Volunteer Opportunities & Training
2008 Volunteer Opportunities & Training
Call or email for more information or to register
(707) 869-9177 X 01, rherrick@mcn.org
2008 Docent and Community Education Program - downloadable brochure
Beginning in 2008, Stewards is offering community education seminars for docents as well as the general public.
Docents willing to make a regular volunteer commitment may attend seminars for FREE. The commitment for each program varies depending on whether the program is seasonal or year-round. Members of Stewards may also attend seminars at no cost.
Community members and visitors may attend for a fee of $15 per seminar, which helps cover the cost of our professional trainers.
The seminars are designed to prepare docents for volunteering with the State Park "Volunteer in Parks" Programs. Volunteer opportunities are listed on the following pages with their acronym in blue. Program recommendations for each seminar are also listed in blue.
GENERAL VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION SESSIONS
The State Park "Volunteer in Parks" Program offers something for everyone. Join us for an overview of all the programs that Stewards supports in our state parks, the responsibilities of being a state park volunteer, as well as an opportunity to chat with park staff, experienced docents and stewardship volunteers.
All new volunteers must attend ONE of the following general orientation sessions:
January 26, 2008, 9:30 am to 11:30 am - New Date
March 15, 2008, 9:30 am to 11:30 am
May 3, 2008, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Orientations take place at the Volunteer Center at Armstrong Redwoods State Reserve.
Program specific orientations are listed with their program descriptions. Contact Stewards for orientation locations and times.
WHALE WATCH (WW)
Assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration. Docents are at Bodega Head on weekends January to May.
Orientation for 2008 Season: November 10, 2007, 9am, Bodega Bay Grange
SEAL WATCH (SW)
Help protect the harbor seals at the mouth of the Russian River during the pupping season (March to Labor Day).
Orientation for 2008 – February 2, 2008
ARMSTRONG TOUR GUIDES & ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (ARTG and AREE)
Become intimate with our unique redwood grove by leading nature walks through Armstrong Redwoods, or by teaching children about the wonderful ecology of this redwood forest.
Orientation for 2008 – February 9, 2008
ARMSTRONG & JENNER VISITOR CENTERS (ARVC and JVC)
Interact and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center at Armstrong Redwoods or on the beautiful Russian River estuary in Jenner. Orientations for Jenner – March 29, 2008
TIDEPOOL PROGRAM (TP)
Introduce park visitors to the amazing life in the intertidal zone by leading school groups on tidepool explorations. Roving Naturalists are also available on low-tide weekends to ensure the preservation of the fragile intertidal resources. Orientation for 2008 – February 16, 2008
WILLOW CREEK WATERSHED EDUCATION PROGRAM (WC)
Inspire students in an exciting watershed field study program where they learn about the life cycle of salmon and attributes of a healthy watershed.
Orientation for 2008 – April 5, 2008
SONOMA COAST ENVIRONMENTAL LIVING PROGRAM (ELP)
Live the cultural history of the Sonoma Coast by stepping back in time. This new docent-led program for students in grades 4th - 7th offers insights into the natural history as it pertains to our cultural resource heritage.
Orientation for 2008 – March 8, 2008
SONOMA COAST DOCENTS (SCD)
Docents lead hikes and educate visitors about natural and cultural resource on Sonoma Coast and in the Willow Creek Watershed. Hikes include topics such as: wildflowers, plant identification, geology and archeology. New docents mentor with experienced docents.
SONOMA COAST STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES (SCS)
Many volunteer stewardship opportunities exist in Sonoma Coast State Park. Volunteers are needed for Marine Debris monitoring and beach cleanups monthly at Salmon Creek. Our Sonoma Coast Citizen Action Team (CAT) works on trails, restoration projects, and collecting water quality monitoring data in the Willow Creek watershed.
On the job orientation and training.
STEWARDS OFFICE WORK - Ongoing
Help is needed in the Stewards office with mailings, manual updating, and training preparations. Times are arranged prior with Stewards staff and is very flexible.
DOCENT & COMMUNITY EDUCATION SEMINARS
To register for seminars and receive further details please contact Ruby Herrick at: volparks@mcn.org, or
(707) 869-9177 ext. 01
Cultural History of Armstrong Redwoods & Austin Creek - Postponed to May 17, 2008 due to storms in January.
Instructor: John Schubert, local Russian River Historian
Saturday, January 19, 2008, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm with lunch break
Principles of Interpretation & Interpretation with Children
Instructors: Rich Lawton, Retired State Park Ranger, Dave Horvitz, State Park Ranger & David Berman, Environmental Educator
In the morning the art of effective and engaging interpretation will be discussed and demonstrated for new docents. The afternoon session will focus on interpretive techniques to use with children. Be prepared for an exciting day both in the classroom and outdoors.
