Community Corner

Registration is Open for Tidepool Naturalist Training Classes

Volunteer naturalists share the wonders of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach with school groups and the general public.

There's no better place to experience the wonder of tidepools than at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve in Moss Beach. And if you want to get to know the Reserve even better, why not become a docent through the annual volunteer naturalist training classes?

The Fitzgerald Marine Reserve opened registration for their naturalist training classes, which ends Dec. 15 so now's the time to apply. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is a San Mateo County Park and is located within the Montara State Marine Reserve under Fish and Wildlife Regulations in the Gulf of Farallones National Marine Sanctuary. 

The classes are put on each year by the Friends of Fitzgerald Marine Reserve (FFMR), a non-profit, all volunteer organization that provides all of the training for the tidepool volunteers.

As a volunteer you will be helping to protect the rich, unique intertidal environment and inspiring visitors’ imaginations and understanding. Volunteers are required to volunteer a minimum of 6 hours per month during the busy season (January through June), and 4 hours per month July through December.

Instruction covers marine biology, ecology and interpretive strategies and will prepare you to become a tidepool docent. Training consists of 9 Saturday classes plus six additional hours spent at the Reserve with a mentor.  

The class will be held coastside near the Reserve and at the Reserve.  The schedule for 2014 is:  January 11, 18, 25; February 1, 8, 22; March 1, 8, 15.  There is no class February 15 (President’s Day Holiday weekend).  FFMR will host a graduation party on March 22, so please include that in your schedule of classes.  Each class will begin at Noon and conclude at 5 p.m.  

Please visit www.fitzgeraldreserve.org or call 650-728-0129 to register or for more information.  Demo tours are available to find out what it is like to be a docent.  Docents must be physically capable to navigate the rocks and reef, and be over 17 years old.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here