Stewards partners with archeologists, biologists, botanists, geologists, historians, naturalists and other skilled educators, State Parks staff and volunteers to offer Educational Seminars. These seminars are designed to educate members of the public and prepare docents for volunteering with the State Parks "Volunteer in Parks" Programs.
Community members and visitors will find these seminars to be very enlightening and may attend for a small fee of $15 per seminar which helps cover the cost of our professional trainers and funds free environmental education programs for school children. Payment is required at the time of registration to secure your place.
Members of Stewards are asked for a $5 fee. The commitment for each program varies depending on whether the program is seasonal or year-round. All new volunteers are required to attend ONE of the general orientation sessions. Stewards' members may also attend seminars for a $5 fee.
Volunteer Information
Online Reservation Form for Orientations and Seminars
PAYMENT PAGE - If you are already registered and need to pay for Seminiars
2013 Community Education Seminars & Docent Orientations
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED - To register for seminars use our Online Reservation Form. Time and location details will be confirmed upon registration. To receive further information please contact: Sukey Robb-Wilder, Programs Manager, at sukeyrw@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.
Seabird Monitoring Orientation
Thursday, January 10, 2013
10 am - Noon
Instructor – Jim Weigand, PhD Ecologist, BLM
Stewards is partnering with the Bureau of Land Management/ California Coastal National Monument to implement a new seabird monitoring program on Sonoma Coast. Citizen monitors receive a stipend to cover gas/meals. Training 1/17/13.
Armstrong Tour Guides & Environmental Education Orientation
Friday, January 11, 2013
10 am – 3 pm, bring lunch
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Learn to share fascinating redwood ecology tours and/or activities with adults and school children. Docents need to be available on weekdays for school groups. Roving docents greet visitors along the trails on the weekends. Mentoring and resource materials provided.
Seabird Monitoring Training
Thursday, January 17, 2013
10 am - 3pm, bring lunch
Instructor – Jim Weigand, PhD Ecologist, BLM
Training for a new seabird and shorebird
monitoring program on Sonoma Coast. Orientation 1/10/13.
State Parks Volunteer Docent/Stewards General Orientation – Session 1
Saturday, January 19, 2013
9 am - Noon
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
General Orientation about all volunteer opportunities available in Russian River Sector State Parks.
One General Orientation is REQUIRED for all new volunteers. (Also 3/16/13 and 5/18/13)
Art of Interpretation: Engagement with all Age Groups
Saturday, January 26, 2013
9 am - 4 pm, bring lunch
Instructors: Kristina Stanton, Environmental Discover Center
David Berman, Environmental Educator
Interpreters teach, entertain and provoke to awaken curiosity. Kristina Stanton will talk about and demonstrate the art of effective interpretation. David Berman will focus on interpretive techniques to use with children. Be prepared for an engaging day, valuable for all docents and teachers of all levels.
Armstrong Woods Visitor Center Orientation
Saturday, February 2, 2013
9 am – Noon
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Learn to interact and inspire visitors from all over the world about the natural and cultura resources by staffing the Visitor Center (VC) at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. The VC is open year-round, 7 days a week.
Wildlife of Western Sonoma County
Saturday, February 2, 2013
1 pm - 4 pm
Instructor: Bill Nay, SC Wildlife Rescue
Learn about the fauna, from banana slugs to mountain lions inhabiting our forests, woodlands and grasslands, by exploring stories told by Scats and Tracks, a few skulls, pelts and sounds. Learn about rehabilitating and releasing wildlife.
Tidepool Program Orientation
Thursday, February 7, 2013
9 am – Noon
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Introduce school groups to the amazing life in the intertidal zone. Roving Naturalists are available on low-tide weekends to ensure the preservation of the fragile intertidal resources.
Exploring the Intertidal Zone Field Seminar
Thursday, February 7, 2013
1 pm - 4 pm
Instructor: Karl Menard, Bodega Marine Lab
Join a lively session of tidepool exploration and learn techniques for interpreting this fragile resource with the public, especially children. Bring waterproof boots, a change of clothes, and dress in layers.
