Volunteer Opportunities

Tomo-Kahni has one of many active volunteer programs in the California State Park System. In 1998, volunteers donated several thousand hours to Tomo-Kahni projects. There is a variety of volunteer activities and no special skills are needed. Each volunteer is evaluated to find the best match between their interests, abilities and availability of time and the needs of Tomo-Kahni.

Training is provided on an ongoing basis, with a full multi-day training/refresher offered every 4 years. Volunteer trainees work with a mentor who evaluates training needs and oversees an individualized program to ensure that training best suits the volunteer's area(s) of interest. Training is offered in the following: 

  • State Park Information
  • Interpretive Skills
  • Kawaiisu Culture and Mythology
  • Natural History of Sand Canyon and the Tomo-Kahni site including geology, weather, botany
  • Birds, Animals and Reptiles of Tomo-Kahni
  • Archeological History of Tomo-Kahni
In addition, the Continuing Education Program offers field trips and lectures to further knowledge about the Native Americans of California, the State Park System and topics of local interest.

If you are interested in becoming a Tomo-Kahni volunteer, please contact Jean Rhyne at (661) 946-6900 or jrhyne@parks.ca.gov.

All activities of Tomo-Kahni State Park volunteers are under the guidance of State Park Personnel. The Volunteer Coordinator, however, oversees and coordinates a variety of permanent and temporary committees. Volunteer Board meetings are held at 12:30pm on the second Monday of each month to discuss and plan activities. Meetings are open to volunteers and interested parties.

Volunteers are always needed to serve on these committees:

  • Education Outreach 
  • Fund Raising 
  • Cultural History 
  • Natural History 
  • Newsletter 
  • Oral History 
  • Special Events 
  • Training 
Tomo-Kahni volunteers operate under the auspices of the Poppy Reserve/Mojave Desert Interpretive Association (PR/MDIA), a California State Parks non-profit cooperating association.  PR/MDIA's mission is to produce interpretive and educational literature and exhibits pertaining to the cultural and natural history in the Mojave Sector - Tehachapi District of the California State Park System. PR/MDIA's scope includes the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park, Saddleback Butte State Park, Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park and Providence Mountains State Recreation Area/Mitchell Caverns.

For information about PR/MDIA, please contact Margaret Rhyne, President, at m.rhyne@verizon.net.