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Are you passionate about protecting our planet and understanding its intricate ecosystems? Join our dedicated volunteer team to contribute to the understanding and conservation of vulnerable species and their natural habitats in the Coachella Valley! Most volunteer activities may include assisting in data collection and field surveys as part of our involvement in implementing the Coachella Valley Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (CVMSHCP). This unique educational opportunity allows you to learn alongside experienced researchers in the field, gaining hands-on experience while making a tangible difference in environmental conservation.
Join us in our mission to ensure the long-term conservation of Coachella Valley's ecological diversity. No prior experience is necessary, just an eagerness to learn and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
UCR CCB Volunteer Newsletter
UCR CCB Volunteer Newsletter
Read our Fall 2024 / Winter 2025 Volunteer Newsletter to gain a recap on the field season and to learn what we have planned for spring.
Every season spent in the field has been unique as we work alongside new and experienced volunteers within an ever-changing landscape. Thank you to everyone who has participated in this past spring and we look forward to old and new faces as we continue our conservation efforts!
FaWi2425 newsletter .pdf
Vertebrate Tracking Surveys
Our tracking field season occurs in the fall and spring. Alongside experienced ecologists, volunteers will learn how to recognize the tracks of the different vertebrates that call the Coachella Valley home. They will gather and record a wealth of data that can range from reptile tracks to bird calls. This volunteer activity will contribute to the monitoring of aeolian sand vertebrates in the Coachella Valley, with a focus on vulnerable species.
Annual and Perennial Plant Surveys
Annual and Perennial Plant Surveys
Annual plant surveys are performed in the spring and perennial plant surveys are performed in the fall. Our plant surveys can capture information on plant species richness, abundance, and coverage, as well as substrate types across the sand habitats of the Coachella Valley. These surveys are performed to monitor vulnerable plant species as well as the structure of important plant communities within the Coachella Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do volunteer opportunities take place?
We take our volunteers out to perform surveys that span the Coachella Valley. Often we ask that they meet us at the Palm Desert campus. Please only consider volunteering if you have reliable transportation to and from Coachella Valley.
How often do volunteer opportunities take place?
Our field season occurs mainly in the fall and spring, and we tend to have opportunities 3-4 times a week from Monday to Friday. Due to weather and schedule constraints, field days sometimes must be cancelled on short notice. In this case, we will contact scheduled volunteers as soon as possible.
What can I expect from volunteering out in the field?
Expect to spend a couple of hours outdoors alongside experienced biologists learning about desert ecosystems and scientific data collection. No experience is needed.
Please note that volunteers may trek rough terrain and extreme weather conditions. We are a supportive group and encourage any concerns to be brought to our attention so we can best accommodate volunteer needs.
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