details: Running for the past three years, this restoration project concentrates on California-native plants within a one-acre plot and compares the abundance, diversity, and composition of plant and animal life before and after the transformation. To achieve this work, we’re seeking volunteers to help clear invasive plant species, prepare the site for plantings, plant our projected 1,400 plants, and monitor progress along the way using a variety of scientific methods.
Working in partnership with Elings Park and Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, volunteer opportunities will evolve as the project continues.
Sign Up To Volunteer
When You Volunteer With Us, Please Remember:
- Wear long, sturdy pants for comfort and safety
- Wear a long-sleeve shirt for protection
- Bring sunscreen and a sunhat
- Wear hiking shoes or boots for safety. No flip-flops or sandals allowed
- Bring plenty of water and snacks for the day
- Make sure to sign all required waivers before arrival
Have Photos From Your Volunteer Day?
- Tag @channelislandsrestoration on Instagram.
- Or send your photos to volunteer@cirweb.org for a feature.
Directions: When you reach the entrance gate, let the attendant know you're there for the Elings Park Restoration with the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden. Continue straight up the driveway to the last parking lot where the Elings Park office is located. The far end of this parking lot has a trailhead that will take you to the restoration area at the top of the hill.
1 attendee
Past events
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