Do you enjoy educating, engaging and inspiring others? Volunteer to become a Midpen Docent!
Docents are long-term volunteers who engage directly with the public through interpretation and environmental education activities. As part of the Midpen Docent community, you will learn techniques to share your knowledge and passion with preserve visitors and youth. Additionally, you will have access to many training and enrichment opportunities.
Below you will find short summaries about our three Docent programs, and a link to find out more. Each specific program page, provides details about the docent role, and a way to submit your interest in joining that program by clicking Become a Fan. When you select Become a Fan, you will be asked to set up a user profile or account if you don't already have one. Only Midpen staff have access to the contact information you provide on your profile and staff will notify you of upcoming trainings and opportunities to get involved.
All docents must be at least 18 years of age. Previous experience volunteering or working with the public, youth, and involving nature/environment is desirable but not required. Midpen provides all necessary training and ongoing enrichment opportunities.
Nature Center Docent
Staff the David C. Daniels Nature Center located at Alpine Pond in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
The Daniels Nature Center is open weekends April to mid-November.
Responsibilities
- Greet visitors and share information about Midpen preserves.
- Share environmental and natural and cultural history information; engage visitors
with interactive exhibits. - Conduct hands-on activities (pond ecology, wildlife viewing, etc.)
Training
- To become a Nature Center Docent, participate in one 2 hour long orientation at the Administrative Office in Los Altos, and one 3-4 hour training at the Daniels Nature Center. Additionally, new Docents will observe an experienced Docent for one or more shifts.
- Click Become a Fan on the Nature Center Docent program page to be notified of upcoming trainings.
Outdoor Education Docent
Lead small groups of 3rd-5th grade students on a field trip based at the Daniels Nature Center at Alpine Pond in Skyline Ridge Open Space Preserve.
Field trips take place on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the spring and fall of each year.
Responsibilities
- Using Midpen's "Spaces & Species" curriculum, engage students in place-based educational activities (including a 1.0 mile easy-to-moderate hike) while fostering a fun atmosphere for inquiry and exploration.
- Work in a team of up to four Outdoor Education Docents per field trip.
Training
- Outdoor Education Docent trainees participate in a 6 week (one 5-hour weekday session per week) training and orientation program.
- Applications are currently being received for the 2023 school year. Email the Environmental Education Specialist to receive an application.
- Click Become a Fan on the Outdoor Education Docent program page to be notified of upcoming trainings.
Docent Naturalist
Provide year-round guided interpretive hikes and rides that engage preserve visitors with the natural and cultural history and ecology of the mid-peninsula region and Santa Cruz Mountains.
Responsibilities
- Design and lead (or assist with) public outdoor activities on preserves such as guided hikes, mountain bike rides, and horseback rides.
- Using interpretive techniques and an understanding of ecology, natural resource management, and local history, encourage appreciation and stewardship of open spaces.
Training
- A 12 to 14 week training and orientation program is required. During each week of training, new Docents meet one evening in class and one Saturday in the field per week. The training is usually offered biennially from April through July. This training incorporates the UC California Naturalist certification.
- Click Become a Fan on the Docent Naturalist program page to be notified of upcoming trainings.
