Students are often looking for ways to get experience with native plants or ways to get involved and ways to learn more about our flora. Sometimes these interests arise out of a senior school project, a scout project, a community service interest or simply out of an interest in our natural world.

However the source of the interest, here are some ways that students and other young individuals can get native plant experience and get involved:

Field Trips: OC CNPS conducts native plant field trips in Orange County and nearby areas. Interested students can assist by helping to record the species seen, helping with sign-ins and registration, writing a post-trip report and in other ways. Learn about our field trip program on our Explore page and contact us by sending a note to the Field Trip Committee Chair at .

Invasive Plant Management: OC CNPS is a leader in the early detection and management of many invasive plants in Orange County. Invasive plants are one of the greatest threats to the health of our native flora and natural areas. Periodically, we organize invasive plant Weed Pulls in various places around the county. Learn more about our Emergent Invasive Plant Program at our Invasive Plant section and get involved by inquiring to .

Annual Home Garden Tour: During this one-day annual event native plant experts open up their home gardens for the public to enjoy. You may be able to help by hosting a garden, helping with ticket sales, check-ins, some garden work, etc. To volunteer or get more information send a note to the Committee Chair, Sarah Jayne, at gardentour@occnps.org.

Outreach Programs: Each year OC CNPS hosts information and outreach tables at various events around the county. Some of these include garden shows, environmental fairs, natural history exhibits and more. We are often in need of help setting up, hauling plants and supplies, staffing and take-down. Check our Home page for upcoming events and volunteer to help.

General Meetings: Students are always welcome at our chapter general meetings. Speakers and topics change each month and the meetings are free and open to the public. Say hello and let us know you are interested in getting involved. You can even come early and help set out the chairs and tables. Meeting dates, topics and other details are on our Home page.

In addition, you may be interested in learning about our OC CNPS sponsored Grants.  If there are other ways you would like to get involved, just let us know. You can connect with us through the Contact Us page.
 
When contacting us about a specific project please include as much detail as possible. Important information might include the project dates and deadlines, the name of the student project coordinator and an outline of the project and its objectives.
 
Other conservation and stewardship organizations in Orange County also offer volunteer opportunities. Many of these involve plant restoration, invasive plant management, plant conservation activities, planting and much more. Here are a few:

Audubon Starr Ranch Sanctuary

Back to Natives Restoration

Bolsa Chica Conservancy

Chino Hills State Park

Irvine Ranch Conservancy

Laguna Canyon Foundation

Newport Bay Conservancy

OC Parks