How Kids Can Help the Planet
With picturesque rolling hills, rugged peaks, and oak woodlands that teem with wildlife, our local parks and open spaces offer a lot to enjoy right in our backyard. But we need to take action to protect these priceless lands in perpetuity.
It can be easy to feel helpless in the face of the climate and biodiversity crises, barraged by constant news of their worsening impacts on the environment, especially if you’re young.
What if I told you that there’s a lot that you can do to help promote resilience within nature and our communities? You can celebrate Earth Day every day by connecting with the land and caring for nature!
Youth-Friendly Volunteer Opportunities
Photo by Kendra Smith
Ready to make a difference? We’ve gathered this list of local groups that provide great volunteer opportunities.
Whether you want a short- or long-term opportunity, each of these programs offers something a little different, with the goal of caring for the planet and giving back to nature.
Save Mount Diablo’s Diablo Restoration Team
Photos by Frenchy Hendryx
Our volunteer Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT) works year-round restoring our properties on and around Mount Diablo.
Join our next DiRT day to plant, protect, water, or care for native trees and plants to ensure that these habitats grow and support native wildlife for years to come.
The Mount Diablo Trails Alliance is a newly formed group that holds Dig Days for volunteers to help repair and maintain Mount Diablo State Park’s trails, with a focus on ensuring safety, preservation, and equitable access.
The alliance’s work is helping more people enjoy the beauty of Mount Diablo and is a great way to give back to the state park.
Contra Costa Resource Conservation District
The Contra Costa Resource Conservation District works to facilitate the conservation and stewardship of natural resources in Contra Costa County.
During Earth Month, they’re hosting and promoting numerous environmental stewardship days throughout the county! Join one of their family-friendly Earth Day cleanups or community workdays to make a lasting difference in your local open spaces.
And sign up for their email list to be notified of volunteer days throughout the year.
Photo by Juan Pablo Galván Martínez
Friends of Concord Creeks is a newly formed volunteer group dedicated to restoring the creeks and watersheds within Concord’s natural areas.
Join one of their upcoming workdays to help rebuild Concord’s natural habitats!
Friends of Marsh Creek organizes volunteers of all ages to help establish native gardens, clean up trash, and participate in educational events within the Marsh Creek watershed.
Not only do they get their hands dirty restoring the land, they also help promote environmental awareness through art, recreation, and a variety of other avenues.
Whatever your interest is, there’s a way that you can help this group protect and care for the Marsh Creek watershed.
Lindsay Wildlife Experience Teen Programs
Two kestrels that were rehabilitated by the Lindsay Wildlife Museum. Photo by Sean Burke
Teens interested in wildlife and the outdoors should consider joining one of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience’s teen programs.
Through these programs, teens learn how to safely handle rehabilitated animals and teach the public about them. It’s a great way to gain experience caring for wildlife and meet like-minded people with similar passions.
4-H is a youth development organization open to kids ages 5 to 19 that gives young people the freedom and resources to work on projects of their own choosing within the community.
There are several 4-H chapters throughout Contra Costa County. Consider joining your local chapter to have the opportunity to help your community and the environment while exploring your passions!
Get Outside with Us!
Discover Diablo: Rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park. Photo by Sean Burke
One of the best things we can do for nature is go outside, immerse ourselves, and connect with nature, because love is the basis of good stewardship.
Our Discover Diablo program is a great way for people of all ages to explore the Mount Diablo area.
We offer a variety of free excursions, such as medicinal herb walks, meditation hikes, painting outings, mountain biking, and rock climbing.
Join one of our upcoming Discover Diablo trips to deepen your love for nature!
Discover Diablo: Hit the Trails! Photo by Sean Burke
