by Jennifer Fontaine
![The Ballona Wetlands in Los Angeles County [image Kerem Hanci Photography]](https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ballona5.jpg)
A few years ago, we were introduced to The Friends of Ballona Wetlands project through a great local service that matches people to suitable volunteer experiences based on their criteria. With an award-winning volunteer restoration program, The Friends of Ballona Wetlands?is geared towards hands-on restoration perfectly suited for families who are looking to get outdoors (and/or get dirty).
![Serene and full of life, Ballona Wetlands are worth preserving as part of a family stewardship project. [image Kerem Hanci Photography]](https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ballona1.jpg)
![Even very small children can help pull weeds that threaten native plants. [image Kerem Hanci Photography]](https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ballona2.jpg)
My daughter thoroughly enjoyed referring to the graphic of commonly-spotted birds that nest in the marsh. As we hiked along the ridge we were able to revel in the elegant flight of a Red-Tailed hawk and discover what distinguishes the Great Blue heron from a Snowy egret.
![A post-work party nature walk is just the thing for exploring this newfound area. [image Kerem Hanci Photography]](https://outdoorfamiliesonline.com/wp-content/uploads/ballona3.jpg)
For our family, learning the seriousness of human effects on the environment and taking responsibility for our most fragile ecosystems allows us to give thanks with a real-world reminder of what is most valuable; each other, and the natural world that envelops and supports us.
Want to help in your area?
Here are some great places to start:
- Schools
- Faith-based organizations
- Community centers
- Shelters and soup kitchens
- Food banks and pantries
- Nursing and retirement homes
- Area social services/human services departments
Useful tips for successful family volunteering:
Do your research. Will you be working outside? Don?t forget the sunscreen! Planting trees? Bring gloves! Knowing what to expect before you get there will make for a much more enjoyable and purposeful experience.
Involve the kids. Let children in on the decision-making process. Find out their passions and try to incorporate them into a meaningful volunteering experience. Talk with kids about the importance of service, the value of caring for the earth, and the benefits of working together toward a common goal.
Have fun. The single most important ingredient toward ensuring kids will want to volunteer again is a goal of making it a rewarding and exciting adventure. Motivate with jokes, laughter, words of encouragement and their memories will be filled with uplifting impressions instead of laborious chores.
Jennifer Fontaine is the founder of Outdoor Families Magazine, and the publisher of MommyHiker.com. She and her family live in Los Angeles, CA.
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