As one would guess, learning more about opportunities in Orange County related to environmental protection, wildlife preservation, and habitat restoration require getting to know the individuals who are aware of what’s going on, when, and via which organization.  Becoming one of those individuals is another post entirely.  There are quite a few organizations in OC which focus on all of the above with a team of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds, biologists, botanists, and folks who know what they are doing due to years of experience and a passion for the natural world.  All individuals involved were and still are volunteers in some capacity.  There simply is no way to make the natural world in Orange County function and thrive without volunteering time.  Period.

To put your time and energy to good use, working with a team of individuals, each with a role and purpose, is much more effective and interesting than working alone.  In fact, you can’t work alone without a permit or membership process in most situations due to legal arrangements, land protections, and permit/certificate requirements.  Preservation and restoration requires skill to perform and enhance in all situations.  Training and education are the most important aspect of a successful operation in which the most positive results can be seen as a result of group work.   Most random volunteers, including me, do not start out with the knowledge and experience that’s necessary to take on some of the serious ecological problems Orange County is facing alone.  This is why working through and with an organization is the only safe and truly effective way to create change.

If you are interested in getting involved, check out volunteermatch.org which can unite volunteers with specific organizations that are creating change in a number of areas.  The types of volunteer work accessible through this site are many, not just ecological causes.  This is just one example of a major site which connects people to organizations.  Another way to make connections is to join a group via Yahoo Groups, such as Orange County Birding, which is a group that emails up to date information to all members pertaining to native and threatened/endangered bird species and various volunteer opportunities as well as seminars which may be informational or educational for those wishing to get involved.

Of course networking amongst friends and clubs at schools is always a great way to meet people who may know of things going on in your area.  Universities often have chapters and clubs which are dedicated to restoration and often individuals who know a great deal about the specific challenges that many ecosystems in Orange County are facing.  If you are a potential volunteer, schools are a great way to gain access to organizations as well as individuals who are training to become active members of organizations within environmental fields.

The reality is this: if you want to get involved, you have got to reach out and make an effort to learn about what is going on.  Sure, things may pop up before your eyes without much effort on your part, but by and large you will have to put your name and face out there to get the information that you need (how did you find this post?).  Don’t most things in life work this way?  Remember, volunteers are more valuable than most assets to organizations of various kinds, and volunteering is one of the most in-demand sectors of Orange County’s communities.  All communities in fact become greater, stronger, and even more connected when people recognize a cause and are willing to get their hands dirty for a few (or more) hours a month.

A few organizations to check up on:

• Sea & Sage Audubon Society
• Nature Conservancy
• Orange County Wild
• CREEC Network
• Back to Natives Restoration
• OCSCB

Keep in mind that every organization is unique and offers its own unique benefits to the community.  Members vary and there are many more organizations in Orange County.  This is simply a list based on my knowledge of Orange County environmental restoration projects and my interests.  There are many more out there and researching the internet, speaking with individuals who are members of organizations or clubs, and getting involved are obviously easy ways to locate more in your area.  Now that you are inspired, do some clicking, emailing, calling, or talking to find an organization or cause in your areas that you feel passionate about so you can show your love.