Volunteer at Mono Lake

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Mono Lake Committee! As a non-profit organization, we rely on the time, generosity, and dedication of people like you to help ensure the long-term protection of Mono Lake.

The Mono Lake Committee offers a variety of activities for those interested in volunteering. We hope that these opportunities will help you see Mono Lake and the surrounding landscape with a new appreciation—knowing the important role you play in protecting this unique place.

Mono Lake Volunteer program

The Mono Lake Volunteer program is a joint initiative sponsored by the US Forest Service, California State Parks (the Mono Lake Tufa State Natural Reserve), and the Mono Lake Committee, with support from the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association. Volunteers are an important part of these agencies' work on behalf of Mono Lake.

Meet visitors from all over the world and share your knowledge of the Eastern Sierra. Core volunteer jobs include roving at South Tufa or Panum Crater, staffing a bird watching station at the State Reserve boardwalk, and answering questions at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. With additional training, volunteers may also lead tours and school groups at South Tufa and Panum Crater and give patio talks at the Scenic Area Visitor Center. Participants choose their jobs to suit their own interests, while also matching the needs of the agencies and organizations involved to benefit Mono Lake.

Janet Carle, retired State Reserve Ranger, conducts the Mono Lake Volunteer training. She also organizes fun and informative volunteer training events and field trips throughout the year with Mono Basin experts. Janet's expertise, knowledge, enthusiasm and dedication to the program are an important part of its success.

The Mono Lake Volunteer program has been extremely beneficial to Mono Lake—each year, volunteers contribute hundreds of hours of time—thank you volunteers!

Volunteer training consists of six field sessions focused on exploring visitor areas around the Mono Basin. There is no charge for the training, but participants agree to volunteer for at least eight hours each month from June through September.

If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information please contact Office Director Rose Catron at (760) 647-6595.