Become a Volunteer Naturalist
Support SRT's environmental education program
Volunteer naturalists are critical members
of the environmental education team. “[What is the] extinction of a condor to a child who has never seen a wren?”
Volunteer naturalists are essential to Sequoia Riverlands Trust’s environmental education program. Naturalists are a dedicated group of community members who enjoy teaching kids about the wonders of the natural world. Volunteers contributed over 200 hours of time during the 2008 – 2009 school year—thanks again!
To become a naturalist, you will go through a brief and informative training session to learn about the sights, sounds and natural waiting to be discovered at Kaweah Oaks Preserve (KOP). Upon completion of the half-day training, naturalists then volunteer to help the education coordinator put on field trips for elementary school students at KOP. During the field trips, naturalists lead groups of students along trails and through exciting learning activities.
Getting students outdoors to learn can make a real impact to the youth in our community. Studies show that spending time outdoors improves children’s health, confidence, interpersonal skills, and ability to focus on schoolwork. These kids are the future leaders of our community, and we want them to be as healthy, happy, and informed about our area’s spectacular natural resources as possible.
Naturalists lead school tours
Kaweah Oaks Preserve is one of the last pieces of the native habitat that used to dominate the Kaweah River region. Exposing children to this special place teaches them the importance of conserving land and the wildlife near their community.
If you love for the outdoors, enjoy working with children and have some spare time, then please join our environmental education program as a naturalist. Most tours happen in the morning, during the week, though we are looking to expand our after-school program as well. Please contact Laura Childers, Education Coordinator, by phone or email if you are interested in becoming a naturalist, 559.738.0211, ext 105.
To learn more about our other educational programs take a look at our online brochure!
For Current Naturalists
Thanks again for your dedication! You are the people who tie it all together.
This website has an online version of your naturalist binder so that you can print out extra copies or send documents to other interested parties. Links to the documents are below:
- Environmental Education for Beginners - Video | PDF
- Age Specific Teaching for Life Sciences
- Grade Level Key Terms
- Key Terms Cheat Sheet