San Elijo Conservancy WANTS YOU to be a decent docent. Deadline Sept. 16 - Sign up today!
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy Docent Class of 2010
San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is looking for a few good --no, make that GREAT! -- docents.
These guides help people make the most of their hike, pointing out the nuances and history there missed by many.
The San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is ooking for a few good volunteers to serve as nature ambassadors. A comprehensive training program will prepare docents to lead interpretive walks for school and scout groups, as well as for weekend visitors and other community groups. Previous interpretive experience is not required.
“I think we’re all a little nervous at first,” said Elizabeth Venrick, a retired oceanographer who donates her time to the conservancy as a volunteer docent. “Every tour I do I learn something new and exciting. Sometimes I learn from the people on my tour.”
Her particular tour involves highlighting information about the many species of estuary plant and animal life, but also the history of the area dating back to the last Native American Kumeyaay, who relied upon this lagoon for its vast resources. She can rattle off the Latin names of various species of plant and animal, which impresses the adults, but her favorite audience is the children.
“I get a kick out having a child reach into a bush and rub a Lemonadeberry. They are amazed at the sour flavor. Their smiles tell me I hit the jackpot.” She then proceeds to tell how the Kumeyaay made lemon tea with these plants hundreds of years ago.
All the tools to lead walks will be provided in the eight-week training that begins Oct. 4. The final application deadline is Sept. 16. The program cost is $125 and includes membership in San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy. As a special incentive to enroll early, applications received by September 1 will only cost $110.
The mission of San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy is to protect and restore the resources of San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, its watershed, and related ecosystems for the benefit of current and future generations. This fall SELC kicks off its 25th Anniversary celebration for the upcoming 2012 year.
As a naturalist with the Conservancy, you’ll be supporting our core mission to protect and enhance San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, by fostering stewardship and appreciation of this wetland environment.
DOCENT-NATURALIST ROLE: TRAIL GUIDE
The Conservancy’s greatest volunteer need is to lead school children on field trips, with a majority of students in the elementary grades. In addition, the Conservancy offers Weekend Walks for the public on Saturdays. Community groups also can arrange for special docent-led tours of the reserve.
Most guided walks are held Wednesday through Saturday mornings, with Fall and Spring as peak field trip seasons.
DOCENT-NATURALIST BENEFITS
- Personal fulfillment by supporting an organization that gives back to the community
- Hosted get-togethers with natural history experts and semi-annual celebrations
- Membership in San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy (SELC hat and polo shirt)
