The FFMR Docent Program

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Docent Schedule

FFMR sponsors a volunteer program where participants assist San Mateo County Parks Division in maintaining safe and knowledgeable use of the intertidal zone. Volunteer Naturalists assist with the education of school groups and the general public providing naturalist-led tours on the reef. Emphasis is on education of the public and the preservation of FMR.

What is a tidepool docent?

After successfully completing the training class, FMR tidepool docents (Volunteer Naturalists) interpret the intertidal environment for school groups and the general public. Volunteer opportunities are available on weekdays or weekends. Weekday volunteers lead tours for school groups, sharing their knowledge and interesting facts with the children. Weekend volunteers can also lead tours, or interact with visitors by identifying creatures and sharing information. As a docent, you are required to volunteer a minimum of twice a month during the busy season (January thru June), and a minimum of once a month the rest of the year. Docents must be physically capable to navigate the rocks and reef and be over 17 years old.

Training for 2008

Training will consist of 7 Saturday classes plus six additional hours spent at the Reserve with a mentor. The location of the classroom will be determined at a later date, but will be in the Half Moon Bay/Moss Beach vicinity. The instruction covers marine biology, ecology and interpretive strategies which will prepare you to become a tidepool docent. The following is a proposed schedule for 2008. Each Saturday class will be 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., with a half-hour break for lunch.

January 5, 2008
January 12, 2008
January 19, 2008
January 26, 2008
February 2, 2008
February 9, 2008
February 23, 2008

In addition to the above classes, an additional six hours on the reef with a mentor will be required.

The address and directions to the classroom will be given upon registration.

Need additional information?

Please call (650) 917-8806. Demo tours available on request. If you want to volunteer at the reserve, send an email with your volunteer interest and contact information.

How do I sign up?

Click here for sign-up details.
Note: The deadline for registration is December 1, 2007.