Our aim is to make volunteering with ONDA simple and accessible. We’ve put together these frequently asked questions to help you understand what’s entailed and how to prepare. Please review carefully, and contact our stewardship team for more information.
How much does it cost to volunteer?
While it is free to volunteer on group stewardship trips, ONDA collects a refundable $25 deposit to ensure those who register fully intend to participate in the project. After each trip, volunteers will be given the option to have their deposit refunded or to make it a tax-deductible donation to ONDA.
Please note that volunteers who cancel 30 days before a trip will be offered a full refund of their deposit. Within 30 days of the trip, deposit refunds are not offered.
How do I know if I’m accepted on a trip?
Expect to hear from the trip leader within two weeks of submitting your application. The trip leader will send you a brief email confirming your status, either registered or waitlisted. If you are waitlisted, the trip leader will contact you as soon as a space becomes available.
Why do some trips have waitlists?
ONDA is fortunate to have strong interest in our group stewardship trips. We keep group sizes small so that trip leaders can provide personalized training and leadership. For some projects, participation is limited due to the project needs or the land designation of the project location.
How will I receive information about trips I am registered for?
Your trip leader will be in touch with you six weeks and three weeks prior to your trip. At six weeks, your trip leader will ask you to confirm that you are still committed to attending the trip. At three weeks, your trip leader will send you a detailed email with all of the pertinent information you will need to participate.
Occasionally, project details will change at the last minute. Your trip leader will keep you informed of any changes via email. Please let us know if you will be out of reach in the days leading up to the project or if your contact information changes.
Do I need relevant experience to volunteer?
Experience is not required, and each project begins with training to do the work. All that is required to volunteer is a willingness to learn and a commitment to work at a sustainable individual pace. Each trip is assigned a trip difficulty level. Learn more about these levels so you can choose the trip that is right for your interest and experience.
What should I bring with me?
Each volunteer is responsible for bringing their own preferred camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamp, etc.), appropriate clothing and personal products such as hats, rain gear, a backpack, bug spray, hiking boots, a camp chair, a coffee mug, water bottles, protective eyewear/sunglasses, cooking supplies, and ample food and water for the duration of the trip. A project-specific packing list will be included in the pre-trip email sent out three weeks before each trip.
What will ONDA provide?
ONDA will provide expert leadership, tools, work gloves, sunscreen, and some group camping equipment such as a shade tent, a privy, potable water, morning coffee and light snacks.
How do volunteers get to the project site?
Each volunteer is responsible for getting to and from the project site. ONDA will connect groups of volunteers from the same area to organize carpooling if requested. Some trips require high clearance and/or 4×4 capable vehicles to reach the project site. The project leader will communicate these details in the pre-trip email sent three weeks before each trip.
What safety measures are in place?
ONDA group stewardship trips have inherent risks due to the nature of conducting physical work in backcountry settings. Safety is our top priority. All ONDA trip leaders have current wilderness first aid training and carry a satellite communication device that allows for emergency communications. Pre-trip emails will outline project site conditions, and each trip starts with a safety briefing. If you’re interested in additional safety measures, we recommend the following resources:
- A Wilderness First Aid course is a great way to be prepared to care for yourself or others in the backcountry
- Carrying a personal locator beacon (InReach device or Spot) is a very useful emergency tool
- A power bank to charge your smart phone or device is also very useful
What will I have to carry to work each day?
Each volunteer should have a daypack filled with water (at least three liters/100 fluid ounces), extra clothing layers, rain gear, sunscreen, work gloves, warm hat, sun hat, bug spray, and lunch/snacks for the day. In addition to personal gear, you may be asked to carry some project tools and equipment.
What are the age requirements?
While we do not have age limits on either end of the spectrum, we do ask that all minors be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on group stewardship trips, but you are welcome to bring your dog on independent projects.
Can I have a beer around the campfire?
Only people 21 years of age and older are permitted to have or drink alcohol on group stewardship trips. Anyone consuming alcoholic beverages is expected to drink responsibly and be respectful of other trip participants.
What is ONDA’s commitment to leading inclusive trips?
ONDA is committed to building an inclusive desert conservation community where all people can participate in fostering a healthy, resilient landscape. To do this, we’ll need your assistance.
Please know that we expect all conversations and interactions on our trips to be respectful of differing backgrounds, orientations, experiences and political views. Please reach out to your trip leader with any questions or concerns.
Prohibited Activities
The following activities are not permitted on ONDA group stewardship trips:
- Possession or use of firearms except with prior written authorization from ONDA
- Excessive consumption of alcoholic beverages
- Possession or use of any illegal drugs
- Fighting, use of derogatory language, intimidating behavior, discrimination, sexual harassment, or violent or threatening behavior
- Violation of any state game and fish regulation
- Violation of any federal, state, or local law
- Disclosing the confidential information of others
Violation of any of the above prohibitions may constitute grounds for dismissal from the trip.
Emergency Contact Procedures
Many ONDA group stewardship trips are located in remote areas with no cell phone service. If an emergency arises, here is how we will communicate:
Every group trip leader will bring a satellite InReach device. This lets us contact ONDA staff, land management partners, and emergency response personnel via two-way texting. This tool is used only in exceptional circumstances and in the event of an emergency.
If you have an emergency need to reach a trip participant, contact the staff members listed below. It may take some time to reach individuals in the field. Please only reach out with life-event emergencies that cannot wait.
- Gena Goodman-Campbell, Program Director – 541-330-2638 ext. 306
- Ryan Houston, Executive Director – 541-330-2638 ext. 316