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Volunteer

Volunteer with the Trail Center. Our current projects include trail building, maintenance and repair. Trail work opportunities and are listed on the Events page.

We also need many other skills to keep the organization running, such as writing, photography, hospitality, grant writing, and technical assistance. Please contact us if you can offer your talents to our organization.

Ways to Sign Up:


emailEmail:
Drop us an email at
volunteer@trailcenter.org and let us know which trail work event you want to attend or other ways you can help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary of questions we frequently receive from people who are first-time volunteers with the Trail Center.

Q: What should I wear?
A: Boots or sturdy shoes, long pants, and layered clothing on top. A long-sleeved pullover or sweatshirt over a long-sleeved t-shirt usually works well because one is prepared for cold or hot weather. Even if its really cold, you'll warm up once you start working. Other items to consider wearing or bringing are sunblock, sunglasses, and a hat.

Q: What should I bring?
A: You should bring a sack lunch and plenty of water. Bring work gloves if you have them.

Q: Do I need to bring tools?
A: No. The Trail Center will provide the tools.

Q: Do I need trail building experience?
A: No. The Trail Center will provide the training necessary for you to build. The Crew Leaders and Rangers will be there to guide you and answer any questions you may have.

Q: Can I bring my friend(s)?
A: Yes, but we ask that you RSVP for the build with the name, phone number, and e-mail of each individual who is attending. In order for us to plan how many Crew Leaders are required to guide volunteers and maintain a safe working environment, we need to have an accurate volunteer headcount.

Q: Why do you need the phone number and e-mail of each individual?
A: In the unlikely event that we have to cancel a build due to rain or other circumstances, we need to be able to contact each individual who has signed up for the build. We keep this information for our records, and do not give or sell it to third parties.

Q: What if it is raining on the day of the build? How will I know if it is canceled?
A: After 7:00 am on the day of the build, you can call the Trail Center at (650) 968-7065. The recorded message will tell you the build status.

Q: When do we meet?
A: The meeting time is set for 8:30 am. The Project Leader, Crew Leaders, and/or Rangers supervising the build will give an introductory safety talk and hand out waivers for everyone to sign. After the talk, the group hikes over to the build location. The build will usually start at about 9:00 am.

Q: What if I'm late?
A: There is no guarantee that the group will stick around to wait for latecomers. Often, the hike over to the build location is far enough so that one cannot hear the group. The best away to avoid being left behind is to be on time!

Q: Is there an age limitation for volunteers?
A: Yes. Due to liability reasons, we limit our volunteer age to 14 years and above. Also, if any volunteer is a minor (under 18), we require that the guardian sign a waiver form for the minor. Groups with minors must have one or more adult supervisors attend for every five or six youth. Children under fourteen may attend if accompanied by a parent or guardian and if the site supervisor for the day approves. Please contact the Trail Center if you have additional questions.