Sharing your interest in nature is a way to help people value open space environments. OSA offers a variety of training programs that will make you a confident presenter or program aide, whether you want to work with students, the general public or visitors with special needs. You will deepen your knowledge, polish your communication skills, and gain ideas for activities and lessons that will make your hikes, talks and events fun and memorable for your audience.

Docents

The Open Space Authority offers interpretive programs at Rancho Cañada del Oro Open Space Preserve, Sierra Vista Open Space Preserve, Coyote Ridge and and several urban open space areas and trails. Docent training will enable you to conduct these hikes and activities and provide outreach programs for school and community groups. You’ll become familiar with our different program sites and learn how to handle our interpretive materials. A free one-day training is held each year with follow up sessions that focus on particular issues and skills.

Interpretive Aides

Not sure you’re ready to lead a program on your own? Interpretive aides are valuable members of the interpretive team who manage the “extras” that help enrich interpretive programs. Learn how to do arts and crafts, lead games, make portable interpretive displays and handle our animals. Join docent volunteers in the training sessions.

Docent and interpretive aide training is open to everyone 15 years of age and older. Volunteers 15 through 17 years old must participate with a parent.

Aldo Leopold Education Project

This program is brought to you by Pheasants Forever, a habitat restoration and preservation organization from the Midwest. Based on A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold, this program is ideal for teaching middle school and high school students how to reconnect with nature. Designed to meet the needs of both formal and non-formal educators, this training will help you develop interactive activities to inspire your students or group. There is a small fee for materials you will be able to keep. The training session takes place annually or by arrangement and consists of 8 to 12 hours and one field trip to a local open space preserve.

For more information call the OSA interpreter at 408-224-7476 or click here to send an email.