There's no better way to get intimate with your city than to roll up your sleeves and join others in keeping San Francisco clean and green. From occasional clean-up days and tree-plantings, to more regular gigs as a volunteer, these SF environmental resources can help you find a good match.
Friends of the Urban Forest (FUF) has been around since 1981, providing assistance to aspiring tree planters. In just two decades, the organization has added more than 40,000 new trees to our city.
The FUF website has information on all things oak, maple, willow and beyond. They offer community plantings, advice for the solo planter, and medical intervention for ailing trees. You can also become a regular volunteer and learn more about our local environment in the process.
San Francisco residents owe a lot to Save the Bay. Since 1961, the organization has helped protect SF Bay from untreated sewage, garbage dumping and filling projects. In 2005, Save the Bay launched an extensive database they call
The Bay Classroom where you can click your way through topics relating to the Bay Area and its environment. Check the website for updates on beach clean-ups and other local events.
Green Connect encourages volunteer participation in community greening projects. Their areas of focus include planting trees, maintaining parks and revitalizing gateway entrances and exits around San Francisco. The Green Connect website maintains a list of current and upcoming events for volunteers.
Injured and sick sea mammals who are fortunate enough to be rescued by the Marine Mammal Center get some of the best medical care available. Every year, the Marin Headlands hospital receives and rehabilitates mammals that are too badly impaired to survive on their own. The hospital offers tours, education, an Adopt-a-Seal option, charity events and volunteer training. (The Center is temporary closed to visitors during renovation - updated May 2007.)
Nature in the City has a multi-faceted plan to help restore natural landscapes in San Francisco, and engage the community at the same time. The organization works on habitat restoration, education, and linking communities to their own environments, in an effort to encourage sustainability and conservation. The organization accepts drop-in volunteers throughout the month.
The SF Bicycle Coalition promotes the use of bicycles as a clean, green, and quiet form of alternative transportation. Throughout the month, SFBC sponsors bike-related classes, organizes biking events (such as Bike to Work Day), and, in general, works toward making San Francisco a more bike-friendly city. Some special events require volunteers. If you're serious about reducing your carbon footprint, get to know these guys and work on getting more intimate with two wheels.
If you're a homeowner or a builder in the San Francisco area, Build it Green is a non-profit with a wealth of resources. Build it Green specializes in helping people make their buildings and homes more eco-friendly. The website has an "ask the expert" section, programs and workshops, green home tours, and a searchable directory of green products for your building projects.
The Ecology Center on San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley is a perfect first stop if you're looking for green products or information on how to live in a more sustainable way. It's also a resource for those who are knowledgeable in environmental issues and need eco-friendly products, books or other information. The store carries non-toxic household cleaners, reusable produce bags, books, gardening products and many other items. The website is a good hub for environmental fact sheets and current events.
One Brick does not handle green events exclusively. But it's a brilliant way to get involved across the board with any number of activities you'll find on the One Brick calendar. There is no long-term commitment -- you just show up on the designated day of your chosen event, pitch in, and enjoy some socializing with fellow volunteers afterward if you'd like. The volunteer activities range from park restorations to working at the San Francisco Food Bank to setting up for festivals or just lending a hand to a local charitable organization.
This organization matches people with volunteer work of their choice. Go to the website, type in a zip code along with the type of work you’re seeking, and their search engine will bring up a list of available opportunities. Volunteer Match lists both long-term and as-needed volunteer positions.
