Poppies

Docent Groups

Something truly special happens when you share yourself with others...

Image
Volunteer Docent with rabbit and two smiling children

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!

Image
Adult holding item, surrnounded by three children touching item

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]

LocationProgram DescriptionTraining Program

Ardenwood Historic Farm
Fremont
(510) 544-3285

docents.ardenwood@ebparks.org

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.

Big Break Regional Shoreline
Oakley
(510) 544-3050
 

docents.bigbreak@ebparks.org

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

docents.blackdiamond@ebparks.org

Help with special events, educational programs, bluebird box monitoring, and sand- and coal-mining-era artifact cataloging.

Botanic Garden 
Tilden Regional Park
(510) 544-3169

bgarden@ebparks.org

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) 544-3215

docents.coyotehills@ebparks.org

Upcoming docent training sessions.

TBD

 
Crab Cove Visitor Center 
Alameda
(510) 544-3187

docents.crabcove@ebparks.org

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.

Info: (510) 544-3182 or docents.crabcove@ebparks.org

 
Mobile Education Outreach 
Alameda
(510) 544-2527

MobileEducation@ebparks.org

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
Del Valle Regional Park,
Livermore
(510) 544-3249


docents.sunol@ebparks.org

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.
Info: Naturalist Ashley Grenier at (510) 544-3243 or agrenier@ebparks.org.

 
Tilden Nature Area 
Berkeley
(510) 544-2233
 

docents.tilden@ebparks.org 

Become a docent at the Tilden Nature Area! Help with our education programs, work on the Little Farm, participate in monitoring projects, and much more. Application is required.

Help with activities at the Little Farm and handle small animals in the farm classroom. Assist naturalists with tours of the farm and pond studies. Help out in the Native Butterfly Garden and Kid's Garden. Other docent activities include individual projects, enrichment opportunities, and more.

Sign up for Monthly e-Newsletter Updates