Docent Educators help connect people to parks. They share the Park District’s rich heritage of natural and cultural history and engage with visitors of all ages. Interested? Register here!
A virtual event will be hosted via Zoom on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024 from 6:30-8pm. More info.
Something truly special happens when you share yourself with others...
For over 30 years, the East Bay Regional Park District has provided opportunities for members of the public to do just that--share their love of nature or their passion for history by becoming docents.
Remember the first time you positively identified a red-tailed hawk? Or how excited you were when you first saw a butterfly chrysalis? These are life-changing moments for many of us. If you become a docent, you could be the one to share these moments with other park visitors!
If you have a passion for learning and sharing, a love for nature or history, and would like to share your passion with like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for encouraging stewardship in the parks, then you will find a visitor center that can help you become an East Bay Regional Park District docent. New docent training programs will be offered this year at most of the visitor centers, so call a Visitor Center today and find out how you can get involved.
View: Docent Recruitment Brochure (PDF)
Would you like to become a Docent Volunteer Educator? Create an account and choose PROPOSE A SERVICE PROJECT from your account dashboard to submit a docent interest form. View this handy How to Propose a Service Project Guide to help you!
Docent Training Programs
After completing training classes, docents work alongside naturalists to provide hands-on learning opportunities to students and assist with special events. Minimum requirements are that docents must attend the training sessions and agree to volunteer a minimum number of hours per month, which varies by interpretive center. A $35 fee covers classroom instruction and supplies.
All downloads are available in Adobe Acrobat PDF format [PDF]
| Location | Program Description | Training Program |
|---|---|---|
Assist with farm and field chores, educational programs, and historic demonstrations. Cook on a wood stove, teach historic crafts such as spinning, weaving, and toy making or tend the Victorian herb garden. | ||
Experience the wonders of the California Delta by sharing your knowledge and passion with others! Docents at the Big Break Visitor Center at the Delta and Big Break Regional Shoreline will learn the science behind the regional ecology in order to assist Interpretive Staff with a variety of community and school programming in subjects that may include wetland ecology, hydrology, cultural history, the delta, and California’s water policy. | ||
| Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve Antioch (510) 544-2750 | Help with special events, school programming, tabling, and interacting with visitors on our trails. Focus on sharing natural and cultural history at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve. | |
| Botanic Garden Tilden Regional Park (510) 544-3169 | Help propagate and maintain potted California native plants for sale to the public. Help maintain the garden by weeding, raking and nursery work. Lead tours of the Garden for weekend visitors and special groups. | |
| Coyote Hills Regional Park Fremont (510) 544-3213 | Coyote Hills Docents may act as Coyote Hills or Garin Red Barn Visitor Center hosts, walk trails to engage with visitors, conduct drop-in educational programs on natural and cultural history for all ages, assist with special events, and help with summer campfire programs. | |
| Crab Cove Visitor Center Alameda (510) 544-3187 | This three-part training will teach you how to be a volunteer for the East Bay Regional Park District at Crab Cove Visitor Center and the nearby District parks we serve. Bay ecology, natural and cultural history, and basic interpretive skills will be highlighted. Upon completing the course, volunteer opportunities may include school programs, special events and projects, welcoming visitors, or gardening. Please join us! No experience necessary. 18+ yrs. | |
Del Valle Regional Park | Del Valle docents assist naturalists with nature-based environmental education programs for school field trips, weekend public guided programs, and community events. You’d make a great fit if you enjoy teaching children and connecting with the community. Trainings are on an as needed basis, please inquire at the phone number or email provided, or fill out an application. | |
| Mobile Education Outreach Alameda (510) 544-2527 | Share your love of parks with children and families in communities throughout the District. Help staff with programs at elementary schools and presentations at special events. We’ll teach you all you need to know! | |
| Sunol Regional Wilderness Sunol (510) 544-3243 | If you enjoy working with children and teaching others about natural and cultural history, then this one's for you. We're looking for people to join our community of lifelong learners to assist with our school programs at Del Valle Regional Park and Shadow Cliffs Regional Recreation Area! Special events, like the spring Wildflower Festival, and other public programming at Sunol Regional Wilderness is also a part of being a docent. | |
Tilden Nature Area Berkeley (510) 544-3257 | Become a docent at the Tilden Nature Area! Help with activities at the Little Farm. Assist naturalists with school programs. Participate in maintaining the Native Butterfly Garden and Kids’ Vegetable Garden. Other docent activities include individual projects, enrichment opportunities, and more. Application and training required. Docent training is 12 hours and includes 2 evening Zoom classes and 3 in-person days. |