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COMMUNITY OUTREACH
Volunteer Naturalist Corps (VNC) works directly with our
Education Department and offers four ways for volunteers to become involved:
- Catalina ISLAND Naturalist ~ Catalina ISLAND (Investigations
Stimulating Learning About Natural Diversity) is an interdisciplinary curriculum
that directly involves island students with Catalina's natural environment. Volunteers,
along with staff, provide student-centered, interactive, and hands-on instruction.
- Course Catalina Naturalist ~ Course Catalina is an outreach
program for middle school students in the Los Angeles Unified School District,
co-sponsored by the Catalina Island Conservancy and the Boone Foundation. Course
Catalina Naturalist participate in a pre-trip visit to the classroom and an all-day
field adventure on the island.
- Trail Naturalist ~ Every year, thousands of people enjoy
the Conservancy's free summer nature walks, nature hikes and campfire programs.
These Summer Naturalist programs provide Catalina's visitors and residents with
a unique opportunity to explore the island. Trail Naturalists support the Summer
Naturalist programs by leading nature walks at the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical
Garden during July and August.
- Nature Center Naturalist ~ Located at the Airport-in-the-Sky,
the Catalina Island Conservancy Nature Center and surrounding areas are alive
with opportunities for teaching others about the island. Nature Center Naturalists
breathe life into the displays at the Nature Center by designing interpretive
signage and hands-on learning stations. The Nature Center is open every day of
the year and volunteers are needed during the months of July through September.
Photography/Artist ~ Photograph, draw, paint or create. Capture
images of island events and history that can be of great interest and benefit
to the Conservancy’s research. Your special skills and talent in this area
could be featured in our volunteer newsletter, the Conservancy’s newsletter,
brochures or other Department publications. Be creative.
Special Events Coordinating ~ Great communication and planning
skills are essential for creative and organized special events. Current annual
events include a golf tournament, our annual Conservancy Ball and volunteer reception.
Responsibilities may include written and phone contact for auction acquisition,
writing and distributing information about the event and the Conservancy, data
entry, attending event committee meetings, or creating new and original fund
raising events.
Trail Construction/Maintenance ~ A Catalina Island trails
plan has been which calls for developing trails with user appreciation and enjoyment
of the island in mind while preserving the natural environment. Generally, trail
work consists of using various hand tools to dig, move or remove soil, rock,
stumps, boulders and vegetation in order to create trail tread and structures.
Visitor Information ~ Santa Catalina Island enjoys nearly
1 million visitors each year. Many of these visitors are here for the first time
and are excited to learn more about the Catalina Island Conservancy. Assist staff
at our main office (or at our entrance gate) by greeting visitors and sharing
general information about Santa Catalina Island and the Conservancy, distributing
literature, and issuing hiking permits. Our busiest days are Tuesdays, Wednesdays
and Saturdays.
Volunteer Crew Leader ~ Throughout the year, volunteers
travel to the island to participate in island restoration projects as a team.
If you enjoy working with people, coordinating logistics, driving, and working
in the field with other volunteers, this position is extremely rewarding. A valid
California driver’s license is required (Class B preferred) and training
is provided.
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