Based on the rich tradition of wilderness trail workers, Trail Corps members serve for one year alongside to construct, repair, maintain, and restore the public trail system throughout the Santa Monica Mountains and adjacent areas. Corps members participate in analyzing planning, and completing various trail projects including maintenance and clearing, construction of erosion prevention structures, and construction of steps, walkways, and bridges in timber or rock and outreach events conducted by Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council members. Corps members will be introduced to the principles of 鈥淟and Stewardship鈥 and 鈥淟eave No Trace鈥. Corps members will be introduced to the value of volunteerism and will work with other local Non-Profit Organizations and land use Agencies.
Will also support the Modoc Garden (on campus) by conducting weed maintenance 2 hours/month.
Applicants must be:
- A current 黑料视频CI undergraduate student
- Available weekends
- Serve a maximum of 100 hours (approx. 2 Saturdays/month)
- Make a one-year commitment (Aug - May)
- Have transportation to local trails and parks
- Pay rate: $20.00 an hour
We are not currently hiring for the Trail Corps. Please check back at the end of the Spring 2026 semester!
What Trail Corp Members Say
"The Trail Corps is a great opportunity to give back to our community, preserve our scenic environments that make California great, and meet great people who share the same passion in which will compliment your life and college experience nicely!" Charles Knowles, 2021-2022
"Being part of Trail Corps is rewarding. While it can be labor intensive and sometimes hot, it鈥檚 worth it once you get to see the trails before and after some work. You know you鈥檝e made an impact here and helped keep the trails free of hazards." Katie Eikenberry, 2021-2022
"This program not only helps to give back to the community but it also provides you with a connection with the mountains and trails all around you. When you work on a trail you fee a sense of ownership of the work and occasionally hikers will compliment your work which is always reassuring that we are doing a greet job." Bryan Loya Acevedo, 2021-2022
MEET THE 2025-2026 TRAILS CORPS MEMBERS
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Luna Huitron
Luna Huitron is a senior, majoring in Business with a focus on Management. After graduation, she plans to return home, use her degree to step into a management role with a reputable corporation, and eventually fulfill her dream of opening an affogato-based caf茅. As a member of Trail Corps, she works alongside the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council to clear pathways, remove invasive species, and host volunteer events with local organizations. This hands-on experience ties directly into her Business degree, where she is focusing on Management, including nonprofit management. Luna believes that volunteering not only enhances her studies but also gives her a sense of belonging and fulfillment within the community and is invaluable for personal and professional growth.
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Matt Bema
Matt Bema is a first-year student, majoring in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Dance Studies. They believe it鈥檚 important to be involved in the community because supportive communities don鈥檛 happen by accident. They are created, maintained, and restored by personal and interpersonal efforts. Matt鈥檚 position with the Santa Monica Mountains Trails Council closely aligns with their academic career, as they鈥檙e interested in ecology. After graduation, Matt plans to attend graduate school and work with Fish and Wildlife.
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Diego Espinosa
Diego Espinosa is a junior, majoring in Biochemistry. He was attracted to this position because he loves everything about the outdoors鈥he sounds, the smells, the views. This type of work requires a great amount of teamwork and cooperation, which he hopes will further his leadership skills. After graduation, Diego is planning to attend medical school and become a neurosurgeon. He鈥檚 looking forward to engaging with the community to share the importance of trail restoration and conservation efforts.
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Jade Beltran
Jade Beltran is a senior, majoring in ESRM. She was attracted to this position because it gives her the opportunity to restore local trails and enjoy nature with like-minded people. After graduation, she plans to work in conservation and restoration.