We invite you to join Santa Clara County Parks Natural Resource Management team, in partnership with San Francisco Bay Bird Observatory, in their efforts to restore the coastal habitat of Alviso Marina County Park.

Volunteers will assist in the removal of invasive plants and the spreading of mulch in preparation for the planting of native plants.

Please bring sturdy gloves, closed toe shoes (boots if possible), proof of vaccination, and your can-do attitudes!

Minimum age: 12

SIGN UP HERE

Throughout time, people have looked up into the sky at night and found meaning in the brilliant pinpricks of light shining down from high above.

During this program, we’ll discuss stories of the stars from ancient times to today as we gaze into the heavens and learn about a few of the mysterious objects there.

Best suited for ages 8+, but all ages welcome.

Use the lake entrance and meet at the launch ramp parking lot.
Advance registration required. Please come prepared for the weather and bring a flashlight, and chair or mat for sky viewing. 

Register Here 

Questions? Email [email protected].

Celebrate the holiday season with a festive traditional Filipino craft. Join a Park Interpreter at Martial Cottle Park to make parols, colorful star-shaped lanterns that are a Filipino holiday tradition. This craft activity honors the Filipino farmworkers who worked on Cottle Ranch in the mid-20th century.

Drop in between 1-3 pm. While supplies last. No registration needed. $6 Parking fee. 

Discover a new Santa Clara County Park each month while learning about the plants, animals, people, and places that make our parks special.
These 1-hour Junior Ranger programs are best for ages 7-12.
After completion of 3 park explorations, Junior Rangers can submit their completed logbooks and receive the Santa Clara County Parks Junior Ranger badge.
All youth under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian and programs include opportunities for nature hikes and hands-on activities.

Reservations required. Learn more here

Questions? Email [email protected] .

Sign up for the December 30 Junior Rangers Activity 

Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.

Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, barn maintenance, and historical house upkeep. Hope to see you at the community volunteer days!

For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event.

Minimum age: 8

SIGN UP HERE

Help our Trail Crew staff maintain the more than 350 miles of trails in our Santa Clara County Parks trail system. Work will include some brushing and pruning, but will mostly focus on tread work to help reduce erosion. Tools and gloves will be provided. Bring a water bottle, snacks, and gloves if you have them. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and bring a hat.

Please also note that trail work can be physically challenging and so you should come prepared to work up a sweat!

Minimum age: 14

SIGN UP HERE

Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.

Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, barn maintenance, and historical house upkeep. Hope to see you at the community volunteer days!

For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event.

Minimum age: 8

SIGN UP HERE

Help our Trail Crew staff maintain the more than 350 miles of trails in our Santa Clara County Parks trail system. Work will include some brushing and pruning, but will mostly focus on tread work to help reduce erosion. Tools and gloves will be provided. Bring a water bottle, snacks, and gloves if you have them. Wear long sleeves and long pants, and bring a hat.

Please also note that trail work can be physically challenging and so you should come prepared to work up a sweat!

Minimum age: 14

SIGN UP HERE

Interested in giving back to Santa Clara County Parks in a long-term, defined capacity? Join us for an upcoming Volunteer Open House to learn about what opportunities we are recruiting for, their requirements, and how to get started!
And... bring a friend!

Click here to browse the current volunteer position openings.

Sign up online for the open house of your choice below - advance registration is preferred but not required.

If no shifts are listed below, please feel free to reach out to the volunteer program office to help answer questions and provide some guidance on potential volunteer opportunities for you. We're happy to help!

All long term volunteers must complete a background check, Outside Employment Form, and Sexual Harassment Training. Additional training and onboarding requirements vary by position.

Call 408-918-4930 or email [email protected] with questions.

Minimum age: 18

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP

Bernal Ranch is a historic site located in Santa Clara County Parks. The Muwekma Ohlone were the first inhabitants of the land and recognized the value of the natural fresh water spring of Santa Teresa Spring. The spring was also used during the Juan Bautista De Anza expedition in 1776. Jose Joaquin Bernal was thirteen years old when he first visited Santa Teresa Spring during the expedition. He eventually settled at Santa Teresa and 120 of his descendants lived on the same ranch land. Currently, the Santa Teresa community is home to a diverse population of families each with a unique history to the land.

Join us to volunteer and be part of the Santa Teresa community. Volunteer opportunities available include gardening, barn maintenance, and historical house upkeep. Hope to see you at the community volunteer days!

For families with children under 14, please be prepared to sign a release form for your child on the day of the event.

Minimum age: 8

SIGN UP HERE