Recommended for all programs
Saturday, February 2, 2008, 9:30 am to 2:00 pm with lunch break
Pinnipeds & Sonoma Coast Birdlife
Instructors: Dr. Sarah Allen & Docent Mary Follis
Learning about the pinnipeds (seals) on Sonoma Coast from Dr. Sarah Allen is always a treat. This expanded seminar with include information about harbor seals, sea lions, and elephant seals. In the afternoon, Mary Follis will introduce the birdlife on the Coast. Recommended for (SW, WW, JVC, TP, SCD, ELP, SCS)
Sunday, February 3, 2008, 10:00 am to late afternoon
Field Trip to the Marine Mammal Center
Instructor: Shelbi Stout, Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator
Join us for a field trip to the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito to learn about the dangers that befall the marine life on our Sonoma Coast and the protocols for assessing and reporting marine mammals in distress. Carpooling will be arranged. Recommended for (SW)
Saturday, February 9, 2008, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Redwood Ecology
Instructor: Brendan O’Neil, State Park Environmental Scientist
Redwood ecology is a fascinating science, from the soil to the canopy the Coast Redwoods, Sequoia semprevirens have a wonderful story to tell.
Recommended for (ARVC, ARTG, AREE, ELP)
Saturday, February 16, 2008, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Exploring the Intertidal Zone
Instructor: John Klobas, Master Naturalist & SRJC Instructor
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.
Recommended for (TP, JVC, SCD, ELP, SCS)
Saturday, March 8, 2008, 9 am to 3 pm with a lunch break
Geology of Sonoma Coast
Instructor: Terry Wright, Professor Emeritus, Geology, SSU
Seminar will take place Shell Beach and Bodega Head. Learn about the geologic formations, landforms, geologic history, plate tectonics, and their significance on the Sonoma Coast. Recommended for (SCD, TP, ELP)
Saturday, March 15, 2008, 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm
½ day afternoon hike
Plants & Wildflowers of Armstrong Redwoods
Instructors: Keith Nelson and Norman Hill, docents
Discover the wildflowers of Armstrong Redwoods (Easy hike)
Recommended for (ARVC, ARTG, AREE, ELP)
Saturday, March 29, 2008, 9:30 am to 2:30 pm with lunch break
Archeology and History of Sonoma Coast
Instructor: Tom Origer, Consultant for Archeological Research & Historic Studies
Travel back in time and learn about the changes that have taken place from an archeological and historic perspective on the Sonoma Coast. Learn about the different cultural groups that influenced the lands they lived and worked on: the Kashaya Pomo, Russian Fur Company, ranching families and the loggers.
Recommended for (SCD, ELP, JVC, TP)
Saturday, April 5, 2008, 9:30 am to Noon
Willow Creek Watershed & Return of the Salmon
Instructor Lauren Hammack, Geomorphologist, Prunuske Chatham
Review the hydrologic history of this important watershed and learn about the steps being taken to restore it as a viable salmonid habitat.
Recommended for (WC, SCS, SCD, ELP, JVC)
Saturday, April 12, 2008, 10:00 am to 3:30 pm with lunch break
Pacific Gray Whale Migration & Migrating Birds
Instructor: John Klobas, Master Naturalist & SRJC Instructor
Join us at Bodega Head for a lively presentation about the Pacific gray whale migration. Participants should be able to view mothers and calves returning to Alaska.
Recommended for (WW, SCD, SW, JVC)
Saturday, May 3, 2008, 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
½ day afternoon hike
Plants & Wildflowers of Sonoma Coast
Instructor Ann Howald, Botanist
Hike the Pomo Trail for a wildflower exploration treat.
Recommended for (JVC, SCD, WC, ELP)
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Cultural History of Armstrong Redwoods & Austin Creek
Instructor: John Schubert, local Russian River Historian
Learn about the history of this fascinating area from the pioneer days (1840) to the early 1900. Topics include logging, railroads, and the old mines in the area.
Recommended for (ARVC, ARTG, AREE)
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 10:00 am to Noon
The Legacy of Pond Farm and Marguerite Wildenhain
Instructor: Laura Parent, State Park Maintenance Worker
Marguerite is an internationally known potter who passed away in 1985. She inspired many students who attended her school in the Austin Creek SRA from the 1950s to 1980. Recommended for (ARVC, ARTG)
Saturday, June 7, 2008, 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Wildlife of Western Sonoma County
Instructor: Michael Wisehart, State Park Interpreter
Learn about the fauna, from banana slugs to mountain lions inhabiting the wild lands of our forests, woodlands and grasslands.
Recommended for (ARVC, ARTG, AREE, JVC, SCD, ELP)
Wilderness First Aid Class – To be schedule in summer 2008
Instructor: Daniel DeKay, Wilderness Medicine Institute, CO
To register for seminars and receive further details please contact Ruby Herrick at: volparks@mcn.org, or
(707) 869-9177 ext. 01
