Become a BFF of the BFS – Volunteer at the Bernard Field Station!
Please join us to help maintain, improve, and study the unique ecological resources of the Bernard Field Station! We usually hold volunteer work days on most first and third Saturdays of each month of the academic year. Volunteers remove introduced weeds and invasive brush, clear trails, assist with ecological monitoring, and carry out other activities that facilitate study and research at the field station. We invite all who care about our local environment to join us. No experience is needed! Because access to the BFS is restricted, volunteering is a great way to visit the BFS and learn more about the field station while helping out.
Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are continuing to implement measures to ensure that all volunteers have a safe experience. One of these is that we will no longer be able to offer pizza or other communal eating. Although the socializing and pizza lunch or other refreshments are sorely missed, volunteers can still enjoy the BFS, socialize outdoors, and know they are helping the environment.
Requirements for volunteer workday participation:
- Only those 15 and older may volunteer at this time.
- All participants must preregister with our online registration form.
To ensure that everyone can work safely and have a meaningful experience, the number of volunteers per workday is limited, so be sure to register early so that you are not closed out! - Waivers of liability are required for everyone not affiliated with the Claremont Colleges.
Everyone who is not an employee or student of the Claremont College must sign a liability waiver. Waivers for minors need to be signed by a parent or legal guardian. You may download the waiver form, sign it, and bring it with you. We will also have forms available when volunteers arrive. - All participants are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
- Anyone experiencing symptoms of colds, flu, COVID-19, or other illness may NOT participate.
- Wearing a face mask or cloth face covering is recommended, but not required.
- Any participant who develops COVID-19 symptoms or has a positive COVID-19 test in the week following the workday must notify the organizers.
This is required so that we can notify other participants of a possible exposure.
Workdays are usually on the first and third Saturday of each month, but may occasionally be held on other days and times. The usual times for the workdays are:
- September through mid-May: 9:45 AM–12 NOON
- Late May through June: 8:45 AM–11 AM
- July and August: No workdays
Schedule of BFS Workdays 2022-2023. Please note that plans are tentative – workdays may be canceled or rescheduled for weather or other issues! Check back for updates!
| Date | Activity | Number of volunteers needed |
| October 1, 9:45 AM | Cutting back cattails in pHake Lake | 12 |
| 12 | ||
| November 5, 9:45 AM | Cutting back cattails in pHake Lake | 12 |
| November 19, 9:45 AM | Cutting back cattails in pHake Lake (weather permitting) Alternative: Clearing lake trail |
12 |
| December 3, 9:45 AM | Removing invasive plants in the ‘Neck’ | 12 |
| December 17, 9:45 AM | No workday – winter break | – |
| January 7, 9:45 AM | No workday – winter break | – |
| January 21, 9:45 AM | Planting for the “Ecological Walk” | 20 |
| February 4, 9:45 AM | Planting for the “Ecological Walk” | 12 |
| February 18, 9:45 AM | Removing Sahara Mustard & other invasives | 12 |
| – | ||
| March 18, 9:45 AM | Removing mustards, thistles, & other horehound | 12 |
| April 1, 9:45 AM | Removing thistles | 12 |
| – | ||
| May 6 9:45 AM | Removing thistles | 12 |
| – | ||
| June 3, 8:45 AM | TBD | – |
| June 17, 8:45 AM | TBD | – |
Meet at the main BFS entrance on Foothill Blvd promptly at the start time of the workday. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, closed-toed shoes, and a mask. Instructions, tools, and supplies will be provided, but do bring water and sunscreen.
For more information or to be notified of volunteer workdays, please contact the BFS Volunteer Coordinator, Nancy Hamlett, at hamlett@g.hmc.edu.