Docent Naturalist

Docent Naturalists (DN) provide year-round guided interpretive hikes and rides that engage preserve visitors with the natural history, ecology, and cultural history of the mid-peninsula region and Santa Cruz Mountains.

Using interpretive techniques, and an understanding of ecology and natural history as well as natural resource management, docents encourage appreciation and stewardship of open space and wildland habitat areas by developing and providing enriched experiences of others.

To attend a Docent Naturalist guided activity, please visit the Midpen website for activity schedule and to sign up.

• DNs design and lead (or assist with) activities on preserves such as hikes, mountain bike excursions, and horseback rides.
• To remain active, DNs shall lead or assist with a scheduled outdoor interpretive activity at least 8 times per year for the first year of service, and 6 to 8 times per year thereafter; equivalent to a minimum of 20 hours.
• For full description of duties, please download the DN position description (under construction).

 Training

• The training commitment is a 14-week (7 hours per week; a 2-hour evening session and a 5-hour Saturday session) training and orientation program. Training subjects include Midpen history, biotic communities, bird ecology and identification, interpretive techniques, geology, mammalogy, wildlife signs, trail safety, and communication skills.
• The training is usually offered once every two years from April through July. 
• The course is also a California Certified Naturalist training sanctioned by the University of California. While Midpen has no fees associated with the DN training course, the addition of the California Naturalist certification requires a $110 fee per trainee to paid to the University of California. In the event that a trainee is not able to cover the UC California Naturalist fee, other arrangements can be made with Midpen.
• DNs are asked to sign an agreement with Midpen for a minimum of a one-year commitment to the program following training.
• Click "Become a Fan" to be notified of the next available training.

 Requirements

• Participate in at least 2 of 4 quarterly docent meetings per year.
• Submit a Volunteer Liability Waiver.
• Submit an application and schedule an interview with Midpen staff.
• Must be at least 18 years of age. Previous experience working with the public, youth, and involving nature/environment is desirable but not required. Midpen provides all necessary training and ongoing enrichment opportunities.

Submit your interest to join the DN program by clicking Become a Fan in the upper right corner of this page.
When you click Become a Fan, you will be asked to make an account if you don't already have one; only Midpen staff will have access to the contact information you provide. We will notify you of upcoming trainings and opportunities to get involved.

If you have questions about this program, please email Katie Renz, Interpretive Specialist