It’s the season of love in San Luis Obispo. To celebrate, the city planned various volunteer opportunities for community members to “love SLO.”
The events start this month and will carry into future months, volunteers can participate in different activities filled with a variety of interests.
Previously, the City of SLO hosted a different event called LoveSLO, which was a community-wide day of service created to spread kindness and positively impact community. The event began in 2016 and provided an opportunity for individuals to come together and serve their community.
Read below for the city’s planned volunteer events:
1. Johnson Ranch Open Space Restoration Volunteering
Feb. 7, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The City of San Luis Obispo’s Office of Sustainability and Natural Resources is offering a volunteer opportunity at the Johnson Ranch Open Space where volunteers independently serve throughout the month, with self-scheduled two-to-four-hour shifts.
Volunteers will hike and restore the local grasslands through digging, weed whipping, seed collection and removing invasive species. The organization provides their own tools, guidance and training.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers must sign a waiver beforehand.
2. Public Art Community Mural Volunteer Painters
Ongoing. Staff will reach out with registered volunteers via email at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled shift.
Community members can contribute to murals around town. This opportunity does not require any previous artistic experience, and all painting supplies and equipment will be provided.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers are required to fill out a waiver. Volunteers can sign up on the website and choose the shift they would like to participate in.
3. Adopt-a-Park Volunteers
Until June 17, 2026
There are over 26 parks in San Luis Obispo County. The City of San Luis Obispo is looking for volunteers to help ensure they remain clean. Volunteers will wipe down surfaces, pick up litter and work on additional projects that involve landscape maintenance. Volunteers can participate any time during the day, but nighttime and unsafe conditions, such as weather concerns, are prohibited.
REQUIREMENTS: Those interested must register before June 17. Before beginning the volunteer process, members are required to fill out an interest survey, create an Engage SLO account and respond to the volunteer page. Community members are expected to serve at least four hours per month, and commit to a six to 12 month program.
After volunteers complete these steps, the Volunteer Program will contact individuals with their specific park assignment based on the volunteer’s availability. The experience can serve for community service or personal interest.
4. Jack House Docents
Until Aug. 15, 202
For individuals who love local history, the Historic Jack House & Gardens is seeking volunteers to help preserve historical artifacts, assist in leading public tours and work on holiday events in the future.
REQUIREMENTS: To get involved, the Historic Jack House & Gardens hosts monthly volunteer docent meetings to help community members get more information and connect with the main volunteer coordinator.
5. RecycleRight Volunteers at Farmers Market
March 5 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Utilities Department Solid Waste & Recycling Program is looking for volunteers to be Recycle Right Volunteers. This role focuses on advocating for waste reduction and recycling.
REQUIREMENTS: Before the in-person training, volunteers must complete a required 15-minute online course. Volunteers are then required to go to the Downtown SLO Famers Market on select Thursday nights for an additional hands-on training. The main purpose of the position is to teach others how to properly sort waste into the City’s organic green carts.
6. Laguna Lake Dog Park Ambassador
Until Aug. 1, 2026
Laguna Lake is looking for ambassadors to keep their dog park a clean space. This position has multiple shifts and flexible hours and it is recommended for volunteers to be comfortable with dogs and have a basic understanding of dog body language.
REQUIREMENTS: Volunteers will partake in park cleanups, event support and maintenance. Volunteers work one hour a month and are not permitted to work at night or any other unsafe conditions.
Other volunteer opportunities
If community members are interested in more volunteer opportunities, they can participate in the Adopt-a-Pathway Volunteer program or the Adopt-a-Drain Volunteer program.