We need your help! There are many opportunities for you as an Open Space Volunteer. What's your specialty? Please note age requirements and desirable skills as marked.
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Must be at least 18 years of age. |
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Previous experience working with the public, youth, and involving nature/environment is desirable but not required.
The District provides all necessary training and ongoing enrichment opportunities.
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Nature Center Host- [signup] |
A Nature Center Host staffs the David C. Daniels Nature Center (open weekends April to mid-November) located at Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
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| Duties |
- Greet visitors and orient them to the District and preserves.
- Provide environmental and natural history information.
- Conduct hands-on discoveries (pond ecology, wildlife viewing, etc.)
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| Training |
- A two-session training is required, consisting of an evening orientation and ½ day Saturday/Sunday, and is offered once or twice per year.
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Outdoor Activity Docent- [signup] |
Outdoor Activity Docents introduce preserve users to the natural and cultural history, and ecology of the mid-peninsula region and Santa Cruz Mountains.
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- Design and lead (or assist with) activities on preserves such as hikes, mountain bike excursions, and horseback rides.
- Using interpretive techniques and an understanding of ecology, natural resource management, and local history, encourage appreciation and stewardship of open space and wildland habitat areas.
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| Training |
- A 10-week (one evening and one Saturday per week) training and orientation program is required. The training is offered every even numbered year.
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Outdoor Education Leader- [signup] |
An Outdoor Education Leader works as part of a team with small groups of 3rd-5th graders on a field trip (offered to schools on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring and fall of each year) to the Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve and the David C. Daniels Nature Center.
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- Using the District's unique "Spaces & Species" curriculum, teach children about the natural world, providing opportunities for experiential learning (including a one mile easy-to-moderate hike) while fostering a fun atmosphere for discovery and exploration.
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| Training |
- A 6-session weekday training is generally offered twice per year-- early spring and late summer.
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Be on the front lines and get involved in trail maintenance and construction. Our monthly field projects accommodate a variety of skills and physical abilities. You can participate in field projects just once or as many times as you like.
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- Trail restoration
- Habitat restoration (tree planting, removal of invasive, non-native vegetation, etc.)
- Fence construction
- Other important resource management activities
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- District staff members provide onsite tools and instruction.
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Trail Patrol Volunteer- [signup] |
Hike, ride your bike, saddle up your horse, and hit the trail. Trail Patrol Volunteers provide a valuable resource to visitors to our open space preserves.
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| Duties |
- Talk with visitors about trail safety and etiquette
- Provide general information to visitors
- Monitor trail conditions
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| Training |
- A weekday training followed by two Saturday trainings
- During informative training sessions, you will learn how to handle emergencies and identify potential trail hazards. We ask for a commitment of at least once a month for one year.
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Select a project that matches your skills and interests. You can showcase your talents in our office or in the field. Most projects are suitable for flexible schedules. Please contact for more information. Past special projects include:
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- edited videos featuring wildlife/outdoor activities
- photographs taken on the preserves
- plants or wildlife inventories
- map updates
- Boy Scout Eagle Award or Girl Scout Bronze Award projects
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For more information about Preserve Partners, Special Project Volunteers or Trail Patrol, email volunteer@openspace.org or call (650) 691-1200.
Docent-led hike
Docent-led ride
