In partnership with the City of San Luis Obispo's Public Works and Public Utilities' Departments, community members are invited to volunteer to be part of the solution for a cleaner and safer SLO by having a direct hand in improving the quality of the City's stormwater, alongside supervising City staff. The City's focus on stormwater ensures water quality in our creeks, streams, lakes, and ocean remains high by reducing the potential for flooding, erosion, and various types of water pollution.
Overview:
On a Water Quality Improvement Service Day, volunteers serve with representatives of the City to learn about different stormwater biofiltration approaches and devices, orient to the project for the day, and dig in - quite literally sometimes, depending on the tasks at hand, by shoveling and laying fresh mulch, removing debris, and supporting light landscape maintenance (e.g., tree pruning). Learn more about how the Filterra Bioretention by Contech system, one of the stormwater runoff filtration devices utilized by the City of SLO, works by visiting this site and viewing the three-minute video at the top of the page. The City of SLO provides all tools and resources needed and no previous experience is required.
What to expect:
Generally held over the span of two or three hours, volunteers can expect to bend, kneel, squat, and co-lift up to 50 lbs. to help City staff inspect and maintain stormwater biofiltration devices. After a brief overview and safety orientation, volunteers will be provided PPE, hand tools like shovels, resources like mulch, and take direct action in protecting SLO's stormwater. A few days before the shift, the City's Volunteer Program will email all registrants with specifics for the day, including:
- Where and when to meet
- What to bring and leave at home
- Contact information for staff for day-of support
- Any extra notes specific for the water filtration device or efforts we'll be doing
This role is great for:
Community members looking to get out and get involved in the city, meeting like-minded people who care about water quality and learning best practice approaches to municipal stormwater biofiltration efforts might enjoy this unique volunteer opportunity. From students studying or neighbors curious about environmental protection, to professionals like professors, engineers, or members of groups like Rotary, Kiwanis, Master Gardeners, or Lion's clubs... this might be a role of extra interest to you. Please note that this volunteer opportunity is best suited for those 16 & up. 16 and 17 year-olds' legal guardian or parent will need to complete the Volunteer Waiver prior to participation.
For support or questions, please contact the City of San Luis Obispo's Volunteer Program:
(805) 858-0771 (call/text) Monday - Thursday 8 AM to 4 PM
