Volunteer

Volunteer at Point Cabrillo

Volunteer-Picnic

There are many opportunities to join our team of volunteers at the Point Cabrillo Light Station. Between the gift shop, the museums, our marine science exhibit, yard work and our busy Lens Tour days, there is no end to the ways that you can participate at the Light Station. 

We offer year-round opportunities to lead visitors on tours of the 300-acre state park. You can interpret and discuss our tide pool exhibit at the 240 gallon salt water aquarium, or tell the story of being a lightkeeper family living in the First Assistant Lightkeeper’s House. Love to work with gardens? You can help us keep our park beautiful by helping with garden maintenance.

Whatever your interest, there is an opportunity for you to volunteer at Point Cabrillo.

Here is one example of the difference volunteers have made. Click the image below to see a slideshow on gardening contributions by Nancy and Roger Thornburn and others.

PCLK 2014 Slideshow Gardens


U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

If you would like to become a modern volunteer Lightkeeper, consider Joining the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Mendocino County’s Auxiliary Flotilla 87 members maintain, clean, polish, and repair the lighthouse Lantern Room and the beautiful shining 3rd order Fresnel lens.

Docent Training

Whether you are a new volunteer or you’d like to explore new opportunities at Point Cabrillo Light Station, we offer docent training classes each year prior to Whale Festival in March.

See this year’s class schedule.

We also offer one-on-one training opportunities throughout the year for people wanting to become involved in our volunteer activities. For information about volunteering at Point Cabrillo please send an email with your questions to info@pointcabrillo.org.

Hear from our Volunteer Docents!

We have an amazing group of volunteers that take care of our Lighthouse, and give their time to making this place special and keeping it shining. Hear why they volunteer here at the Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park:

Robert & Katy

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"For the last ten years, we’ve had a blast as docents at the Point Cabrillo Light Station. What better way to spend a little spare time each month, delighting visitors from around the world with the story of one of the most fascinating lighthouses in California? We share how the lighthouse came to be, how we almost lost it - twice - and how the community managed to save it so it continues to enchant. Don’t think you know enough to be a docent? No worries. Trainings cover the Light Station’s history and exhibits, of course, but lots more. Did you know the Frolic, California’s most written about shipwreck and ignition switch for the start of Mendocino, crashed just north of where the lighthouse now sits? You’ll get to share facts and stories about grey whale migrations while pointing out passing spouts to visitors. Gift shop sales are our bread and butter and cashier training is tops. There’s no better feeling than when a guest walks out with three things: a smile, a keepsake, and the Point Cabrillo Light Station "bug" they can’t wait to share with others – our next potential visitors. Without docents, there is no Light Station to share. Come join the team and help keep our doors open wide 365 days a year!"