PROGRAMMING
Quality outreach programming is key to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority’s commitment to make its parks and open space accessible and welcoming to all people.
The nonprofit Community Nature Connection has worked in cooperation with the MRCA for more than 25 years to serve tens of thousands of youth, family and school groups with outdoor recreation experiences, overnight camping, leadership and team building programs and other traditional outdoor adventures at MRCA parks. Many participants have seen the ocean, roasted a marshmallow, camped, stargazed, and explored natural areas for the very first time.
To find out more about the programs we offer visit the Community Nature Connection website.
VOLUNTEER
Love the outdoors and the mission of the MRCA? Volunteer! Come share your love of nature and contribute your expertise at an MRCA park. We offer several volunteer programs to suit your interests.
Volunteer Naturalists
Volunteer naturalists provide guided interptetive nature programs, host our nature centers, and help with school programs. These duties are critical to meeting the agency goal of providing visitor services and education programs to the public at our park locations. Volunteers participate in a nationally recognized training program before starting out. The MRCA volunteer naturalist program is administered by our non-profit partner Community Nature Connection. For more information and to get started as a volunteer naturalist click here.
Mountain Bike Unit
Do you enjoy mountain biking? The Mountain Bike Unit (MBU) is a partnership between the MRCA, the National Park Service, and California State Parks to provide volunteer mountain bike patrols in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. MBUs are trained in first aid, CPR, and visitor contact skills. Over 100 MBU volunteers work closely with rangers to enrich the trail experience and safety. If you are interested in the MBU program contact the MBU Program Coordinator.
Mounted Volunteer Patrol
Do you have your own horse and an interest in serving the public? The Mounted Volunteer Patrol (MVP) is a partnership between the MRCA, the National Park Service, and California State Parks. The MVPs patrol trails in the Santa Monica Mountains and Santa Susana Mountains from Moorpark to Santa Clarita. Members of the unit ride their own horses on trails and fire roads providing visitor services under the supervision of rangers from all three agencies. After initial trainings, each member is asked to patrol a minimum of 60 hours and attend at least two trainings and one qualification each year as well as maintaining current CPR and first aid certifications. For information contact the Mounted Volunteer Patrol Coordinator
