Become Part of A Conservation Community

Why Volunteer with Friends of the Desert Mountains?

Volunteering with Friends of the Desert Mountains not only supports our mission but also brings rewarding and unexpected benefits to those involved. Beyond the pride and accomplishment gained from individual projects—such as trail maintenance, community science, interpretive hikes, visitor center duties, and outreach—volunteers often experience a strong sense of family. This connection grows naturally from shared values, mutual respect, and a deep commitment to preserving the environment. Together, through stewardship and community events, Friends volunteers and staff build lasting bonds while making a meaningful impact on the desert mountains we cherish. Learn more about specific volunteer opportunities below.

Hikes – Join us in helping visitors explore the beauty of the desert by volunteering as a hike leader or “sweep” on guided hikes. Volunteers can also become interpretive speakers, leading adults, children, and groups through the monument’s unique landscapes. Interpretive speakers receive in-depth training to learn about the diverse flora and fauna of the National Monument, gaining the knowledge needed to share meaningful insights and enrich the visitor experience.

Trail Stewardship – Support BLM and Forest Service efforts by helping to maintain and improve trails throughout the National Monument. Volunteers hike into various locations—sometimes through strenuous terrain—to clear brush and vegetation, repair and enhance trail tread, obscure unauthorized trails, install signage, remove invasive species, and more. This hands-on work is vital to preserving safe, sustainable access to the monument’s natural resources.

Garden Club – Help preserve the biodiversity of the desert by volunteering to water plants along the Ed Hastey Garden Walk within the National Monument Visitor Center campus. This work helps support the health of these beautiful, native plants that educate visitors about the flora in our desert environment.

Trail Ambassadors – Serve as a friendly and knowledgeable presence on the trail by promoting responsible recreation and monitoring trail conditions. Trail volunteers support the enjoyment and stewardship of the area by educating visitors on trail etiquette, assisting with directions, and reporting maintenance or cleanup needs—helping ensure a safe and positive experience for all.

Visitor Center – Support the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument by volunteering at the Visitor Center and Gift Shop. Volunteers assist guests by helping them plan their visit, providing trail information, and offering guidance on exploring the monument. They also help with gift shop sales, creating a welcoming and informative experience for all visitors. Background check required.

Community Science – Join a collaborative effort to explore the natural world by heading outdoors, recording your observations, and collecting data to help answer real scientific questions. Using the iNaturalist app, you’ll contribute valuable information to ongoing research projects, working alongside professional scientists and fellow citizen scientists in a shared quest to better understand nature.

Land Monitoring – Land monitoring involves regularly hiking designated parcels to observe and report any changes or issues. Volunteers play a key role by visiting these areas on a consistent basis, helping to protect the landscape through careful observation and timely reporting of concerns such as erosion, unauthorized use, or environmental impacts.

Outreach – Help grow awareness and support for Friends by serving as a community ambassador. This role involves connecting with the public, building relationships, understanding local needs, and promoting our mission through a variety of activities. Volunteers may attend community events, collaborate with partner organizations, and use different communication channels to inform, inspire, and engage the broader community.

Youth Education – Inspire the next generation to connect with the outdoors and appreciate the natural world. Our youth education program introduces students to local natural areas, where they learn about outdoor recreation, safe and responsible hiking, native plants, and regional wildlife. Throughout the year, we offer a variety of events and programs designed to foster a lifelong love for nature and environmental stewardship. Background check required.

Events – Get involved by supporting the annual Coachella Valley Wildflower Festival and other community events. Volunteers assist with a variety of tasks including event setup, registration, and crowd management—helping ensure a smooth, safe, and enjoyable experience for all attendees.