For those of you interested in volunteer work which benefits local ecosystems, this post is simple, to the point, and meant just for you ;) Looking for the right organization to help you gain knowledge in a number of areas, including native plant species, landscape practices which are beneficial, and gardening/plant cultivation?

Enter: Back to Natives Restoration. This non-profit organization is managed by a group of amazing individuals who each have a spirit of service about them, high energy, and a willingness to get dirty for the cause. Through helping hands like yours, this organization contributes to open spaces and habitat restoration in Orange County, which means cleaner air, hiking trails, biodiversity, preservation of declining species, and more.

I have personally volunteered with Back to Natives and have met many inspiring and helpful people, all united for a common purpose. The organization also offers educational programs which educate young children about the importance of preserving native species and open, natural areas. This is something we need more of. Orange County is already inundated with development and a population of over three million people. This population and development grows each year and shows no signs of stopping. It is vital that we preserve and protect some of the local beauty in Orange County.

Back to Natives Restoration was recently featured in an article in the Orange County Register where their work was highlighted. The organization also offers a FREE opportunity for USFS certification in Dry Land Restoration after a nine month training that involves volunteering only one Saturday per month and a final test to ensure each volunteer’s knowledge of native plants and tool usage during weeding. Check out their site and see if any upcoming events sound intriguing! Afterall, getting involved is what has preserved the beautiful areas of Orange County so far, and volunteers alone make this possible.

Visit http://www.backtonatives.org for more information.