by Stacey Pogorzelski
Become part of the first group of Ring Mountain Preserve Wildflower Docents. Join the Marin Chapter of CNPS and Marin County Parks with this fantastic opportunity to share your love of Ring Mountain’s unique ecology, wildflowers, and unusual serpentine grassland habitat with the general public, while also fostering stewardship of this Marin landmark.
Layia platyglossa (tidy tips) and poppies Ring Mountain by Laura Lovett
This opportunity will run weekends from April through mid-June 2023, with training in March. No experience is necessary, but familiarity with native plants is preferred.
Additional details and a formal sign-up will be available early next year. For more information and to receive notice of the registration website for the docent program, please contact Stacey Pogorzelski at marincnpsvolunteers@gmail.com
Potential docent activities
- Walk, sit, or staff a table near wildflower hot spots during the main wildflower bloom period (April – mid-June).
- Point out wildflowers (share names, interesting facts, etc.) and wildflower habitat, or assist visitors in finding wildflowers. We will train you!
- Lead by example and educate about “leave no trace” and “stay on trails” ethics and wildflower viewing etiquette. Please note: volunteers will not be enforcing preserve rules
- Take notes on commonly-asked visitor questions, visitor use patterns, and/or collect data on natural resources, (e.g., use iNaturalist to take observations).
Volunteer Requirements and 2023 Schedule
Docents will need to attend both virtual and in-person training. (We may be able to accommodate some missed training hours).
- Virtual training: Tuesday evenings March 7, 14, 21, 28. In-person field training: Saturday April 1 (dates tentative)
- April 2 – mid-June: Docents volunteer for at least three 2.5-hour shifts (mostly weekends, some weekdays possible)
- Wear a docent volunteer t-shirt and hat that will be provided.
Dudleya farinosa, bluff lettuce Ring Mountain by Ann Elliott
Volunteer qualifications
- No experience necessary, but botanical, gardening or native plant familiarity is
very helpful
- Must have an interest in engaging with a variety of visitors
- Willing to lead by example and communicate “leave no trace” and “stay on trails” principles and ethical wildflower viewing
- Comfortable with rugged outdoor conditions
- Happy working independently or with a partner or small group
- Must have, and carry, a working cell phone (for emergencies)
- Must be 18 years or older (unless accompanied by a guardian)
- Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation
