California State Parks – Volunteer Trainings

California State Parks is seeking volunteers! There are 4 parks about to hold their annual docent volunteer training in April. For more information or to register, pick-a-park and call Natural Bridges State Beach (831) 423-4609, Rancho del Oso (831) 427-2288, Pigeon Point Lighthouse (650) 879-2120 or Castle Rock State Park (831) 335-6391. Docent training classes prepare volunteers for their commitment of 6 hours or more per month as a member of the Volunteers-in-Parks team assisting with education and stewardship programs.

Ocean Naturalist Training at Natural Bridges State Beach Volunteers Needed for Annual Tide Pool Docent Training

Register now for classes beginning Wednesday, April 3

Natural Bridges State Park

Natural Bridges State Beach is looking for volunteers who love the ocean, are curious to learn more and enthusiastic about sharing what they learn about the marine life at the park. Training takes place Wednesday evenings from 6:30p.m. to 9:00p.m. and Saturdays from April 3 to April 27. The training program covers information about park and tide pool life, public speaking and teaching techniques. Volunteers give 6 hours or more per month following training. Natural Bridges is located at the end of West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz. To register, please call Martha or Chris at (831) 423-4609 or email them at martha.nitzberg@parks.ca.gov or naturalbridgesstatebeach@gmail.com.

New Volunteers-in-Parks Docent Program Seeks Trailblazers!

Register now to join the Class of 2013 scheduled for Saturdays, April 20, 27 and May 4

Portola Redwoods State Park

Become one of an elite group of trailblazers by joining a groundbreaking new class of Volunteers in Parks at Castle Rock State Park, known for its rock-climbing, hiking and backpacking opportunities, and Portola Redwoods State Park, popular with campers and hikers. Register now for the upcoming training series on Saturdays, April 20, 27 and May 4 from 9:00a.m. to 3:00p.m.

Volunteers will learn about the parks’ natural and cultural history, park stewardship, trail etiquette, safety, visitor contact and how to use field radios. After the training sessions, group hikes will be held in each Park.
To register please send an email to volunteer@portolaandcastlerockfound.org and include a short one or two paragraph biography to tell us who you are and why you are interested in becoming a volunteer in either Portola Redwoods or Castle Rock State Park (or both). Registrants will receive a Volunteers Manual package, which will include State Park Volunteer forms and directions to the Las Cumbres Community Center and MROSD facility.

Two of the 5-hour training sessions will be at Las Cumbres Community Center off Skyline Blvd. (4/20/and 5/4) located off of Skyline Blvd. (Hwy 35) about 2 miles southeast of the Castle Rock State Park entrance. The training on April 27 will meet at the Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District facility at Skyline Blvd. and Alpine Road.

Join the Portola-Castle Rock Class of 2013 as a California State Parks Volunteer!

Inaugural Docent Training at Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center

Sign up now for volunteer training that begins Saturday, April 13, 2013

A legacy of nature study and conservation that began with the Hoover Family generations ago will continue with a new team of park volunteers at Rancho del Oso Nature and History Center. The new center opened in 2012 and provides an in-depth look at the natural and cultural history of the area–From grizzly bears and logging to kite surfing and presidents, Rancho del Oso has fascinating stories to tell. The new center is flanked by the Theodore J. Hoover Nature Preserve, in the coastal section of Big Basin Redwoods State Park, where Waddell Creek meets the sea. Prospective volunteers are encouraged to enroll now for the upcoming series of volunteer trainings which begin April 13. To participate, please contact Morgan at (831) 427-2288 or email her at parksrdopis@parks.ca.gov. //READ MORE