Eyes On Nest Sites (EONS)


Volunteer Registration

Looking for volunteer opportunities and love birds? The Eyes On Nest Sites (EONS) program is a great opportunity to volunteer outdoors at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve and help an endangered species! EONS is a citizen science and public education program that incorporates wildlife observation and habitat restoration for the endangered California Least Tern and threatened Western Snowy Plover on one of the nest sites at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. This program has two components throughout the season including monitoring (May-August) and habitat restoration (August-February).

MONITORING (May-August): Volunteers participate 2 hours a week in active data collection and observations to gather valuable data for monitoring these species. The EONS monitoring season is from May to August.  All equipment needed will be provided and we will provide personalized training, no experience necessary! Must be 18 years or older or accompanied by an adult.

HABITAT RESTORATION (August-February): Nest Site Work Days are conducted twice a month in the non-breeding season to prepare the nest site for the reTERNing birds! Everyone is welcome to participate in habitat restoration with most work focusing on removing vegetation at the nest site. All tools will be provided but if you have your own work gloves feel free to bring them. The endangered California Least Tern prefers to nest on sandy beaches so we have created a safer "sandy beach" for them to nest at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Nest Site Work Days occur on the FOURTH WEDNESDAY and SECOND SATURDAY of each month from August to February.



18000 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648

Volunteer Opportunities

EONS 2025 Training (Sun 4-13-25)
E.O.N.S stands for Eyes On Nest Sites and is a Community Action Restoration & Education (CARE) program where volunteers like YOU can get involved with wildlife observations and the monitoring of the endangered California Least Tern and threatened Western Snowy Plover.  Through this program, volunteers help wildlife scientists by participating in active data collection by observing nest sites located at the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve.  This valuable data is used for monitoring and protecting these populations and educating the community on the importance of our local coastal and wetland ecosystems. No experience necessary, BCC trains all volunteers for the work you will do!  The commitment consists of weekly 2 hour shifts from May through August.  There will be three training sessions available: Saturday, April 12th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Sunday, April 13th from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, and Thursday, April 17th from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Training includes a 2 hour classroom session and a 1 hour field portion. Trainees should dress in comfortable, layered clothing suitable for outdoor use. We strongly recommend bringing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and water. Trainees will need their own means of reliable transportation.
Sun, Apr 13, 2025 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM 20 volunteers needed
15 spots left
Sage M.
Nina C.
Emely R.
Craig M.
Lisa G.
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The field Volunteer Waiver Form is required.
The maximum length for the field Parent/Legal Guardian Name (if under 18) is 500 characters.
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