Coastal Discovery Center needs volunteer docents in San Simeon

Thursday, May 3rd, 2018

San Simeon Bay

State Park Coastal Discovery Center seeks volunteers for training May 5 – 9

—Hearst San Simeon State Park’s Coastal Discovery Center at San Simeon Bay is seeking passionate volunteers to share the wonders of our local parks with visitors. As ambassadors to both CA State Parks and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, docents host over 20,000 visitors annually at the center, teach school children, assist with special events, maintain a native garden and/or participate in citizen science programs.

The first three Saturdays in May new docents will receive training from local experts on the center’s interactive exhibits and education programs which highlight the cultural and natural history of San Simeon, California State Parks and Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Docent activities include greeting visitors in the Coastal Discovery Center, leading history walks along San Simeon Pier, participating in our annual fair and/or becoming involved in educational programs for school groups during the weekdays.

Benefits to becoming a Coastal Discovery Center Docent include group excursions, volunteer appreciation events, and special invitations to participate in programs that promote life-long learning. A minimum commitment of two monthly 3.5 hour shifts is required. Spring 2018 training will take place May 5, 12, 19. For more information, contact Robyn Chase at Robyn.Chase@parks.ca.gov (805) 286-0856 or Carolyn Skinder at Carolyn.Skinder@noaa.gov (805) 927-2145.

Located 42 miles northwest of San Luis Obispo and 9 miles northwest of Cambria on scenic Highway 1, the 20-mile longHearst San Simeon State Park with its vistas of coastal bluffs, beaches, creeks, wetlands is home to Hearst San Simeon State Historical Monument, commonly known as Hearst Castle®(an AMA accredited museum and a National Historic Landmark), the Piedras Blancas elephant seal rookery, and the Piedras Blancas lighthouse, (a California Coastal National Monument). These special places offer pristine ocean views, whale watching, kayaking, hiking and camping opportunities. The park also includes the Santa Rosa Creek Natural Preserve, the San Simeon Natural Preserve and the Pa-nu Cultural Preserve.

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California State Parks: Provides for the health, inspiration, and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources, and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation. Learn more at www.parks.ca.gov.

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