Volunteer opportunities are available at Micke Grove Zoo, through the San Joaquin County Parks. Those 18 and older with some time to donate are encouraged to apply.

These volunteers will be trained by Micke Grove Zoo staff to assist with a variety of projects and services.

Those include:

Horticultural projects such as raking leaves, removing leaf litter and weeds, watering plants, and disposing of leaf litter;

Organizing animal carriers, animal enrichment items, nets, and other items;

Assisting Education staff with their projects;

Assisting with administrative projects such as organizing files and documents, updating animal information in an animal records keeping system called ZIMS;

Assisting with guest services.

Again, volunteers must be at least 18 years old. Every volunteer shift requires a commitment of a minimum of four hours. Volunteers need to commit to a minimum of six months. Micke Grove Zoo is at 11793 N. Micke Grove Road, Lodi. Call 209-331-7400.

A negative result for a tuberculin test is mandatory. COVID vaccinations are preferred.

Micke Grove Zoo is a captive wildlife center; the facility breeds threatened wildlife in captivity to support their conservation. Conservation education programs are conducted at the zoo to promote local knowledge on wildlife conservation.

In addition to putting the call out for volunteers, officials at Micke Grove have also announced plans for the annual Micke Grove Easter Egg Hunt, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 23. Open to kids 12 and under, the hunt begins at 11 a.m. and this will be a pre-registration only event, as capacity is limited.

The gates open on March 23 at 9:30 a.m. and the hunt starts at 11 a.m., with festivities running from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There will be kids crafts and games, face painting, bounce houses, food trucks and a visit from the Easter Bunny.

The park will be closed to the general public that day from 8 a.m. to noon.

Event registration will open on Monday, March 4; the links will be available on sjparks.com, Facebook and Instagram.

There will be over 25,000 candy and toy-filled eggs available at the event; participants should bring their own Easter basket.

Also, as part of the San Joaquin County Parks system, the Bob McMillen Memorial Fishing Tournament is scheduled at Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton, coming up on Saturday, March 2. Gates will open at 6:15 a.m. and the last weigh-in is at 12:30 p.m.

There is a $5 fishing permit fee and those 16 years and older need a valid California fishing license to participate.

There will be both youth and adult competitions and 2,000 pounds of trout have been stocked. There is a five-trout limit and a $6 vehicle entry fee.

For more information, call 209-331-2050 or visit www.sjparks.com