• Opportunities
• Testimonials from Volunteers
• Become a Volunteer
• Volunteering is a worthwhile and rewarding way to contribute to the nature preservation, education and research programs of Audubon Canyon Ranch.
• Audubon Canyon Ranch has over 500 active volunteers. Volunteer opportunities vary in experience and training required, as well as the necessary time commitment.

Opportunities:

Docent
Bolinas Lagoon Preserve
Wednesdays, September 2008 -- March 2009

ACR's Bolinas Lagoon Preserve's next docent training begins September 3, 2008. Click here for more information on this exciting training program and how to become involved!

Docent
Bouverie Preserve
Next training session begins summer 2009. Classes meet once a week on Wednesdays for 23 weeks. Topics covered include birds, wildflowers, mammals, amphibians, Coast Miwok Culture, spore and seed producing plants, regional plant communities and environmental education techniques. Docents guide the schoolchildren on the trails, and visit the classrooms. Experienced Bouverie Docents also lead Guided Nature Walks on the weekends. There is a fee of $120 (may vary slightly) for the training to cover material costs. Partial scholarships are available. Ongoing training, workshops and other activities are available for active docents. For more information or to sign up, call 707-938-4554, contact nancy@egret.org.

Ranch Guide Training
Bolinas Lagoon Preserve
Next training in spring of 2010

This seven Saturday program is designed to convey basic information about Audubon Canyon Ranch history, the preserve, trail techniques, pond life and BLP's nesting colony of herons and egrets. Those interested in sharing knowledge and appreciation of nature during ACR's public weekends, please call 415/868-9244 or contact acr@egret.org

Ranch Host
Bolinas Lagoon Preserve
Ranch Hosts greet and orient visitors as they arrive at Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. There is no training or experience necessary. Ranch Hosts also volunteer during the weekend or on holidays during the spring and early summer. For more information or to sign up, call 415/868-9244 or contact acr@egret.org

Work Day
Bolinas Lagoon Preserve & Bouverie Preserve
Clearing trails, pulling invasive plants, working in the library and/or doing light construction are fun and effective ways to volunteer if your time is limited to one or two days a year. You help do the work and we provide a lunch. See the events section for upcoming dates, or contact Bolinas Lagoon Preserve 415-868-9244 or acr@egret.org, or Bouverie Preserve 707-938-4554 or nancy@egret.org for more information.

Habitat Protection and Restoration Volunteers
Bouverie Preserve
Bouverie Stewards work intimately with the land throughout the year at the Bouverie Preserve in Glen Ellen. This dedicated crew assists with all sorts of habitat protection and restoration work, while learning about the ecology behind the project. Some examples of projects include: removing Douglas Fir seedlings and saplings from areas of the preserve; installing fence in the pasture before cattle arrive; removing invasive species such as yellow star thistle and Himalayan blackberry; using GPS units to map invasive species; collecting seeds of native species; propagating native species in the greenhouse.

Bouverie Stewards meet every Monday throughout the year; however, individual members may come when they are able. We welcome volunteers who can join the group at least once a month.

Call 707/935-8417 or e-mail Sherry Adams at sherry@egret.org

Habitat Protection and Restoration Volunteers
Bolinas Lagoon Preserve's Volunteer Canyon
Thursdays, 9 am - 12 pm

The Habitat Protection and Restoration team is looking for volunteers to help with ecological restoration throughout the Four Canyons of Bolinas Lagoon Preserve. Activities include collecting seed, propagating native plants, preparing project sites, out-planting and ensuring survival of plants, and renovating facilities.

Call 415/868-9244 or e-mail Denise Della Santina at denise@egret.org

North Bay Heron and Egret Project
This long term research project is conducted throughout five north bay counties to assess changes in colony size, location and reproductive success of Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, Snowy Egrets, Black-crowned Night Herons and other species found in mixed colonies. People interested in becoming trained field observers may call 415-663-8203 or contact cgrc@egret.org.

Shorebird and Waterbird Monitoring on Tomales Bay
Each year during the fall and winter months, ACR scientists census shorebirds and waterbirds on Tomales Bay with the help of dedicated volunteers. Join us as we collect data on these bird populations from boats and from the shores of beautiful Tomales Bay. Volunteers should have excellent birding skills and be able to identify birds in flight and from a distance. Contact the Cypress Grove Research Center at 415/663-8203 or cgrc@egret.org for more information.