Each fall, two training programs are presented to prepare volunteers to lead nature walks for the public or school groups.
Individuals will receive docent training, allowing them to lead programs and nature trail hikes. There is a nominal fee for docent training, and some scholarships are available.
Santa Monica Mountain Docent Training
A six-session class every other Saturday - 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. beginning mid-September is sponsored by the Topanga Canyon Docents. The class is open to other docent organizations as a basic Santa Monica Mountains natural history training course. Classes are taught by resource professionals and cover topics including plants, wildlife, geology, interpretation, cultural history and more.
Register: 818.591.1701 ext. 130
Cold Creek Docent Training
Sponsored by the Cold Creek Docents, this five-session class is taught by resource specialists and university professors from various fields. Topics vary each year and are specific to the Cold Creek ecology. Examples include: "Morphing the Mountains" (geology), How Chaparral Ecosystems work, Soil is Not a Dirty Word, Watershed:It's all Downstream from Here, and Making Artifacts for Your Backpack."
Register: 818.591.9363