A Week of Volunteering in Arcadia, California

• Day 1: The Arboretum (127-acre botanical garden). Take a nature walk, volunteer in the garden, and learn about plant conservation.
  With over 10,000 plant species and numerous wildlife habitats, The Arboretum is a nature lover’s paradise. Join the volunteers in planting and maintaining the garden, and learn about plant conservation from the experts.
  
• Day 2: Santa Anita Park (horse racing track). Volunteer at the equine rescue facility and explore the park.
  Santa Anita Park is home to a world-class racing track and an equine rescue facility. Volunteer at the facility and learn about the care and rehabilitation of retired racehorses. Afterward, explore the park and its stunning gardens and lakes.
  
• Day 3: Los Angeles County Arboretum Library (botanical library). Volunteer to organize, sort, and research.
  The Los Angeles County Arboretum Library contains a wealth of knowledge about plants and gardens. Join the volunteers in organizing, sorting, and researching its extensive collection of rare books and scientific journals.
  
• Day 4: Wilderness Park (nature preserve). Volunteer in trail maintenance and restoration, take a guided nature walk, and learn about local wildlife.
  With over 80 acres of oak woodland, chaparral, and riparian habitats, Arcadia’s Wilderness Park is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Join the volunteers in maintaining and restoring the park’s trails and habitats, take a guided nature walk, and learn about the local wildlife.
  
• Day 5: Peacock Foundation Volunteer Center (charity). Volunteer in various community service projects.
  The Peacock Foundation Volunteer Center offers a wide range of community service projects that benefit the local people and environment. Join the volunteers in various projects such as food drives, beach cleanups, and animal shelter support.
  
• Day 6: San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. Volunteer in trail conservation and restoration, take a scenic hike, and learn about the natural history of the area.
  The San Gabriel Mountains National Monument features stunning vistas, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife. Join the volunteers in conserving and restoring its trails, take a scenic hike, and learn about the natural history of the area.
  
• Day 7: Santa Anita Food and Craft Fair. Volunteer to help local artisans and food vendors showcase their products and engage with visitors.
  The Santa Anita Food and Craft Fair brings together local artisans, food vendors, and community supporters. Join the volunteers in helping the vendors showcase their products and engage with visitors. Sample delicious food and drinks, enjoy live music, and celebrate the community spirit.
  

Time and Costs Estimates

• The Arboretum (4 hours, free with volunteer work)
• Santa Anita Park (6 hours, free with volunteer work)
• Los Angeles County Arboretum Library (3 hours, free with volunteer work)
• Wilderness Park (5 hours, free with volunteer work)
• Peacock Foundation Volunteer Center (6 hours, free)
• San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (6 hours, free with volunteer work)
• Santa Anita Food and Craft Fair (5 hours, free with volunteer work)
Total Estimated Costs: $0 (excluding transportation and accommodation)

Transportation

Transportation in Arcadia is mostly by car, but public transportation options such as buses and trains are also available. The average cost of car rental is $50 per day. The travel time between locations varies depending on traffic and distance but is usually less than an hour.

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider visiting the nearby cities of Pasadena and Los Angeles. Pasadena boasts numerous cultural attractions like the Norton Simon Museum and the Gamble House, while Los Angeles offers world-class museums like the Getty Center and the Museum of Contemporary Art. If you have less time, skip Day 3 and Day 7 or combine them into one day to maximize your volunteering experiences.

Airports

The nearest airport to Arcadia is the Burbank Bob Hope Airport (BUR), located 20 miles north of Arcadia. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) is another option, located 35 miles west of Arcadia. Both airports offer plenty of transportation options to get you to Arcadia and around the city.