People of all ages—from high school students to retired seniors—and from a variety of backgrounds volunteer at Yolo Basin Foundation. 

Our volunteers include people who enjoy nature, care about the environment, and like giving back to their community. For example:

• Individuals, families, and corporate or community groups
• Students, parents, professionals, and retirees
• Seasonal, weekly, occasional, or one-time volunteers

Depending on their interests, experience, and the time they have available, volunteers contribute to Yolo Basin Foundation in a variety of meaningful ways—welcoming visitors to the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Headquarters, inputting data, educating people of all ages, photographing events, assembling educational materials, and assisting with land management projects.

Whether you only have one Saturday morning to commit or are available one afternoon each week, you can make a difference at Yolo Basin Foundation.

Many volunteer positions are seasonal in nature, requiring a short-term commitment of several months.

Special events and special projects—such as YBWA cleanups, California Duck Days nature festival, and Bucks for Ducks fundraise —provide one-day opportunities for volunteers with busy schedules.

There are no set weekly time commitments. Volunteers can get involved in a variety of ways and times that suit the volunteer’s own schedule. However, volunteers should regard their commitments as solid commitments. We request that volunteers notify YBF staff with as much prior notice as possible if they cannot make their shift. We value the time and energy volunteers contribute to our mission.

Many volunteer positions, especially those for special events, do not require specific training. However, several YBF programs require participation in structured training sessions. These training sessions are held periodically once a year, but applicants can still complete these requirements by contacting our Community Engagement Coordinator at [email protected].

For programs that work directly with youth (such as the Discover the Flyway school program), volunteers are required to complete a background check and complete a virtual mandated reporter training.

All volunteers must read and sign the YBF Volunteer Acknowledgement form in the volunteer handbook.

Volunteers under the age of 18 must be assigned an adult supervisor and must complete an additional parental permission form. Arrangements for this supervision must be approved by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.