DAVIS, CA (MPG) - Yolo Basin Foundation’s Discover the Flyway is seeking passionate volunteers to become docents and help inspire young minds through environmental education. They bring science and social science to life in the wetlands. New docents are welcome, and will be needed, to meet the demand for this popular education program. No experience necessary or required.

Since 1997, over 80,000 students from both public and private schools in the Sacramento region have experienced a Discover the Flyway field trip. A partnership between the Yolo Basin Foundation and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Discover the Flyway is an environmental education program for kindergarten through 12th grade students based on California’s core educational standards. Yolo Basin Foundation hosts these field trips with the goal of offering children a meaningful outdoor experience that will instill an appreciation for the wetlands, wildlife of the Central Valley, and inspire the next generation of naturalists, biologists, historians, and environmentalists.

A Discover the Flyway field trip begins by welcoming the arriving class, providing them with the lay of the land. Students then rotate through different stations around demonstration ponds where volunteers lead the children through hands-on nature-themed activities. After a quick lunch break, the field trip continues with a tour of the wildlife area. Children walk along the trails of tule and spot the various fauna: egrets, ducks, hawks, and–if they’re lucky–otters. It's a day full of exploring the ecosystem and learning about the local wildlife.

Are you looking for opportunities to spend time in nature, learn more about local wetlands, and share your enthusiasm, expertise, and knowledge with school students? Joining the Discover the Flyway docent team may be for you! Training for docents will be held on the following dates: Sept. 3, 5, 9, and 13 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Sept. 11 from 4 to 7:30 p.m.

To sign up or to learn more, please contact [email protected].