We've compiled a list of our most common questions and answers for your convenience. Have a question not mentioned on this page? Feel free to send us an email and we can get back to you ASAP.
Children 14 and over are welcome on V-O-Cal projects. Volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Youth participation will be extended in the future as we grow our youth program.
Sorry, for the safety of all participants, no pets are allowed on projects.
For most projects, no, you don't have to camp. As long as you can get to the project site by the start of the work day (8am), you are welcome to stay anywhere you like!
The easiest way to sign up for a project is online. From the "Sign up" action link, you complete a registration and will receive an e-mail confirming that your registration information has been received.
Each project allows for many different levels of skill and exertion, so most projects have a role for almost everyone. Each project is rated, however, as easy, moderate, or difficult.
NO! You'll be working on a crew with a V-O-Cal Crew Leader who will work with your crew and show you all you need to know.
Most of V-O-Cal projects last the full weekend and we encourage volunteers to sign up for the entire event if possible, but we want you even if you can only participate for one day.
In an effort to help volunteers choose projects that are appropriate for them (and will therefore be fun instead of torture) we have borrowed the difficulty rating system. Each project description is rated.
Yes! Join the kitchen crew! Instead of working on the trail, you can be part of the most appreciated crew on any project and have several hours free in the middle of the day to enjoy the beauty of the project area. The kitchen crew is as vital to the project as are any of the crews.
Always bring your own plate and eating utensils and a container for water, e.g., camelback, water bottle, etc.. Closed-toe shoes are required and gloves are strongly recommended. If you plan to camp, bring your tent and sleeping bag. V-O-Cal provides all the food and the PSC crew does all the cooking, so the camping is easy. Some projects have specific needs and/or recommendations, so the project "education/fact piece" (sent to you approximately ten days before the project) will have a list for you.
You will receive detailed project information via e-mail approximately ten days prior to each project. This "education/fact piece" will give background on the project, as well as all the logistical information you'll need, such as: how to get to the project, transportation options, what time to be there, what to bring, what meals we will provide, where to park, where to camp, where to stay if you don't want to camp, etc.. If you do not receive your "ed piece" PLEASE contact us.
Call the V-O-Cal office at 415-367-3469 or cancel your on-line registration on Sign Up Genius as soon as possible! (The link will be on Sign Up Genius.) Because our projects are planned for a specific number of volunteers and our food crew plans accordingly, notifying us you cannot make it is very important!
V-O-Cal encourages carpooling for all projects, and directly arranges transportation for some projects with especially limited parking. Your project "ed piece" will give provide specific information about transportation for your project.
Projects are generally not canceled because of rain (or snow) showers-- weather must be severe before we'll cancel a project. Check our home page for any News Flash or call V-O-Cal at 650-298-9774 for information on cancellations.
V-O-Cal projects range in size from 60-500 volunteers.
New trail construction, trail rehabilitation and maintenance, trail closure and revegetation, habitat restoration, and invasive species removal.
The Project Selection Committee works hard to select great projects.
V-O-Cal works all over the region with a variety of land managers. Our large-scale projects are much bigger and, therefore, require a lot of planning ahead of time. We work with other organizations as well as the agencies to draw in local volunteers.
