FAQs
What kind of volunteer opportunities do you have?
All kinds! Learn more by visiting our volunteer program page to register for an upcoming volunteer event.
Can minors participate?
Most of our events allow youth to participate. Please see event details when you register. Youth ages 17 and under must have their parent or guardian approve an online minor waiver when registering through Eventbrite. Children under the age of 13 need a responsible adult in attendance as well as an approved minor waiver.
Where do I find a minor waiver?
The minor waiver is embedded in our Eventbrite sign up process. When registering a volunteer age 17 or under for any of our events, answer “yes” to the question “is this participant under 18?” and the waiver text will automatically appear. Parents and guardians simply need to read through the text and check the box for approval, similar to an electronic signature. After that, you’re all set to participate..
Do I need to pre-register?
Yes, please. Registering for an event allows us to plan for enough tools, supervision, and work for the volunteers. We will also be able to reach you if there is a last-minute cancellation due to weather or other circumstances.
What if an event is full?
We offer many volunteer events. If your first choice is full, consider an event at a different program site.
I signed up for an event, but I don’t know where to go. What should I do?
Location and directions for workdays are listed on the Eventbrite registration page for each event. If you have additional questions, reach out to the email address provided on the event page.
What activities should I expect to do?
Our work is often similar to gardening or landscaping. Volunteers should expect to hike on and off trail, remove invasive weeds, plant native shrubs and grasses, and maintain existing restoration zones through watering, mulching, pruning, fencing, etc. Participants will also have the opportunity to interact with staff and other community members and learn about local wildlife.
What should I bring to my volunteer event?
-A refillable water bottle
-Sturdy, closed-toe shoes that can get dirty
-Sun protection like a hat and/or sunscreen
-An Epi Pen or allergy medication if you have one prescribed to you
-Rain gear and boots, if needed
-Long pants and layers are recommended
-We will provide gloves and tools
Can I receive credit for community service?
Yes! Staff are happy to verify service hours for class requirements, club affiliations, college applications, court-ordered community service, and other reasons. Please see our service hours verification policy for further details and instructions.
Can my community or corporate group sign up to volunteer?
Yes! Please fill out a group event request form, and we will reach out to you about setting up a private volunteer event for your group.
What about accessibility?
Grassroots Ecology strongly encourages people from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to participate in our programs. Most of our programs are outdoors and involve moving and working in a variety of landscapes. Tasks may require bending/kneeling, lifting and carrying wheelbarrows or buckets, and using shovels or hand tools. However, our projects vary widely from day to day, and our staff is flexible in accommodating different needs. If you have accessibility concerns (i.e. allergies, limited mobility, learning differences), we are happy to work with you. Please reach out to the workday facilitator so we can best prepare for your participation.
Do work days ever get cancelled?
Most of our events are rain or shine. However, environmental and weather-related hazards occasionally create unsafe conditions for staff and volunteers. When an event is cancelled, participants will receive an email from their workday facilitator via Eventbrite.
What if registered for an event but can no longer attend?
No problem! If you can no longer attend, please cancel your event ticket through Eventbrite so we can open up a spot for someone else to register or join from the waitlist.
How is Grassroots Ecology managing COVID-19 safety?
We ask that staff and volunteers who have recently tested positive or been exposed to COVID-19 follow the Santa Clara County Public Health Guidelines to determine when it is safe to participate in events. Additionally, we ensure that hand washing and/or hand sanitizer is available at all sites, and gloves are washed between uses. Our volunteer events are all outdoors where transmission risk is lower than indoor settings. Masks are optional for program participants.
Do you offer educational workshops and nature walks?
Yes! We share our love of nature through Naturalist Walks occurring at various locations throughout the year. We host a quarterly Watershed Forum, as well as other educational workshops. Please see our volunteer calendar for upcoming events. You can also sign up for our weekly events email to stay on top of the latest event opportunities.
Do you offer consulting services for homeowners who want to “go native?”
While we do not consult on an individual basis, we invite you to read our gardening tips for ideas about native gardens and ecological gardening guidelines.
Can't find the answers you need? Contact us at info@grassrootsecology.org.