VOLUNTEER

Down to Earth Protector Level Sponsor

Thank you!

Volunteer Appreciation Events generously sponsored by Lazy Acres!

Volunteer Events

Looking to volunteer with Solana Center? Find an event on the list below and join us or click here to learn about private/group volunteer events

Please note: 

  • For Climate Solutions/Store Volunteering:
    • Volunteers must be at least 16 years old.
  • For Schools:
    • Volunteers must be 18 years and older
  • For community outreach and booths:
    • Volunteers must be at least 16 years old. For volunteers under 18, it is mandatory to attend with a parent or guardian.
  • For onsite Build & Beautify:
    • Volunteers must be aged 16 and up. 
  • For Worm Wrangling:
    • Volunteers must be at least 5 years old. Participants under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

All volunteers under the age of 18 will need a parent or guardian to fill out the registration form on their behalf.

Upcoming events

May Climate Solutions Center Volunteer, Thursdays

May 01, 2025—May 29, 2025

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation 137 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

Workshop Volunteer: In-Ground Composting With Worms -Pine Valley

May 10, 2025 9:00AM—1:00PM

Pine Valley Branch Library 28804 Old Highway 80 Pine Valley, CA 91962

Outreach Volunteer: Booth at Santa Ysabel Farmers Market – Santa Ysabel

May 11, 2025 10:00AM—5:00PM

21877 Washington St. Santa Ysabel, CA 92070

School Volunteer: Avocado Elementary School – La Mesa

May 12, 2025 7:30AM—1:30PM

(Two Shift Times Available) Avocado Elementary School 3845 Avocado School Rd La Mesa, CA 91941

May Build and Beautify: Site Care and Party Prep!

May 16, 2025 9:30AM—11:30AM

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation 137 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

Outreach Volunteer: Booth at Eastern SD Jr. County Fair – Lakeside (Waitlist Only)

May 17, 2025 10:00AM—4:00PM

(Two Shift Times Available) Lakeside Rodeo Grounds and Arena 12584 Mapleview St. Lakeside, CA 92040

Workshop Volunteer: Gardening Practices That Save Water – Rancho Santa Fe (Waitlist Only)

May 17, 2025 9:00AM—1:00PM

Rancho Santa Fe Library 17040 Avenida De Acacias Unit A Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

2025 Volunteer Appreciation Party

May 18, 2025 9:30AM—12:00PM

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation 137 N El Camino real Encinitas, CA 92024

Build and Beautify: “Heavy Lifters” wanted!

May 22, 2025 9:30AM—11:00AM

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation 137 N El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024

Outreach Volunteer: Booth at Valley Center Stampede Rodeo – Valley Center

May 24, 2025 10:00AM—1:00PM

Star Valley Park 29902 Valley Center Rd Valley Center, CA 92082

School Volunteer: Valley Center Elementary Ag Day – Valley Center

May 30, 2025 8:00AM—2:00PM

"Old School Farm" 28933 Cole Grade Rd Valley Center, CA 92082

Workshop Volunteer: Composting with Aerated Static Piles – Lakeside

May 31, 2025 9:30AM—1:00PM

Lakeside Library 12428 Woodside Ave Lakeside, CA 92040

Waste Diversion Volunteer: DPR Construction Cornhole Classic – University City

Jun 05, 2025 12:00AM—8:00PM

(Two Shift Times Available) DPR Construction 5010 Shoreham Place San Diego, CA 92122

Workshop Volunteer: Backyard Composting Basics – San Diego (Waitlist Only)

Jun 07, 2025 9:00AM—1:00PM

College Area Community Garden Zura Wy San Diego, CA 92115

Volunteer Orientation

Jun 07, 2025 11:30AM—12:30PM

Solana Center for Environmental Innovation 137 N El Camino real Encinitas, CA 92024

School Volunteer: La Mesa SV Steam Academy – Spring Valley

Jun 10, 2025 8:00AM—1:00PM

La Mesa SV Steam Academy 1001 Leland Street Spring Valley, CA 91977

School Volunteer: La Mesa SV Steam Academy – Spring Valley

Jun 11, 2025 8:00AM—12:30PM

La Mesa SV Steam Academy 1001 Leland Street Spring Valley, CA 91977

Workshop Volunteer: Landscaping for Watershed Protection – El Cajon

Jun 14, 2025 9:00AM—1:00PM

Water Conservation Garden 12122 Cuyamaca College Dr W El Cajon, CA 92019

Outreach Volunteer: Booth at Juneteenth Celebration – Logan Heights

Jun 21, 2025 10:00AM—7:00PM

(Three Shift Times Available) Memorial Community Park 2975 Ocean View Blvd San Diego, CA 92113

What volunteers can do

Mission - Get involved
Climate Solutions Center

Support Solana Center programs from our home base! We have several monthly volunteer opportunities that support our Encinitas-based Climate Solutions Resource Center including taking care of composting worms, e-waste recycling program support, and more.

Kids garden
School Programs

Support the next generation of eco-stewards! Assist a Solana Center educator at one of these school events, where students get hands-on experiences with composting, recycling, and other environmental subjects. 

Booth Outreach
Community Outreach

Help Solana Center educate people about key environmental topics such as composting, vermicomposting, recycling, and watershed stewardship at major community or private events across the County.

Workshop
Environmental Workshops

Help our community learn about improving the quality of our soil, reducing waste and air pollution and saving energy, money, and water through composting! 

Learn more about what to expect when volunteering with Solana Center and how you can donate your time to help our organization increase its impact.

Volunteering Overview

Community Outreach

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Our group volunteer program is a great opportunity to give back to the community and learn about local sustainability. Engage your team in a meaningful volunteer experience that helps Solana Center make a positive impact on the San Diego community, and the environment.

Who can participate:
This program is for any organization or group that meets the activity requirements and can pay an associated fee.

Give your group a hands-on, team building, eco- friendly experience!

Volunteers are the backbone of our many programs, enabling us to bring sustainable living practices to thousands of San Diegans each year.

We have many ways for people to get involved in our sustainability programs. Whether you like working with children, or working with bugs, whether you like teaching others about composting or diving headfirst into the compost pile yourself, there is something for everyone. Our programs go all over the County to schools and community centers, to fairs and concerts, or they happen right here in our backyard. They are open to people of all experience levels (unless otherwise specified).

We hope you can join our team in making the community a greener place! Find out about new opportunities in our Volunteer Newsletter.

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