This page outlines the "Volunteers in the Parks" (VIP) Programs and opportunities, General Orientation Sessions and Program-specific Sessions. Stewards has a variety of levels of participation and time commitments for those who are interested in donating their time by becoming volunteers.
New volunteers are required to attend one General Orientation Session. Volunteers who work at least 16 hours receive a free Day Use Pass for all State Parks in the Russian River District. Volunteers who work 200 hours or more receive a free State-wide Day Use Pass.
Throughout the year, Stewards offers a variety of interesting and informative seminars for which we request a $5 donation from Members and a $15 fee from the general public. These seminars and scheduled dates can be found by clicking on the link below.
Docent and Community Education Seminar Information
Online Reservation Form for Orientations and Seminars
General Volunteer Orientation Sessions
Registration is required. Orientations take place at Armstrong Redwoods SNR or at Sonoma Coast SP. Confirmed locations will be provided upon registration.
Please register using our online registration form for Orientations and Seminars.
If you have questions please contact: Sukey Robb-Wilder, Programs Manager, at volparks@mcn.org or
(707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.
- Saturday, January 19, 2013, 9:00-Noon Guerneville
- Saturday, March 16, 2013, 9:00-Noon Guerneville
- Saturday, May 18, 2013, 9:00-Noon Bodega Bay
Volunteer Programs in the Russian River District - Specific Orientations
Seabird Monitoring Orientation
Instructor – Jim Weisgand, BLM
An orientation to a new seabird and shorebird monitoring program on Sonoma Coast. Citizen monitors receive a stipend to cover gas/meals. Training provided on 1/17/13.
Thursday, January 10, 2013, 10:00am - Noon
(Training date: Thursday, January 17, 2013, 10:00am to Noon)
Armstrong Tour Guides and Environmental Education Program
Learn to share fascinating redwood ecology tours and/or activities with adults and school children. Docents need to be available on weekdays for school groups. Roving docents greet visitors along the trails on the weekends. Mentoring and resource materials provided.
Friday, January 11, 2013, 10:00am - 3:00pm - bring lunch
Seabird Monitoring Training
Instructor – Jim Weisgand, BLM, CN
Training for a new seabird and shorebird monitoring program on Sonoma Coast.
Thursday, January 17, 2013, 10:00am - Noon
(Orientation date: Thursday, January 10, 2013, 10:00am - Noon)
Armstrong Woods Visitor Center
Interact and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center at Armstrong Redwoods.
Saturday, February 2, 2013, 9:00am - Noon
Tidepool Program
Introduce school groups to the amazing life in the intertidal zone. Roving Naturalists are available on low-tide weekends to ensure the preservation of the fragile intertidal resources.
Thursday, February 7, 2013, 9:00am - Noon
Pinniped Monitoring Orientaion (Stewards Program - not Volunteers in Parks)
Instructor –Dr. Joe Mortenson, Jessica Martini-Lamb, SCWA
Join Stewards’ pinniped monitoring program. Volunteers collect data to ensure the protection of harbor seals during Russian River estuary activities as they pertain to mandated work required by the Sonoma County Water Agency by the Biological Opinion. Stipends provided to cover mileage/meals.
Thursday, February 14, 2013, 9 am to
3 pm - bring lunch
Seal Watch
Help protect the harbor seals at the mouth of the Russian River during the pupping season (March to Labor Day).
February 23, 2013, 9 am - 3 pm
Sonoma Coast Environmental Education Program
An orientation to the engaging programs offered to school children at Sonoma Coast State Park, including a watershed field study program and a cultural Environmental Living Program. Additional training and mentoring offered later in the year.
Friday, March 8, 2013, 9 am - 3 pm bring lunch
Jenner Visitor Center
Interact with and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center on the beautiful Russian River estuary in Jenner.
Saturday, March 23, 2013, 1 pm – 4 pm
Austin Creek Public Assistance Orientation
Join volunteers on foot, bicycle and horseback (Mounted Assistance Units) as they patrol the upland trails of Armstrong Redwoods and the backcountry in Austin Creek to aid park visitors and ensure the preservation of the natural resources.
Saturday, April 27, 2013, 9 am – Noon
Sonoma Coast Environmental Living Training
Inspire school groups as they live cultural history by stepping back in time. This program offers insights into the natural history of the coast as it pertains to the cultural groups who lived there, the Kashaya Pomo, Russians, loggers and ranchers.
Thursday, August 29, 2013, 9 am – 3 pm, bring lunch
 Willow Creek Watershed Education Program
Inspire students in an exciting watershed field study program where they learn about the life cycle of salmon and attributes of a healthy watershed, erosion and sedimentation control, water quality and macroinvertebrates.
Friday, October 4, 2013, 9:00am-3:00pm - bring lunch
Whale Watch Orientation
Assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration. Docents are at Bodega Head on weekends January to May.
Saturday, November 16, 2013, 9am - 2:30pm - bring lunch
Sonoma Coast Docents
Docents lead hikes and educate visitors about natural and cultural resources on the magnificent 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.
Attend a General Orientation and the training seminars that pertain to your areas of interest.
Sonoma Coast Stewardship Opportunities
Many volunteer stewardship opportunities exist in Sonoma Coast SP. Volunteers are needed for Marine Debris monitoring and beach cleanups monthly at Salmon Creek. Our Sonoma Coast Trail Crew works on trails and restoration projects. Volunteers collect water quality monitoring data in the Willow Creek watershed.
Volunteers in our stewardship programs receive on the job orientation and training.
Register online for orientations and receive further details, please contact: Sukey Robb-Wilder, Programs Manager, at sukeyrw@mcn.org or
(707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.
Volunteer - Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek - Education Programs:
Volunteer - Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek - Stewardship:
Sonoma Coast Volunteer Programs - Education:
Sonoma Coast Volunteer Programs - Education:
Stewardship Programs - Sonoma Coast State Park:
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