Volunteer Docents

Help monitor and share knowledge about rare plants and wildlife in Marin open space preserves.

Ring Mountain Wildflower Docents

Foster appreciation and stewardship by helping visitors learn about Ring Mountain's unique ecology, wildflowers, and unusual serpentine grassland habitat.

Volunteers will have 2.5 hour shifts near wildflower areas during the spring bloom. Docent shifts are typically scheduled on weekends in April, May, and June.
Point out wildflowers, and share interesting facts with visitors.
Lead by example while educating visitors on leave-no-trace principles that help native flowers.
Note your wildflower observations using the iNaturalist app.
No experience necessary, but familiarity with plants is helpful.

Volunteers must be age 18 and up, unless volunteering alongside an adult. Mandatory training includes a four-part online training and two site visits. The virtual trainings are held Tuesday evenings from 7:00 -8:30 pm on 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, and 4/2. Two site visits to Ring Mountain will be on Saturday, 3/23, and Sunday, 4/6, and run from 10 am – 2 pm. A third optional site visit will be offered on 5/18. This program is coordinated by the Marin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society and Marin County Parks. For more information contact: ParksDocents@marincounty.gov

Frog Docents

Spend time outdoors and become a community scientist by joining the frog docent program. The foothill yellow-legged frog is a good indicator of creek health. The frog's early life stages are vulnerable to recreational use. These frogs are a California Species of Special Concern and under consideration for federal listing.

No experience required. You'll receive free training to enrich your knowledge and experience of Marin's natural resources.
Help protect Marin's frogs by monitoring their population and habitat in Marin open space during the summer when eggs and tadpoles are most vulnerable.
Share knowledge with visitors about frogs and the ecosystems that support them.
Educate visitors about "leave no trace" principals and wildlife viewing etiquette.

Seeking volunteers age 18 and up. Kids are welcome if volunteering alongside an adult. We ask that all docents work at least three 3-hour shifts, between March and June. This program is a collaboration with Marin Water. For more information contact: ParksDocents@marincounty.gov

Foothill yellow-legged frog sitting on a rock near a creek

Young pond turtle crawling through green leaves

Turtle Docents

Become a community scientist and help protect Marin County's only native freshwater turtle, the western pond turtle. These turtles are good indicators of healthy aquatic habitats, but their populations have declined dramatically throughout the state. This turtle is currently listed as a California Species of Special Concern and is under consideration for federal listing.

No experience required. You'll receive free training to enrich your knowledge and experience of Marin's natural resources.
Help monitor the turtle population, their habitat, and invasive species that threaten their survival in Marin open space preserves and parks.
Share knowledge with visitors about the turtles, their lifecycles, and the ecosystems that support them.
Educate visitors about "leave no trace" principals and wildlife viewing etiquette.

Seeking volunteers age 18 and up. Kids are welcome if volunteering alongside an adult. We ask that all docents work at least three 1-hour shifts, from February through May. Turtles are most visible on sunny days. This program is a collaboration with Marin Water. For more information contact: ParksDocents@marincounty.gov

Northern Spotted Owl Docents

Protect the northern spotted owl through community science. They are considered to be an indicator species that helps gauge forest health. Marin County is the northern spotted owl's southernmost range and is home to one of the last stable populations in the world. They are currently listed as threatened under both the state and federal Endangered Species Act.

You'll receive free training to enrich your knowledge of the northern spotted owl and their habitat.
Foster stewardship by educating visitors about the owls, wildlife viewing etiquette and "leave no trace" principals between late spring to summer when chicks are most vulnerable.
Help rangers and biologists monitor habitat conditions, and threats to native owls, including the barred owl and disturbances that can result from recreational use.
Learn how to make community scientist observations in accordance with Audubon's ethical bird photography and videography code of conduct.

Seeking volunteers age 18 and up. Docent shifts will be from May through August. This program is a collaboration with Marin Audubon Society. For more information, contact conservation@marinaudubon.org.