VOLUNTEER
VOLUNTEER
We rely on volunteers from across LA County to help us safeguard the Marine Protected Areas off our coast, combat stormwater and plastic pollution in our neighborhoods, and monitor the health of our rivers and creeks. Scroll down to see upcoming volunteer events!
MPA Watch
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) is an ocean area where consumptive human activities, such as fishing, are limited or restricted to protect or conserve marine life or habitats. As the first on-the-water MPA Watch program in California and the only source of on-the-water data in Los Angeles, the program is critical to ensuring these precious habitats are protected and preserved for all to enjoy.
We typically bring more than 300 volunteers on board every year to collect critical data that helps improve the management of these “underwater parks” and provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the water. We are proud that this program promotes coastal access for students, underserved youth, volunteers, and Angelenos of all stripes and look forward to reengaging volunteers to build long-term awareness and support of MPAs. MPA volunteers must be 18 years of age to volunteer.
This program is currently on hold due to boat maintenance and until it is safe to do so under evolving COVID-19 public health guidelines. We will notify all when the program resumes for the general public.
River Assessment Field Team (RAFT)
Join our River Assessment Field Team (RAFT) to cleanup and collect data that can help inform decisions about future LA River Restoration.
RAFT is our community science program where volunteers explore the LA River, while learning about its history and the challenges facing the river. Volunteers collect valuable scientific data through water sampling, use iNaturalist to measure biodiversity, as well as cleanup and document plastic and other waste using Litterati.
The RAFT program is key for gathering important data on our waterways and making scientific information more accessible to all members of our community. Sign up to volunteer today!
Community Water Watch
When it rains, it pours! And in LA, we see an astounding 100 billion gallons of runoff every year, which threatens public health, our environment, and economic health. Through our Community Water Watch program (CWW), we seek to ensure that community members living in LA’s most impacted industrial areas have the tools, training, and resources to identify toxic runoff and hold polluters and regulators accountable.
CWW volunteers are trained in water quality sampling and collect runoff samples during a rainstorm. We utilize the data collected to advocate for and support a healthier environment. CWW volunteers must be at least 18 years of age to volunteer.
Creeks 2 Coast Cleanup Challenge
Los Angeles County is expansive, with a healthy mix of beautiful beaches, bays, parks, and open spaces throughout its 4,751 sq miles. Yet, despite the ecologic ecological and community importance, we continue to find litter creating adverse impacts. But you can help- join the Creeks 2 Coast Challenge (C2C Challenge) and make an impact in our greater Los Angeles community!
The C2C Challenge is a decentralized cleanup program. It allows participants to engage in cleanups from a distance – without sacrificing our impact or scientific integrity. Participants pick FOUR sites from the categories of their choice; challenge sites are categorized into four groups: Coastal, River & Creeks, Metropolitan Parks, and Trails. You’ll have a year to complete the six cleanups, and become a Cleanup Champion!
Looking for corporate or private cleanup opportunities? Contact info@lawaterkeeper.org.