Pinniped Monitoring Orientation
Thursday, February 14, 2013
9 am - 3pm, bring lunch
Takes Place at the Jenner Visitor Center
Instructors: Dr. Joe Mortenson, Jessica Martini-Lamb, SCWA
Join Stewards’ pinniped monitoring program. Volunteers collect data required by the Sonoma County Water Agency to ensure the protection of harbor seals during Russian River estuary activities as they pertain to mandated work by the Biological Opinion. Stipends provided to cover mileage/meals.
Marine Mammals of Sonoma Coast
Saturday, February 16, 2013
9 am - Noon
Bodega Bay Fire District
Instructor: Dr. Sarah Allen, Ecologist
Learning about the pinnipeds from Dr. Sarah Allen is always a treat. This seminar includes information about harbor seals, sea lions, elephant seals and whales.
Seal Watch Orientation
Saturday, February 23, 2013
9 am – 3 pm, bring lunch
Jenner Community Center
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Help protect the harbor seals at the mouth of the Russian River during the pupping season (March to Labor Day)
Redwood Ed: Activities for Teaching about Redwoods
Saturday, March 2, 2013
9 am – Noon
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Instructor: Mike Roa, Environmental Ed educator and writer
This hands-on, interdisciplinary workshop will provide background knowledge, skills and resources to help teach about the coast redwoods. Participants will receive guides on CD. Good for docents, outdoor educators and teachers.
(Lunch Break)
Plants of the Redwood Understory Seminar
Saturday, March 2, 2013
1 pm – 3:30 pm
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Instructor: Sherrie Althouse, Co-Owner California Flora Nursery
Coastal redwoods, renowned for incredible size and
beauty, provide unique habitat for animals and plants.
We will explore the plants that are adapted to the deep
shade of the redwood forest floor where massive root
systems and a thick layer of acidic redwood duff dominate. (Easy hike)
Sonoma Coast Environmental Education Orientation
Friday, March 8, 2013
9 am – 3 pm, bring lunch
Jenner Visitor Center
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
An orientation to the engaging programs offered to school children at Sonoma Coast State Park, including a watershed field study program and a cultural Environmental Living Program. Additional training and mentoring offered later in the year.
Geology of Sonoma Coast
Saturday, March 9, 2013
10 am - 2 pm, bring lunch
Jenner Visitor Center and Sonoma Coast State Beach
Instructor: Rebecca Perlroth, Geology Instructor, SRJC
Seminar will take place at Shell Beach and Bodega Head. Learn about unique geologic formations, landforms, geologic history, plate tectonics, and their significance on the Sonoma Coast.
State Parks Volunteer Docent/Stewards General Orientation – Session 2
Saturday, March 16, 2013
9 am - Noon
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
General Orientation about all volunteer opportunities available in Russian River Sector State Parks.
One General Orientation is REQUIRED for all new volunteers. (Also 1/19/13, 5/18/13)
(Lunch Break)
Redwood Ecology Seminar
Saturday, March 16, 2013
12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Instructor: Brendan O’Neil, State Park Environmental Scientist )
Redwood ecology is a fascinating science, from the soil to the canopy the Coast Redwoods, Sequoia sempervirens have a wonderful story to tell.
The Art of Tracking: Seeing Patterns on a Landscape
Saturday, March 23, 2013
9 am - Noon
Bodega Bay First District and Sonoma Coast State Park
Instructor: Meghan Walla-Murphy, Biologist
In this field seminar, Meghan will share the discipline and mechanics of tracking while she delves into the Art of Seeing.
Most people are astonished by what can be elucidated about animal behavior with these techniques. Meghan will also address tracking
as a non-invasive way to research
and conserve wildlife that leaves
both observer and observed at peace.
(Lunch Break)
Jenner Visitor Center Orientation
Saturday, March 23, 2013
1 pm – 4 pm
Jenner Visitor Center
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Interact with and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center on the beautiful Russian River estuary in Jenner.
