Welcome to SMGA Volunteer Opportunities

The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. Our mission is to create and conserve an interconnected system of parks, natural areas, and trails across San Marcos.

Volunteer opportunities are open to adults and youth, individuals and groups. Many projects take place in local natural areas and you can help out on others from the comfort of your home. We always need a variety of skills and time commitments. We survive on the membership dues, donations, grants, perspiration, brains and brawn of people who understand the value of the natural world. So, find a volunteer opportunity or contact us about a project you're interested in, and let's get to work!

Complete a SMGA Volunteer Interest Form.

Trail Crew Volunteer

Description: Work with SMGA to monitor and help maintain natural areas in order to preserve San Marcos natural areas. Opportunities include:
  • Litter clean-up
  • Pruning
  • Erosion control
  • Trail blazing
  • Weed eating
  • Bridge building
  • Sign-making
  • Raking
Approximate time requirement: Varies depending on the project and your availability.
Desired skills: SMGA will provide necessary training. Opportunities for  one-time group projects may be available. Contact SMGA for more information.
For questions or to volunteer, contact: Stewardship Committee by emailing alliance@smgreenbelt.org.

Prepare for your first Trail Crew day
  1. Complete a Volunteer Interest Form
  2. Read the Welcome to Trail Crew letter
  3. View the Trail Crew Safety presentation

Minute Taker(s)

Description: Take minutes at SMGA committee meetings. This is an excellent way to gain an operating knowledge of SMGA and its committees.
Date / Time / Frequency: 1 to 2 hours once a month depending on your availability.
Approximate time requirement: 90 minutes for the meeting plus time to type and forward the minutes to the meeting leader
Desired skills: Able to take notes and use email and a word processor
For questions or to volunteer, contact: SMGA using the contact form on our website or email alliance@smgreenbelt.org.

Attend Meetings in Support of Natural Areas

Description: We frequently need supporters to attend parks meetings throughout the region, even if just to fill seats and keep eyes and ears open to what's going on. Meetings include Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and City Council meetings.
Desired skills: SMGA will provide background material and training on an on-going basis.
For questions or to volunteer, contact: SMGA by emailing alliance@smgreenbelt.org.

General Administrative Duties

Description: Help SMGA with a wide range of administrative tasks. Opportunities include:
  • Annually updating the orientation manual
  • Internet research
  • Website assistance
  • Grant writing
  • Create and maintain a list of volunteer organizations
Approximate time requirement: Varies depending on the project and the time you have available.
Desired skills: Knowledge of the web, word processing, and email; SMGA will provide training and is available for on-going assistance.
For questions or to volunteer, contact: Email alliance@smgreenbelt.org.

Outreach Committee Member

Description: SMGA's Outreach Committee is looking for committee members who are interested in helping us shape and define our outreach efforts. Our committee of approximately 6 people meets once a month for 1.5 hours to discuss projects including our web site, email updates / blog, enrollment, public relations efforts, etc.
Approximate time requirement: 2 to 6 hours / month
Desired skills: Team player familiar with the web and word processing.
For questions or to volunteer, contact: Outreach Committee by emailing alliance@smgreenbelt.org.