A successful partnership of life, community, and the City of Torrance.
A successful partnership of life, community, and the City of Torrance.
You have skills we value, and we would be delighted if you could share them at the Preserve and Nature Center. We are always searching for a few friends who would share a few hours of their time.
You can apply for any volunteer position by completing our online application. You can decide when you’re available and select up to three preferred positions in the application. If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments please email us at nature1@torranceca.gov.
Here are some activities to choose from:
Spend 3-4 hours once or twice a month in the gift shop. The shop is generally open Friday and Saturday, and during special events at the Nature Center.
Docents lead the tours for preschoolers through high school students. Training is held during the summer and fall. There are about 4-5 two hour training sessions and encouragement is offered all year long. Docent tours are offered September through May, Tuesday-Thursday, from 10:00-12:00.
» Position Description
We need some Friends who would staff a table at various local events in the South Bay. This is usually a half day commitment to smile, hand out flyers, talk about Madrona Marsh. Occasionally the event host supplies lunch, and you always meet interesting people.
We publish three newsletters a year and would like to include your short story about your experiences at the Nature Center and Preserve. Articles need only be a paragraph or two. We appreciate correct spelling and punctuation and are hoping for articles of interest to our readers. Your name is necessary as we won’t publish anonymous articles.
Assist Preserve staff with clerical tasks including typing, data entry, preparing monthly calendars, duplicating, etc. under the direction of Nature Center staff.
» Position Description
Front desk volunteers are the first friendly face guests see upon visiting the Nature Center. A warm welcoming smile and strong customer service are most valued. Reception volunteers are the main hub for guest services such as answering phones, fielding guest questions and being knowledgeable about events occurring at the Nature Center. Receptionists may take first time visitors on a short tour of the Nature Center but listen for the phone.Walk around the Nature Center each half hour to insure all is well in the classroom and exhibit hall. Its is often necessary to tidy up the classroom and the flyers.
Front gate volunteers are the first friendly face guests see upon visiting the Preserve. Greet all visitors with a warm welcoming smile and a friendly good morning/afternoon. Front gate volunteers are the main hub for guest services such as fielding guest questions and being knowledgeable about what is happening on the Preserve. Many visitors enjoy chatting with the receptionist about what they saw on the Preserve. It is also very important to keep an accurate count of the number of visitors entering and exiting the Preserve.
Assist in the daily cleaning of exhibits, preparing diets, feeding animals, observing animals, record keeping, providing enrichment and are responsible for keeping all animal areas clean and disinfected. Occasionally, public speaking and animal handling is needed. Must be comfortable around turtles, tortoises, snakes, and amphibians. Must be at least 18 years of age.
» Position Description
Would you like to help create and learn about different habitats? Help us remove non-native plants, replace them with locally grown native plants, and pick up trash left at the Preserve. Soon, the work you will have done will attract many birds, butterflies and other insects.
Open to all ages; participants 14 years and under must be accompanied by an an adult and all participants 18 and under must have a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian. Participants must arrive on time and wear close-toed shoes. Please bring your own drinks and snacks.
The Habitat Restoration program is scheduled on an intermittent basis until further notice.
