Volunteering Overview

This program is designed to encourage local participation in the on-going maintenance of public trails and related improvements through the “adoption” of specific trails, or portions thereof, by an individual, group or organization (Sponsors).

Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator: John Noble: info@cosf.org

Sponsors agree to periodically hike or ride a trail or a trail segment located within the Conejo Open Space system and report their observations using the Adopt-A-Trail report form. As a result of observing the trail, sponsors are expected to

• Pick up any small amounts of litter they find
• Note the location of any graffiti
• Note any hazardous conditions or safety issues such as trees fallen across the trail or dirt slides or ruts as a result of erosion
• Note any signs of a homeless encampment
• Note any signs of motorized vehicle use, excluding electric-assist bikes
• Note any signs of recent fires or partying
• Report their finding using the Adopt-A-Trail report form, including the most common situation that there are no problems on the trail
• If a situation is urgent, report it to the COSCA Rangers by phone as soon as is practical.

The program requires an orientation/safety session and a minimum one-year commitment to get started. All sponsors and volunteers will be recognized for their contributions at an annual volunteer recognition event.

Groups or persons interested in adopting a trail should contact the Adopt-A-Trail Coordinator, info@cosf.org .

Find a yet-to-be adopted trail near your house and help take care of it! The trails that are still available to be adopted, as of September 2023, are shown on the following map as yellow, pink or green overlays. A more up-to-date list is shown below the map. Hover your mouse over the trails on the map to see their names. Currently adopted trails are thin red lines. The black rectangles show where there are downloadable maps. A list of trails ready for adoption follows the map.

List of trails available for adopting, as of September 2023

• Bobcat
• Dapple Gray
• Lakeview Canyon
• Olsen Channel
• Peppertree Vista
• Roadside
• Roadside Path
• Volcanic

The purpose of this program is to provide additional safety for those who use the COSCA trails. The program is made up of volunteer hikers, bicyclists and equestrians who have been certified through a formal training program.

Trail Ambassador Coordinator: Open info@cosf.org

Requirements

• Participants must be at least 18 years old.
• Participants must patrol a minimum of 8 hours per month.
• Participants must wear a uniform.
• Participants must be willing to be assigned to special patrols (specific areas, events, etc.)
• Participants maintain a patrol log and report their activities to the program coordinator in a timely manner.
• Participants must maintain their patrol equipment and uniforms.

Going for a walk, a hike, a ride? Taking the kids, the dog, or going alone? Why not report what you see, put maps in a kiosk, or pick up some trash along the way? You’re already there. And what a difference you can make.

Trail Ambassador Coordinator: Steve Bacharach info@cosf.org

As a Trail Watch Volunteer you can:

• Report your observations to the COSCA  park rangers
• Pick up trash from the trail
• Restock map dispensers at trail head kiosks
• Volunteer for trail maintenance projects
• Make a real difference in our open space

Requirements:

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Good physical condition. On occasion, lifting, bending, walking or climbing may be necessary
• Provide your own transportation, horse, or mountain bicycle
• Complete an orientation program
• Sign a Volunteer Waiver and Release form
• Sign and abide by the Volunteer Agreement
• Report emergency situations immediately to the Park Rangers