Volunteer Opportunities

Bolinas Lagoon Restoration

The Kent Island Restoration Project is led by Marin County Parks with support from Greater Farallones Association and in partnership with Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries. Volunteers for this project help restore unique sand dune habitat through the removal of invasive vegetation on Kent Island, promoting the return of native plants and improving the health of Bolinas Lagoon. Participants take a short row boat ride to the island and receive training on how to identify and remove invasive plants while learning about the ecology of this unique lagoon island.

Kent Island volunteer days take place during summer months. Check the Marin County Parks website for upcoming volunteer dates.

Three people kneel next to a large pile of invasive plants that have been removed.

Special Events

Help put on exciting annual events including Sharktoberfest and Art & Science Soirées! Whether it’s helping to create creative displays, assisting with event setup, or educating the public with hands-on activities, our special event volunteers are invaluable.

Email Justin.Holl@noaa.gov to learn more.

A child standing outside reaches up to touch a clay model of a shark displayed on a table.

Visitor Center

Volunteers meet and greet visitors at the welcome desk and learn specialized skills like assisting with cold saltwater aquarium maintenance, feeding aquarium animals, and towing for fresh plankton samples from the pier. Volunteers with an interest and experience in education, aquarium care, maintenance, or landscaping are especially encouraged to apply. Volunteers are initially trained by our education staff and will volunteer a minimum of 12 weeks. Available Wednesday-Sunday. Weekend volunteers are especially needed between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm both Saturday and Sunday.

Email Justin.Holl@noaa.gov to learn more.

A person sits behind a desk in the Visitor Center viewing a plankton sample on a computer monitor.