Group Volunteering

A group of volunteers from mixed age, gender, and backgrounds are smiling at the camera. They all wear orange safety vests. Behind them is the green native brush, and in front are the orange buckets, safety cones, and green bags full of plants.
Group volunteers show off their hard work after a habitat restoration project on the Bayside Trail.

NPS Photo/L. Brown

Whether you’re a scout troop, coworkers, school club, or a group of friends with a love for nature…Your group can volunteer together. This can be a one-time or reoccurring event too. Join the Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs)!Cabrillo National Monument has group volunteer projects open year-round. Group sizes must be between 3 to 25 people. All volunteers must be age 8 and up. Projects vary on the time of year, age of participants, special skills, and group size. Past projects have included:

  • Habitat restoration in the Coastal, Bayside, and Whale Watch Overlook trails!

  • Park beautification in the Lighthouse, Visitor Center, and upper viewpoints!

  • Greenhouse transplanting and seed collecting projects!

  • And more!

 
Volunteers sit behind white tables covered in native plant guides and garden tools. In front is a large glass building of the National Park Service Greenhouse.
Group volunteers prepare for a native planting project at the Cabrillo National Monument Greenhouse.

NPS Photo/H. Marquez

It is easy to get started. First, submit a Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Group request. We will then match volunteer projects with your group’s needs and let you know what is available!Please expect this process to take 1 - 2 weeks.If you have any questions, concerns, or non-standard requests, please reach out to us at cabr_volunteers@nps.gov.To submit a Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Group request…

  • Look over the descriptions in the VIP Group Project Catalog.

Please note that accommodations are possible but not guaranteed, especially in group size.

  • Choose your top 3 projects.

Some VIP Group projects are available year-round and are easy to schedule. Others are more competitive and depend on staff availability.We will provide you with available alternatives if needed.

  • Fill out all sections on the VIP Group Request Form.

This is available online here or at the end of the catalog. Once you have completed your VIP Group form, please submit your request(s) via e-mail.

The park’s email address is cabr_volunteers@nps.gov.

 
A park staff member, who is holding non-native plant specimens in her hand, stands in front of a volunteer group.
Group volunteers take a close look at non-native species in the Coastal Trail.

NPS Photo/H. Marquez

 
Volunteers in orange safety vests face the bright blue sky and Pacific Ocean as they gather around a park staff member.
Group volunteers learn about the native California coast sunflower (Encelia californica).

NPS Photo/B. Carmona

Last updated: September 22, 2024

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, CA 92106

Phone:

619 523-4285

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