Birding on the Sonoma Coast
Sunday, April 7, 2013, 9:00 am to Noon
Goat Rock State Beach
Instructor: Lisa Hug, naturalist and birding guide
Explore birds of the Sonoma Coast near the mouth of the Russian River. Learn about gulls, grebes, loons, common murres and more!
Introduction to the Coastal Prairie
Saturday, April 20, 2013
9 am – 2 pm, bring lunch
Bodega Bay Fire District and Sonoma Coast State Park
Instructor: Michelle Cooper, Bodega Marine Lab
Come learn about the most diverse and endangered native grassland in North America and four of the threats to its existence: urbanization, shrub encroachment, invasive species, and conversion to agriculture. Then hike through some of the remaining 1% of California’s native prairie along the Kortum and Pomo trails.
Austin Creek Public Assistance Orientation
Saturday, April 27, 2013
9 am – Noon
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Join volunteers on foot, bicycle and horseback (Mounted Assistance Units) as they patrol the upland trails of Armstrong Redwoods and the backcountry in Austin Creek to aid park visitors and ensure the preservation of the natural resources.
Archeology and History of Sonoma Coast
Saturday, May 4, 2013
9 am – 2 pm, bring lunch
Jenner Community Club and Sonoma Coast State Park
Instructor: Tom Origer, Professional Archeologist
Join this popular field seminar about the fascinating changes that have taken place from an archeological and historic perspective on the Sonoma Coast.
State Parks Volunteer Docent/Stewards General Orientation – Session 3
Saturday, May 18, 2013
9 am - Noon
Bodega Bay Fire Protection District
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
General Orientation about all volunteer opportunities available in Russian River Sector State Parks.
One General Orientation is REQUIRED for all new volunteers. (Also 1/19/13 and 3/16/13)
(Lunch Break)
Cultural History of Sonoma Coast
Saturday, May 18, 2013
1 pm – 4 pm, bring lunch
Bodega Bay Fire Protection District
Instructors: Daniel Murley, Historian, Retired State Park Ranger, others to be added.
Learn about the cultural history of Sonoma Coast State Park, including the Kashaya Pomo, Russian American Fur Company, ranching families and logging operations.
The Legacy of Pond Farm Pottery
Date and Time: June 1, 2013
9:00 to Noon
Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve
Instructors: Anthony VeerKamp, National Trust for Historic Preservation and Laura Parent, State Parks
Learn about the inspiring story of internationally renowned ceramic potter, Marguerite Wildenhain and Pond Farm Pottery.
Harbor Seal Viewing by Kayak
Sunday, June 2, 2013
9 am – Noon
Jenner Boat Launch
Instructor: Suki Waters, WaterTreks EcoTours
Explore how to view harbor seals safely by boat, with special consideration for keeping appropriate distance and being mindful of tides, wind, and water conditions at the mouth of the Russian River. Kayak rental fees apply.
Sonoma Coast Environmental Living Training
Thursday, August 29, 2013
9 am – 3 pm, bring lunch
Jenner Visitor Center
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Inspire school groups as they live cultural history by stepping back in time. This program offers insights into the natural history of the coast as it pertains to the cultural groups who lived there, the Kashaya Pomo, Russians, loggers and ranchers.
Willow Creek Watershed Education Training
Friday, October 4, 2013
9 am – 3 pm, bring lunch
Jenner Visitor Center
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Inspire students in an exciting watershed field study program where they learn about the life cycle of salmon and attributes of a healthy watershed, erosion and sedimentation control, water quality and macroinvertebrates.
Whale Watch Orientation
Saturday, November 16, 2013
9 am–1:30 pm, bring lunch
Bodega Bay Fire District, Bodega Head
Facilitated by Staff and Docents
Assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration. Docents are at Bodega Head on weekends January to May.
Public Education Programs - Sonoma Coast State Park:
Public Education Programs - Armstrong Redwoods SNR and Austin Creek SRA:
|
