Is the Trail Ambassador Program right for you? It is if you enjoy:
• Riding your bike, walking or running/jogging.
• Helping other people.
• Making the park a more enjoyable place.
• Being involved in the management of your local trails.
Is an application required?
Yes, we have a short informational form that we require all our trail patrol volunteers to fill out. This form is to help us understand how you will be participating in this program. If you don’t want to formally sign up, please consider reporting issues via the San Jose 311 App:
Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, you must be 16 years old or older. If 16 or 17, parental consent must be given prior to beginning patrolling.
Do I have to wear a uniform?
Yes, we ask that all our trail patrol volunteers wear our green trail patrol vests/t-shirts; this way other trail users can identify you.
Do I need to check in at the Visitor’s Center or can I start from my house?
You do not need to start at the Visitor’s Center; you can start anywhere you would like. Just be sure to note your starting location and time on your report form.
What is a Trail Ambassador Kit? What is in it?
A trail ambassador kit is a collection of items that is available to trail patrol volunteers to help them accomplish different tasks. It may contain things like park maps, a first aid kit, graffiti removal, etc. It can be tailored to what tasks you are willing to do.
For instance, if you are willing to pick up litter during your patrol, your kit would include a litter grabber and garbage bag. If you are more into reporting issues and handing out trail maps and not as interested in picking up litter or removing graffiti (a likely scenario if you are on a bike), you would not take those things.
Can I patrol the trail with my friends and family?
Yes, you are welcomed to patrol with friends and family but they must also sign up to be a part of the program.
Do I need any tools or materials of my own to participate?
No, we will provide everything you need in terms of materials such as brochures for the public, litter bags, and graffiti removal kits. If you have a smart phone and are willing to use it, great! This makes reporting trail issues to the city a breeze and enables you to take photos of conditions to share with the Conservancy.
Are there public restrooms in the park?
Yes, there are some restrooms in the park but because they are sporadically placed we recommend using the restrooms before your patrol.
Will I see wildlife in Guadalupe River Park & Gardens while on patrol?
Depending on the time of day, you might see critters. Trail users have reported seeing wild turkeys up by Hedding Street, and skunks are fairly common at dusk.
Will I have to interact with other trail users?
We ask that our Trail Ambassadors participate on an “at comfort basis”, meaning volunteers only engage in activities that they are comfortable carrying out. To some degree Trail Ambassadors may need to interact with trail users as Trail Ambassadors will be wearing their Ambassador Vests.
What are my basic responsibilities as a trail ambassador?
- Patrol on foot, bike, or other trail-friendly mode on assigned trails and report suspicious or unusual situations via our report form or the San Jose 311 app. Emergencies should be reported to Law Enforcement.
- Provide non-enforcement and non-confrontational services to the public.
- Notify Law Enforcement of any trail hazards.
- General Q & A
Will you schedule my patrols or do I continue my normal hikes/rides?
You can continue your normal hikes. Every so often we may ask you to help us patrol a specific area in the park.
How often must I patrol to stay active–how many hours?
We ask that you patrol at least once a week for 45 minutes minimum.
How do I report my hours and things I see while on patrol?
We will teach you to fill out our online trail reporting form which can be filled out anywhere you have internet access.