This page outlines the "Volunteers in the Parks" (VIP) Programs and opportunities, General Orientation Sessions and Program-specific Sessions. Stewards has a variety of levels of participation and time commitments for those who are interested in donating their time by becoming volunteers.
New volunteers are required to attend one General Orientation Session. Volunteers who work at least 16 hours receive a free Day Use Pass for all State Parks in the Russian River District. Volunteers who work 200 hours or more receive a free State-wide Day Use Pass.
Throughout the year, Stewards offers a variety of interesting and informative seminars for which we request a $5 donation from Members and Volunteers and a $15 fee from the general public. These seminars and scheduled dates can be found by clicking on the link below.
Docent and Community Education Seminar Information
Online Reservation Form for Orientations and Seminars
General Volunteer Orientation Session - Check back for 2012 dates
Registration is required. Orientations take place at Armstrong Redwoods SNR or at Sonoma Coast SP. Confirmed locations will be provided upon registration.
Please contact: Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager, at rherrick@mcn.org or (707) 869-9177 ext. 1# to register.
- Saturday, January 14, 2012, 9:00-Noon
- Saturday, March 17, 2012, 9:00-Noon
- Saturday, May 19, 2012, 9:00-Noon
Volunteer Programs in the Russian River District - Specific Orientations (2012)
Two and three letter codes appear in blue after each program name and are used after each seminar to indicate to which VIP programs it is associated.
 Whale Watch (WW)
Assist the public in viewing the annual gray whale migration. Docents are at Bodega Head on weekends January to May.
November 10, 2012, 9am - 1:30pm
Armstrong Tour Guides and Environmental Education Program(ARTG and AREE)
Become intimate with our unique redwood grove by leading nature walks through Armstrong Redwoods, or by teaching children about the wonderful ecology of this redwood forest.
Friday, January 20, 2012, 10:00pm - 3:00pm - lunch break
Seal Watch (SW)
Help protect the harbor seals at the mouth of the Russian River during the pupping season (March to Labor Day).
February 11, 2012, 1:00 - 4:00pm and
June 2, 2012, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Pinniped Monitoring Program (Stewards Program - not Volunteers in Parks) (PM)
Trained citizen monitors count seals at numerous locations in and around the Jenner Estuary during breaching activities and during the outlet channel formation that is recommended in Biological Opinion, a federally mandated 15-year blueprint to help save endangered fish and ensure water supply. Monthly baseline data collection is also scheduled twice a month. As a Stewards program, volunteers are eligible to receive a stipend for monitoring.
February 14, 2012, 10:00am to
3:00pm with a lunch break
Tidepool Program (TP)
Introduce park visitors to the amazing life in the intertidal zone by leading school groups on tidepool explorations. Roving Naturalists are also available on low-tide weekends to ensure the preservation of the fragile intertidal resources.
February 18, 2012, 9am-12:00pm
Armstrong Visitor Center (ARVC)
Interact and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center at Armstrong Redwoods.
Orientation for Armstrong Visitor Center – March 3, 2012, 1:00pm-3:00pm and on the job training
Sonoma Coast Environmental Living Program(ELP)
Live the cultural history of the Sonoma Coast by stepping back in time. This new docent-led program for students in grades 4th - 7th offers insights into the natural history as it pertains to our cultural resource heritage.
Friday, March 9, 2012, 9:00am - 3:00pm with lunch break
Armstrong/Austin Creek Public Assistance Patrols(APA)
Provide valuable assistance and interpretive information to State Parks visitors. Foot and mounted patrols are being developed. March 17, 2012, 9:00am - 12:00pm
Sonoma Coast Visitor Center in Jenner (JVC)
Interact and inspire visitors from all over the world by staffing our visitor center at Armstrong Redwoods on the beautiful Russian River estuary in Jenner.
Orientation for Sonoma Coast Visitor Center – March 24, 2012, 10:00pm - Noon and on the job training
Armstrong/Austin Creek Public Assistance Certification (APA)
MAU and Bicycle Assistance Volunteer need to go through a certification process.
May 12, 2012, 10:00am - 2:00pm
Willow Creek Watershed Education Program (WC)
Inspire students in an exciting watershed field study program where they learn about the life cycle of salmon and attributes of a healthy watershed.
Friday, October 5, 2012, 9:00am-3:00pm with lunch break
Sonoma Coast Docents (SCD)
Docents lead hikes and educate visitors about natural and cultural resources on the magnificent Sonoma Coast and in the Willow Creek watershed. Hikes include topics such as: wildflowers, plant identification, geology and archeology.
New docents mentor with experienced docents.
Attend a General Orientation and the training seminars that pertain to your areas of interest.
Sonoma Coast Stewardship Opportunities (SCS)
Many volunteer stewardship opportunities exist in Sonoma Coast SP. Volunteers are needed for Marine Debris monitoring and beach cleanups monthly at Salmon Creek. Our Sonoma Coast Trail Crew works on trails and restoration projects. Volunteers collect water quality monitoring data in the Willow Creek watershed.
Volunteers in our stewardship programs receive on the job orientation and training.
To register for orientations and receive further details, please contact: Ruby Herrick, Programs Manager, at rherrick@mcn.org or
(707) 869-9177 ext. 1#.
Volunteer - Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek - Education Programs:
Volunteer - Armstrong Redwoods and Austin Creek - Stewardship:
Sonoma Coast Volunteer Programs - Education:
Sonoma Coast Volunteer Programs - Education:
Stewardship Programs - Sonoma Coast State Park:
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