Yolo Basin Foundation

Goal (purpose) of position: To provide tour participants with an interesting and informative experience of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area

Duties:

Lead Docents: Prior to the tour date, leaders should visit the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area to ascertain where water is, where the birds are, and where to stop during the tour. It is also beneficial for leaders to communicate with tour assistants prior to the tour, introduce themselves if necessary and give each assistant a role on the day. Leaders should arrive 15 minutes early and greet everyone. Leaders then drive as the lead car through the wildlife area, determine the stops, talk about relevant structures, birds, etc. at each stop. Try to talk with everyone on the tour if possible. Leaders are also responsible for ensuring that the tour ends on time.

Assistant Docents: Assist leader with gathering group together, sign-in tour participants, collect donations, share knowledge about wildlife, history, and vegetation, provide hand-out materials and information about the Foundation’s programs and activities. Assistant docents help set up scopes, direct the tour participant’s attention to the leader when necessary. There should always be a docent bringing up the rear of the tour car caravan.

Supervised by: YBF Volunteer Coordinator

Time Commitment:Lead or assist on two tours (or more) over the course of the year. Tours run every second Saturday of the month, October-June. Tours are 3 hours long.

Qualifications:        An interest in wetlands and local species, especially birds. Enthusiasm for working with the general public. Detailed prior knowledge is not required of assistants but leaders should be experienced birders.

Training:                  Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area Docents participate in a two-day training. Training covers establishment/significance of the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, role of the Yolo Basin Foundation and the Department of Fish and Wildlife, species found in the YBWA, how to lead or assist on a tour, interpretation techniques, and basic birding introduction. A resource package is provided.

Volunteer Benefits:This position is an excellent way to observe and enjoy the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area regularly, while providing an important service to the general public unfamiliar with the area. Practice your public speaking skills, increase your knowledge of wetland flora and fauna, and gain experience facilitating public tours.