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Throughout the year, we have several special events such as Junior Ranger Day, Earth Day, Apple Picking Day, and Yosemite Facelift, where volunteers can just show up, no application needed. We list these events on this website when we know the dates for each year. For all special events and drop-in days, the park asks participants to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes, appropriate gear for the weather, and bring sun protection, water, and snacks. The park provides tools and protective equipment. All participants must sign a volunteer agreement. If you'd like to fill out the in advance, this form will be posted with each special event or drop-in project as they are planned (you can also sign one on the day of the project on-site). Guardians must sign the form for participants under the age of 18. 
Special EventsMartin Luther King Jr. Day of Service: January 19, 2026Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service calls on everyday people each year to make the third Monday in January "a day on, not a day off." In Yosemite, it can be hard to plan for this event, since weather can be hard to predict at this time of the year. Earth Day: April 22, 2025Yosemite has a park-wide celebration of Earth Day, usually on the Saturday on or before Earth Day. The park usually schedules a volunteer project on both the Earth Day celebration date as well as Earth Day itself. Projects include ecological restoration and litter cleanup, and are appropriate for all ages. In the past projects have been two to three hours in duration. Junior Ranger Day: JulyVolunteer to earn your Junior Ranger Badge! As part of the Junior Ranger Day celebration, volunteers can do a restoration or litter project. While National Junior Ranger Day takes place in April, Yosemite loves to celebrate it in the summer. Families and visitors from all over the country can see our waterfalls and wildlife thrive, making it a perfect time to begin their journey to become Junior Rangers! Apple Picking Day: July/August (date varies)Historic apple orchards in Yosemite Valley attract bears, leading them to eat non-native foods while increasing human-bear conflicts in parking areas and campgrounds near the orchards. To help decrease the impact of the orchards, volunteers are invited to pick apples, removing the temptations for the bears. The date of Apple Picking Day every year depends on when the apples ripen - so it may be planned very quickly once this happens. If you are planning a visit in late July or August and would like to find out more about apple picking, please email the Volunteer Office. Yosemite Facelift and National Public Lands Day: September 24-28, 2025In partnership with the Yosemite Climbing Association, the National Park Service puts on this five-day event each September, in celebration of National Public Lands Day. In 2019 over 2,000 volunteers cleaned up 16,429 pounds of debris from the park. The 2020 event was a virtual celebration, challenging participants to Act Local in their own communities. In 2021, the event was modified and held partly in-person, with 771 participants. Yosemite had over 1,300 volunteers in 2022 and 1,501 volunteers in 2023. Last year in 2024, 1,337 volunteers served over 7,000 hours and cleaned up 13,112 pounds of debris in the park! Learn more about the Yosemite Facelift event. 
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Last updated: February 10, 2025