Point Reyes National Seashore Accepting Applications for the Snowy Plover Docent Program for 2003

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Date: May 8, 2003
Contact: Doug Hee, 415-464-5145

Point Reyes National Seashore is currently accepting applications for the Snowy Plover Docent Program for the summer of 2003. Snowy Plover Docents help protect threatened nesting snowy plovers from disturbance by contacting park visitors on the beach and informing them about the seasonal beach closure to dogs; educate visitors about the natural history, plight, and protection of the snowy plovers in Point Reyes National Seashore; and provide general park information and assistance to visitors.

The program runs for 13 weekends from June 7 through September 1, 2003. Docents are asked to commit at least 1 weekend day every 2 weeks for a total of 6 weekend days during the program. Docents will work 6 hours each day. A required training is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2003.

Snowy Plover Docents have the opportunity to work at two locations on the Great Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore. Docents receive training and education about the western snowy plovers and related park resources and enjoy the satisfaction in helping to protect a threatened bird species.

Docents enjoy learning about natural history and sharing this knowledge with others. Good oral communication skills, including tactfulness, and the ability to work independently are essential. Docents must also be able to tolerate long periods of standing, changing weather conditions, and be comfortable around dogs. Minimum age is 18 years.

Please contact Brooke Sommerfeldt at (415) 464-5210 or by email for an application.

Western snowy plovers are a small, Federally threatened shorebird struggling for survival on the beaches along the West Coast. Nesting inconspicuously between the tidal zone and upper reaches of Point Reyes’ coastal beaches, snowy plovers are faced with habitat loss, disturbance and predation, all of which have taken a toll on the reproductive success of this species.

Only about 30 nests per year have been observed on Point Reyes beaches during the last 3 years. Through contact with the public, docents help to minimize disturbance by promoting awareness and protection of this threatened species.

Point Reyes National Seashore is located one hour north of San Francisco on the Marin coast and encompasses over 71,000 acres, including 32,000 acres of wilderness area. Over 2.5 million people visit the park annually. Estuaries, windswept beaches, coastal grasslands, salt marshes, and coniferous forests create a haven of 80 miles of unspoiled and undeveloped coastline. Abundant recreational opportunities include 147 miles of hiking trails, backcountry campgrounds, and numerous beaches.

-NPS-



Last updated: February 28, 2015

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA 94956

Phone:

415-464-5100
This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (e.g., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; fire danger information; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.

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