Announcing a New One-Stop Resource for Coastal Volunteer Opportunities
As Oregon’s coastal communities continue to welcome record numbers of visitors, there’s growing recognition that preserving the beauty and health of the region requires shared responsibility. That’s why this year, the Oregon Coast Visitors Association has ramped up a stewardship messaging campaign, encouraging travelers to “Coast Like a Local” by coming prepared—with the right permits, safety knowledge, and a mindset of care that encourages visitors and locals to give back.
Now, just in time for summer, OCVA is proud to introduce an exciting expansion to its Coast Like a Local dashboard: a new Volunteer Opportunities webpage that highlights a wide array of stewardship activities along the coast. Designed as a hub for both visitors and residents, the page showcases ways to give back—whether for an hour, a weekend, or over the long term.
The opportunities are diverse, and offer a variety of ways to give back depending on interest area, physical ability, length of time, and more.
- Beach Cleanups: Marine debris accumulates from both ocean currents and human activity. Even a short cleanup helps protect marine life and keeps beaches beautiful. Organized cleanups with partner organizations are available, or volunteers can simply bring a bag along during their beach walk.
- Trail Work: Coastal trails are among the region’s greatest assets, but they require time and upkeep. From day projects to overnight stewardship trips, volunteers can help maintain access to these cherished paths—and make friends who share a love for trails!
- Habitat Restoration: Volunteers play a vital role in restoring wetlands, dunes, and coastal forests. Projects may include removing invasive species, planting native flora, and supporting estuary health, all of which boost coastal resilience and biodiversity.
- Citizen Science: For those curious about the coast’s ecosystems, citizen science opportunities abound. Volunteers can help track marine mammals, survey seabirds, document king tides, and contribute to ongoing research that informs coastal conservation strategies.
- Ambassador Roles: For people who enjoy connecting with others, volunteer interpreter and ambassador roles offer a meaningful way to welcome visitors while promoting responsible recreation. Whether guiding a tidepool tour or pointing out gray whales offshore, ambassadors help foster a deeper connection to place.
- Community-Based Programs: Stewardship also means honoring cultural relationships to the land. For example, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians invite the public to join their Community Health Clinic Garden Program, which combines food sovereignty and cultural practice. Volunteer garden days are held the fourth Friday of each month.
By volunteering time and effort, visitors and locals can take active roles in protecting the landscapes they love. Time spent outside working on trails, cleaning up beaches, and contributing to the health of a place deepens our personal connections to the land. Together we can lessen our impact, and preserve the future for the people that live and visit this incredible place.
Do you offer a volunteer opportunity we haven’t listed? We’d love to hear about it. The OCVA team is committed to growing the volunteer hub as a shared resource for everyone who loves this place and wants to be part of its future.