EMA Harbors, Beaches, and Parks
Regional Parks Operations
Volunteer Services
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92669
Contact Name and Number:
Joanne Simkins, Volunteer Coordinator
(714) 771-6731 Ext. 221
Services Offered:
Historical Site Intern Program, Volunteer Naturalist Program, Volunteer Stewardship Program, Park Ranger Reserve Program, and Adopt-A-Park Program.
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Options available within all of the above-offered services. Cultural/natural history research, resource management, public information/interpretive displays, and administrative assistance.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Same as above.
Opportunities to Observe at Organization:
Students can observe Historic Site Docent Program, Volunteer Naturalist Program, Park Ranger Reserve Program and Volunteer Stewardship Program. Please call for more information.
Opportunities for On-site Informational Interview:
Contact any of the following:
John Gannaway, Park Ranger II, Wilderness Facility Management, at (714) 589-4729
Mike Miniaci, Park Ranger II, Historic Facility Management, at (714) 528-4260
Tom Maloney, Park Ranger II, Wilderness Facility Management, at (714) 831-2791
Mark Carlson, Supervising Park Ranger, Coastal Facility Management, at (714) 661-7013
Class Speakers:
Contact John Gannaway or Mike Miniaci at numbers given above. In addition, contact Joanne Simkins, Volunteer Services, at (714) 771-6731 Ext. 221.
North Orange County YMCA
2000 Youth Way
Fullerton, CA 92835
Contact Name and Number:
Vickie Wiles, Volunteer Coordinator
(714) 879-9622, Ext 19.
Services Offered:
Physical education, membership, clubs, swimming, child care, and senior care.
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Assist with swimming, tutoring, child care.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Become a board committee member.
Opportunities to Observe at Organization:
Yes. Please call for more information.
Opportunities for On-site Informational Interview:
Contact any of the following at (714) 879-9622:
Vickie Wiles, Volunteer Coordinator
Victor Hernandez, Aquatics
Evelyn Morales, Child Care
John O’Brien, Membership, Physical Education.
Class Speakers:
Same as above.
Oak Canyon Nature Center—
City of Anaheim
200 S. Anaheim Blvd., Suite 433
Anaheim, CA 92805
Contact Name and Number:
Stacy Bates, Recreation Specialist
(714) 998-8380
Services Offered:
Offer a variety of nature-oriented programs and tours for children as well as adults.
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Assist with office duties , animal care, and park maintenance.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Same as above unless special projects arise.
Opportunities to Observe at Organization:
Contact for more information. Programs and tours occur between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on an irregular daily basis.
Opportunities for On-site Informational Interview:
Contact any of the following at (714) 998-8380:
Stacy Bates, Recreation Specialist
Kathy Glaslow, Recreation Supervisor.
Orange County Animal Control/Shelter
561 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
Contact Name and Number:
Kathy Francis
(714) 935-6301
Services Offered:
Animal Care/Public Assistance, Public Relations and Television Programs.
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Assist with TV shows and office personnel.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Assist with TV shows and office personnel. Help veterinary staff; ride along with officers.
Opportunities to Observe at Organization:
Students may visit at any time.
Opportunities for On-site Informational Interview:
Please call to arrange.
Class Speakers:
Kathy Francis (714) 935-6301, to speak about urban wildlife, responsible pet ownership, and the role of animal control in the community.
Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park
1801 East Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
Contact Name and Number:
Kent Xamaguchi
(714) 647-6575
Services Offered:
Education programs for schools and the general public visiting the zoo. Tours for school groups, family programs, animal shows, public interactive area.
Short-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Assist with special events such as Boo at the Zoo, Toucan Day, Cookie Safari, Spring Spectacular, and Critter Clinic.
Long-term Volunteer Opportunities:
Become a docent, an educational volunteer who teaches, gives tours, conducts interactive laboratory sessions for primary students and animal presentations. Also, help with outreach programs. Work in gift shop; do office work.
Opportunities to Observe at Organization:
Yes. Students can observe education programs/informal science education at a zoo. Please call for an appointment.
Opportunities for On-site Informational Interview:
Contact Kent Yamaguchi, Curator of Education, at (714)647-6575. He is qualified to discuss education, conservation, and animal husbandry.
Class Speakers: Same as above.