Summer Wildlife Docent Training on June 8, 2002

Date: May 13, 2002
Contact: Steve Anastasia, 415-464-5147

Join Point Reyes National Seashore and other wildlife enthusiasts in protecting tule elk and snowy plovers as part of our summer Wildlife Docent Program.

The Tule Elk of Point Reyes
Tule elk, a California subspecies of the North American elk, were once more numerous than deer in many parts of this region. By 1870 they were considered locally extirpated and nearly extinct. Today at Point Reyes National Seashore, hundreds of elk range the park’s fenced 2,600-acre Tomales Point preserve.

During the breeding season or "rut," among the eerie bugling and the sound of clashing antlers at Tomales Point, docents of many different ages and backgrounds are helping to protect these phenomenal animals by educating visitors and providing data on disturbance, population size and behavior.

Snowy Plovers Struggling for Survival
Snowy plovers are a small, threatened shorebird struggling for survival on the beaches of Point Reyes National Seashore. Habitat loss, disturbance and predation have all taken a toll on the reproductive success of this species that nest inconspicuously between the tide zone and upper reaches of our coastal beaches. With fewer that 20 nesting pairs on the Point Reyes peninsula, this beleaguered shorebird needs the help of dedicated volunteer willing to educate visitors.

Your time and commitment can help to ensure the protection of tule elk and snowy plovers while providing rewarding experiences for visitors. Applicants should enjoy learning about natural history and sharing this knowledge with others. Through contact with the public, docents will play an important role in promoting awareness and protection of wildlife. Docents must commit to working 2 weekend and holiday days each month and attend a one-day training at Point Reyes National Seashore on the 8th of June.

The training will be held at Point Reyes National Seashore on June 08, 2002 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For inquiries, please call Steve Anastasia at 415-464-5147.

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