Friends of the Desert Mountains

Join Us as a Volunteer and Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about nature, community, and making a tangible impact? We invite you to be a part of our vibrant team of volunteers at Friends of the Desert Mountains! Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or someone eager to learn, there’s a place for you in our diverse range of volunteer programs. Here’s how you can get involved:

Exciting Volunteer Opportunities:

• Guided & Training Hikes: Share your love for nature while guiding and educating hikers on scenic trails.
• Education, Training & Outreach: Help spread knowledge and inspire others about our mission and conservation efforts.
• Visitor Services: Be the welcoming face that makes every visitor’s experience memorable and informative.
• Stewardship/Ed Hastey Trail: Contribute to the maintenance and beautification of our beloved trails.
• Ambassadorship: Represent our organization at events and foster strong community connections.
• Weed Warriors: Join the battle against invasive species and help preserve native ecosystems.
• Citizen Science: Engage in exciting projects that contribute to important scientific research.
• Events: Assist with organizing and running events that bring our community together.
• Clean-up: Help keep our parks and trails pristine and beautiful for everyone.
• Youth Education: Inspire the next generation with educational programs and activities.
• Senior Education Program: Work with seniors to enrich their understanding of local nature and conservation.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a Difference: Directly contribute to preserving natural spaces and educating the community.
• Learn & Grow: Gain valuable skills in areas like hiking safety, conservation, and public engagement.
• Connect: Join a supportive team of like-minded individuals who share your passion for nature and community.

What We’re Looking For:

• Passion & Dedication: A genuine interest in supporting our mission and making a positive impact.
• Empathy & Professionalism: Sensitivity to others’ needs and the ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Adaptability: Comfort with working both independently and as part of a team, in diverse settings.
• Age & Physical Requirements: Must be 18+ for certain roles; ability to hike on uneven terrain and perform physical tasks as needed.

Getting Started:

1. Orientation Session: Schedule and attend an orientation with our Volunteer Coordinator.
2. Application: Complete our straightforward volunteer application.
3. Background Check: Agree to background testing procedures and certification, if applicable.

Comprehensive Training Includes:

• Organizational Knowledge: Learn about the Friends, National Mountain, BLM, and USFS.
• Technical Skills: Use of GPS, compass, map, and camera.
• Safety Training: Hiking safety, first aid, and CPR.
• Local Insights: Knowledge of Coachella Valley’s history, conservation efforts, wildlife, flora, fauna, and geology.

Ready to make a meaningful impact? Join us and be a part of something great. Together, we can protect our beautiful landscapes and educate our community!