Conservation Resources

Gardens & Landscapes

Pleasant Hill Instructional Garden: Learn about native, drought tolerant and wildlife gardening. Work parties on Sunday, check their website for dates https://phig.webs.com/. Eagle Scout Projects available. Inquire with Monika Olsen.
Rodgers Ranch Urban Farm: Learn about permaculture and biodynamic gardening at a historic farm in Pleasant Hill. Work parties every Saturday. http://www.rogersranch.org/rodgers-ranch-urban-farm.html . For Eagle Scout projects, contact Marian Woodard.
Friends of Wagner Ranch Nature Area: Join in every Sunday from 9 am – 1 pm to help out with gardening, general maintenance and light construction. Eagle Scout projects are also available. Contact them at https://fwrna.org/contact/
John Muir National Historic Site: Garden and landscape volunteers assist with manual labor in the park’s fruit/nut orchards and the Mt. Wanda open space areas. Biological internship also available. Contact the Volunteers In Parks Corps at 925-228-8860.

The Crayon Initiative: More than a half million pounds of crayons are discarded every year, turning into a waxy sludge that clogs our landfills and never biodegrades, and is also a waste of resources. The Crayon Initiative collects donated crayons from restaurants, schools and homes across the country, then melts them down and remanufactures them, reducing waste. Better yet, the recycled crayons are distributed to art programs at children’s hospitals across the US, brightening the lives of young patients during their stay. Get your troop involved collecting crayons! Learn more with this guide for Scouts: http://thecrayoninitiative.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/170604_TCI_Scouts_Program_Guide.pdf
Volunteer with RecycleSmart and Republic Services! Multiple Farmers Markets in Orinda, Moraga, Danville and Walnut Creek- Scouts can assist with waste sorting stations and the RecycleSmart booth. Annual events like Pleasant Hill’s Art Jazz & Wine can also use help with waste sorting stations. For more information, contact Ashley Louisiana
Vermicomposting (Worms!) and Bin Building Workshop with RecycleSmart: It’s $20 per family and includes all bin supplies, two hours of instruction and worms! It’s a great deal and such a fun experience. For more information, contact Ashley Louisiana

Walnut Creek Open Space Foundation: Work parties most weekends; minimum volunteer age is 14, but can be opened to younger children by prior arrangement with a leader (see link below). Eagle Project opportunities include site prep and planting of native plants, as well as invasive species removal. Other projects depend on scout interest. http://www.wcosf.org/calendar/events.html
Save Mt. Diablo: Join the Diablo Restoration Team (DiRT)! Dedicated to the conservation and enhancement of natural resources in Contra Costa County, volunteers meet monthly to get DiRTy and contribute to the stewardship of habitat for sensitive and endangered species. Contact Jim Cartan, [email protected]
Volunteers of Outdoor California: Trail work and camping. Visit www.v-o-cal.org
Friends of the Creeks: Help transform a weedy area of creek bank in Civic Park in Walnut Creek into a meadow of wildflowers and native grasses. Restoration days monthly on the second Saturday. Email [email protected].

Residential Recycled Water Fill Station: Monday-Friday, 9 am – 4 pm. (During wet weather and holidays, please call 925-335-7717.) http://www.centralsan.org/index.cfm?navId=1348
EBMUD Resources: In 1978, EBMUD began an education outreach program so that students can learn about water conservation, pollution prevention and watershed stewardship. EBMUD offers classroom materials in English and Spanish at three grade levels, outdoor classroom programs from November to April, and participates in regional education outreach programs. http://www.ebmud.com/recreation/teacher-resources/
Rotary Rain Harvesting Project: Get involved with installing rain barrels and other rain harvesting and water conservation techniques.
Central San Student Programs: CCCSD is pleased to offer the following education programs to teachers and schools to help students learn about protecting their environment. http://www.centralsan.org/index.cfm?navid=161

Lindsay Wildlife Experience: A variety of wonderful classes and leadership opportunities are available for youth: https://lindsaywildlife.org/event-category/teen-programs/

Contra Costa Transfer & Recovery Station Tours: Ever wonder what happens to trash after it’s whisked away from the curb? Gain an eye-opening glimpse into the world of garbage on these free tours.
Mt. Diablo Recycling Tours: Learn what happens to recycling after it leaves your curb! Contact Adriana Medina
Central San Treatment Plant Tours: Central San offers free virtual tours of its award-winning wastewater treatment plant. https://www.centralsan.org/virtual-plant-tour