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 Volunteers 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 Session
Registration is required. Orientations take place at Armstrong Redwoods SNR or at Sonoma Coast SP. Confirmed locations will be provided upon registration.
Please contact: Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager, at rherrick@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 ext. 1# to register.
- Saturday, January 9, 2010, 9:00-11:30am
- Saturday, March 20, 2010, 9:00-11:30am
- Saturday, May 15, 2010, 1:00-4:30pm
Volunteer Programs in the Russian River District - Specific Orientations (2009)
Two and three letter codes appear in blue after each program name and are used after each seminar to indicate to which VIP programs it is associated.
 Whale Watch (WW)
Assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration. Docents are at Bodega Head on weekends January to May.
November 14, 2009, 9am - 1:30pm
Seal Watch (SW)
Help protect the harbor seals at the mouth of the Russian River during the pupping season (March to Labor Day).
February 13, 2010, 1:00-3:00pm and
June 5, 2010, 1:00pm-3:30pm
Armstrong Tour Guides and Environmental Education Program (ARTG and AREE)
Become intimate with our unique redwood grove by leading nature walks through Armstrong Redwoods, or by teaching children about the wonderful ecology of this redwood forest.
January 23, 2010, 1:00pm - 3:00pm
April 10, 2010, Additional Orientation for Tour Guides, 1:00pm - 4:00 pm
Armstrong Visitor Center and Sonoma Coast Visitor Center (ARVC and JVC)
Interact and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center at Armstrong Redwoods or on the beautiful Russian River estuary in Jenner.
Orientation for Armstrong Visitor Center – April 10, 2010, 1:00pm-3:00pm and on the job training
Orientation for Sonoma Coast Visitor Center – March 27, 2010, 2:30pm - 4:00pm and on the job training
Armstrong/Austin Creek Public Assistance Patrols (APA)
Provide valuable assistance and interpretive information to State Parks visitors. Foot and mounted patrols are being developed. (TBD)
Tidepool Program (TP)
Introduce park visitors to the amazing life in the intertidal zone by leading school groups on tidepool explorations. Roving Naturalists are also available on low-tide weekends to ensure the preservation of the fragile intertidal resources.
February 27, 2010, 10am-12:30pm
Willow Creek Watershed Education Program (WC)
Inspire students in an exciting watershed field study program where they learn about the life cycle of salmon and attributes of a healthy watershed.
March 6, 2010, time TBD
Sonoma Coast Environmental Living Program (ELP)
Live the cultural history of the Sonoma Coast by stepping back in time. This new docent-led program for students in grades 4th - 7th offers insights into the natural history as it pertains to our cultural resource heritage.
February 6, 2010, 9:00am - 11:30pm
Sonoma Coast Docents (SCD)
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 (SCS)
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.
To register for orientations and receive further details, please contact: Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager, at rherrick@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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