There are many ways you can volunteer at Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP). The park’s volunteers are appreciated and valued–you can make a difference at MTRP!
Visitor and Interpretive Center
Working at the Visitor Center front desk, these volunteers welcome guests to the park, answer questions about the trails, activities, programs, work in the Gift Shop, and start presentations in the theater. During the week, they assist Park Rangers and MTRP Foundation staff in welcoming school groups to the park. Visitor Center volunteers work half-day shifts, from 8:45AM-1PM, or 1-5:15PM. Gift Shop shifts are also available, from 10AM-2PM. If interested in volunteering with MTRP Foundation at the Visitor Center, please complete the online Visitor Center Volunteer Application. Questions? Please contact the MTRP Foundation at mtrp@mtrp.org or 619-668-3280.
Trail Guides
These City of San Diego volunteers lead interpretive walks in the park, host educational Discovery Tables, and participate in outreach programs. The annual, extensive Trail Guide training takes place at the beginning of each calendar year. For more information, please contact Ranger Monica Demetry at mdemetry@sandiego.gov.
Volunteer Work Crews
Do you enjoy the many wonders of Mission Trails? Well, then how about pitching in some time to help keep it the wonderful place that it is. You can get your exercise for the day while helping to make a difference at the same time.
Trail Maintenance Crew
First Sunday of the month
Help keep trails safe and accessible by clearing debris, trimming vegetation, and repairing erosion. No experience needed – just a love for the outdoors and a willingness to get hands dirty! For more information and to RSVP Contact Ranger Cristian at NavarroCA@sandiego.gov.
Habitat Restoration Crew
Second Saturday of the month
Assist Ranger Steven Blankenship with non-native plant eradication, habitat protection, and revegetation projects on the second Saturday of each month. For more information and to RSVP, please send an email to SBlankenship@sandiego.gov or call 619-668-3279.
Kumeyaay Lake Campground Crew
Third Saturday of the month
Have you ever camped at the Kumeyaay Lake Campground? Would you like to help improve it by volunteering? Assist Ranger Brandon Botticelli with a variety of projects in and around the Kumeyaay Lake Campground. For more information and to RSVP, please send an email to BBotticelli@sandiego.gov. The crew meets in the Day Use Lot.
Park Beautification Crew
Fourth Saturday of the month
Help beautify the park with Ranger Elizabeth Delgado on the fourth Saturday of each month. For more information and to RSVP, please send an email to EDelgado@sandiego.gov.
Trail Tykes Readers
Join us in helping to educate little explorers through the MTRP Foundation’s Trail Tykes read-aloud program at the Visitor Center. The events take place on the second and fourth Sunday and Monday of each month and every Wednesday afternoon, and volunteers collaborate with MTRP Foundation staff to present the free program. For more information, contact Alissa Lustgarten, MTRP Foundation’s Lead Educator at alustgarten@mtrp.org
To learn more, and share the volunteer opportunities at Mission Trails with others, you can view and download this volunteer flyer.