Oceano Dunes District Interpretation & Education Volunteers
Interpretation & Education Volunteers interpret the cultural, natural and recreational features of state parks for visitors.
Volunteers receive initial and continuing enrichment training to which they add their own unique approach and experiences. If you have a passion for sharing nature and enjoy speaking to the public, this position may be a good fit for you.
Interpretive activities that volunteers become involved with include:
School Groups
The Chumash Education program is based at the Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center. This two hour field trip is geared towards third graders and allows them to explore the Chumash culture and experience a guided walk around the lagoon.
Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center
Volunteers are needed to help staff the Visitor Center Monday through Wednesday. The Visitor Center is open from noon to 4pm and features a variety of natural and cultural resource exhibits, along with an exciting display of a 1950's style dune buggy! Volunteers at the Visitor Center are trained to make sales at the nature store, interpret the exhibits, and answer general park questions.
Pismo State Beach Monarch Butterfly Grove
One of our more popular volunteer opportunities is at the PSB Monarch Butterfly Grove where volunteers get to help staff the grove and show visitors the beautiful monarch butterflies during their overwintering season. This is a very important role to take on as the monarchs currently face many threats and a dwindling population here in the West. Join our team and help us educate the public about how to help save the monarch population! Butterfly Grove training is held each fall, prior to the start of the overwintering season in November.
Special Events & Community Outreach
Throughout the year there are opportunities to participate in outreach events in the park as well as community events.
Adventures with Nature (Guided Nature Walks)
Trained Docents lead guided walks throughout the parks. Examples of walk locations include the Guiton Trail, Oso Flaco Lake, Boardwalk trail, Pismo State Beach shoreline, and more!
Pismo Clam Outreach Team
Join our outreach team to help educate beachgoers about the Pismo clam. Our main focus is to teach people the proper way to rebury the undersized clams so that the population can continue to grow and reproduce. This is a collaboration with California Department of Fish & Wildlife. We schedule our outreach days during low tide periods on busy weekends.
For more information please contact Mallory Claassen by email at Mallory.Claassen@parks.ca.gov or by phone at 805-474-2663.
