VOLUNTEER NATURALIST TRAINING APRIL 2, 4, AND 5, 2008

WELCOME VOLUNTEERS 

Volunteer Naturalist Training movie - music used with permission by Sally Shuffield Low res QuickTime Med res QuickTime

Thank you for your interest in our FREE Volunteer Naturalist Training. Our training is a great way to learn hands-on activities that teach children about nature as well as the science of flora, fauna, and natural history of the area. Once completed, you will join countless alumni who are fully qualified to lead nature-based, science field trips for children.

After your training, we ask that you lead 3-4 nature walks for small groups of elementary students during the season of your training. These nature walks are designed for the 2,500 K-5 school children and their teachers who participate in the Children Discovering Nature (CDN) program each year.

Walks take place Tuesday - Friday mornings, each September/October and again in April/May. The walks are at the Durango Nature Center located twenty minutes south of Durango amidst 140 acres along the Florida River (Driving Directions).


REGISTRATION AND PROGRAM INFO 

Register Today!	Call or mail as soon as you know you wish to attend. SPACE IS LIMITED! Drop a note to Sally or call 970-382-9244 x3.
Training Overview	Information about the schedule and what to expect during training.
Volunteer Packet	IMPORTANT! Download this PDF, fill in and sign where needed, and BRING TO TRAINING THE FIRST NIGHT.
Spring Calendar	Check here for the participating schools and the number of volunteers we need for each day. You can also check which days you have signed up for.
Need More Info?	If you would like more information about Children Discovering Nature or the training, give us a call. We would be happy to answer all your questions.
Benefits of Volunteering	. Get great hands-on experience in the naturalist, interpreter, and education fields . Receive our 250+ page Volunteer Naturalist Manual . Work closely with staff naturalists . Meet a great group of like-minded people from diverse backgrounds . Gain the sincere gratitude of the DNS staff and board. We would not exist without you! and most importantly... The children of your community benefit from your dedication, time, and passion.

WHY VOLUNTEER?

Here is what some of our recent volunteers say!

"The children will benefit from fun nature games and meaningful discussions about nature. I volunteered to assist youth knowledge, experience and appreciation for nature. I benefited from the children s appreciation and the friendly volunteers and staff of DNS. It is a beautiful land."

"I learned great games, behavior management techniques and lots of nature facts that made me feel like a pro naturalist. Kids responded well to the rhythm of DNS hikes."

"If you enjoy being outside and like connecting with children, volunteer. Our society has turned its back in many ways from day to day interaction with animals, plants and weather, in exchange for plastic, glass and technology. These kids are getting this wonderful exposure. Hopefully some of it will stick."

"If potential volunteers are interested in ecology, wildlife and plants, they will benefit, as well as introduce young kids to nature (some of who would ordinarily not get the experience from class or parents). Personally, I felt it was one of the highlights of my life experiences (at 69)."

"I've always wanted to teach children about nature and this program gave me the tangible opportunity to do that, without having to get a teaching degree!"

"The CDN training gives you a solid background in local natural history, working with children in a field setting and managing a group, all in a supportive atmosphere with other motivated adults who care about nature and kids."