Western Snowy Plover Volunteer - San Onofre State Beach / Trestles
The goal of the Western Snowy Plover Volunteer Docent Program is:
- To protect and preserve the habitat of the Western Snowy Plover at San Onofre State Beach / Trestles.
- To communicate information about the natural history and conservation of Western Snowy Plovers and their habitat.
- To educate visitors of the importance of following guidelines which been implemented to protect Western Snowy Plovers.
Docents will be responsible for providing outreach and education focused on Western Snowy Plovers to parks visitors at San Onofre State Beach / Trestles. Docents will conduct field surveys noting bird behavior, disturbances, and predation events and provide completed data sheets to Park staff. In addition, Docents will provide State Park rules, regulations and guidelines in a way that educates and encourages visitors to voluntarily comply.
Qualifications:
- A positive attitude towards engaging people in conversation.
- Ability to communicate well with others and be sensitive to their needs and views.
- Ability to work independently and resourcefully in a public place.
- Good written, verbal, and observational skills.
- Familiarity with identifying and listing all birds observed.
- Interest in ornithology and conservation.
Requirements
- Create an account on Better Impact to sign up for shifts and record hours, while meeting the minimum time commitment and maintaining communication with the Supervisor.
- Attend a two-hour classroom training which provides overview of Western Snowy Plovers and attend a two-hour field training which provides practice in observation and monitoring.
- Sign up for a Beach Roving shift:
- The Beach Roving shift is for volunteers to walk on the beach at various habitat locations and provide education to the public while documenting important information on the plovers. This option has a medium level of physical activity required. Volunteers need to be comfortable with walking on sand throughout the duration of their shift.
- Complete a data sheet each shift and submit it to staff.
- Review and be familiar with the Western Snowy Plover Docent Manual.
- Wear the required uniform which includes a badge and shirt.
- Provide your own field equipment like binoculars and/or spotting scope.
Time Commitment
Two hours per week during the breeding season, including at least one weekend/holiday shift per month during the breeding season (March through August). The schedule is flexible with available shifts between 10AM-7PM daily. Other opportunities may arise throughout the rest of the year.
Parking and Trestles Beach Access
Parking is available at the Trestles parking lot near Cristianitos Road and South El Camino Real. The parking lot is adjacent to the Carl's Jr restaurant located at 3929 S El Camino Real, San Clemente, CA 92672. Docents are provided a parking pass. There is also street parking available in this area.
From the parking lot, there is 5 minute walk along Cristianitos Road to enter Trestles through the bike path located at 6 Via Colorso, San Clemente, CA 92672. Docents will continue on the bike path to get to Uppers, which is the northern part of the beach. To get to Uppers from the bike path, make the first right turn and continue straight. Docents are welcome to ride a bike, skateboard, or scooter instead of walking if they prefer. Bike racks are available at Uppers near the portable restrooms.
To Apply: Visit our Orange Coast District Volunteer Portal on Better Impact for more information about the Orange Coast District. Then, email vol.orangecoast@parks.ca.gov to get started. We occasionally post about opportunities on our social media so follow us for any updates on Least Tern Volunteers!
