Ways to Get Involved
Whether you want to further conservation, learn more about nature or share your love of the outdoors, you’ve come to the right place. National wildlife refuges provide many opportunities for you to help your community by doing what you love. National wildlife refuges partner with volunteers, youth groups, landowners, neighbors and residents of urban and coastal communities to make a lasting difference. Find out how you can help make American lands healthier and communities stronger while doing something personally satisfying.
Do you want to be among those who are renewing the refuge? If so, email us at valledeoro@fws.gov and let us know.
Volunteering
Discover for yourself what tens of thousands of volunteers have learned: Volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is fun and rewarding in many ways. Master new skills. Meet new friends. Enjoy a sense of accomplishment from doing your part to further wildlife conservation for the pleasure of generations to follow.
Valle de Oro is currently recruiting volunteers to help staff the welcome desk in the visitor center, and in the Spring we will be seeking volunteers to help control invasive plant growth.
Up to date volunteer opportunities can be found on volunteer.gov , just search "Valle de Oro" to find more information and apply to join our volunteer team. Email us at valledeoro@fws.gov for more info.
Our Partners
Today, the refuge works with community partners to establish a 21st Century conservation ethic and deepen connections to the natural world. We use an innovative and collaborative approach to connect people with wildlife, plants and the land by providing equitable and just ways to deepen personal relationships with nature. The refuge balances healthy natural habitat restoration and management with opportunities for education, visitor engagement, youth employment, community involvement and stewardship.
The refuge was established due to the incredible efforts of community members who saw the value of having a wildlife refuge in this urban setting and the need to project this land from development. Designated as an Urban National Wildlife Refuge, Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge is one of just over 100 refuges that are within a 25-mile radius of an urban area with a population of more than 250,000. Our model of community-based conservation is growing in the greater refuge system.
Education Programs
Whether you want your class to experience a self guided opportunity, or would like an education program with a Ranger, a variety of opportunities are available for educational groups hoping to learn about Valle de Oro National Wildlife Refuge. All programs are free. We ask that educators looking to schedule a program contact us at least one month prior to your desired field trip date. For further information call: 505-248-6667.