State Parks Volunteer Docents are trained to work with school groups on all aspects of the Watershed Education Program. This comprehensive training program was developed by staff from Stewards, California State Parks and professionals in the field of environmental restoration. Docents are trained to educate students about the effects of land use practices on watersheds, erosion, sedimentation, the life cycle of salmon and their habitat requirements. Docents are also kept up-to-date on the restoration efforts that Stewards and California State Parks are working on in the Willow Creek watershed.

Docents conduct a classroom visit to introduce students to the concepts they will learn during their field visit. The field visit takes place in the Willow Creek watershed, which is part of Sonoma Coast SP.

Potential volunteer docents are required to attend one of the three General Orientation Sessions, as well as the Watershed Training Session. In addition, new and returning docents should attend an annual seminar to update them on the restoration work being done to restore Willow Creek as a viable salmonid fishery again.

Orientation Sessions

If you would like more information about Water shed Education, other VIP Programs or to register for orientations, please contact: Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager, at rherrick@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.