California Least Tern Volunteer Docent
Who: Open to adults who are interested in protecting and preserving the habitat of California Least Terns and are comfortable walking on uneven, sandy beach to perform public outreach.
What:
The State Parks within Orange Coast District are home to a diverse array of species including two threatened bird species; the California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover. The Natural Resource Management Staff and local non-profit organizations have developed a Volunteer Docent Program that is focused on educating the public about conservation efforts for these bird species. California Least Tern and Western Snowy Plover Docent Volunteers are needed from May to early August to assist California State Parks Staff with the continued protection effort for these species. The role of docents is to monitor and report activity within the Huntington State Beach Least Tern Natural Preserve to parks staff and to help educate the public on conservation efforts. Volunteer shifts are typically about 2 hours and are open to any docents that have an interest in conservation efforts and that are able to take a slow walk around the preserve (about a half mile in total). Volunteers are provided with two training sessions and a volunteer manual, and are expected to provide their own binoculars/scope (and chair if needed). This is a great opportunity to assist conservation efforts for two iconic species of Southern California’s coastal beaches. If you appreciate birds and want to spend more time watching shorebirds and becoming a part of a community that is dedicated to supporting and protecting these special species then reach out today.
Docent Requirements:
-create an account on Better Impact to
-sign up for shifts
-record volunteer hours
-communicate with volunteer supervisor
-attend a 2 hour classroom training and a 2 hour in field training
-read, review and be familiar with the docent manual
-complete and submit a data sheet for each volunteer shift
Where: Huntington State Beach.
When: Our annual "kick off" meeting takes place in early April, a few weeks before the California Least Terns arrive to begin their breeding season. Their breeding season lasts through early August.
How: 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!
