Our Volunteers Are Making a Difference for the Planet
Build meaningful connections with visitors and nature
Help make Santa
Clara Valley a better place
Protect and restore natural lands for future generations to enjoy
Docent
Ed has been volunteering with us for NINE years, back when the San José Astronomer's Association (SJAA) started partnering with the Authority to host community astronomy events at open space preserves. Several years later, Ed still loves his work as a lead docent.
"I love interacting with guests and teaching them about the night sky and helping them to learn how to use their own binoculars to navigate it to find their favorite night sky objects. It's very rewarding to see their smiles on their faces when they are able to do it," he says.
Aside from being a weekend astronomer, Ed is an IT Tech for a high school and has a talent and passion for photography. Enjoy some of his many amazing photos in this post.
Thank you, Ed, for all your fantastic work as a lead docent and your passion for open spaces!
Years of volunteering with us
Favorite Program
Favorite Open Space Preserve
As a volunteer for the Open Space Authority, you will help preserve and protect valuable natural resources for yourself and future generations. At the same time, you’ll get a chance to learn about the environment, meet interesting people, work hard, and have fun. Learn more about volunteer roles. You can also volunteer for roles on the Authority's committees.
Enjoy and Protect
Trail Patrol team members are agency ambassadors and information resources for visitors, and commit to patrolling the Authority’s open space preserves a minimum of once a month, on foot, bicycle or horseback.
Fun and Fairs
Community Outreach Volunteers represent the Authority at community festivals, nature or science themed fairs, and other public events.
Restore and Preserve
Land Steward volunteers assist Authority staff with trail maintenance, habitat restoration, fencing and cleanup projects.
Educate and Inspire
Docents share information about nature and the Authority's mission and work, leading groups on fun, educational programs and activities.
Learn and Manage
Trail Masters is a fun, hands-on, skills-based program designed to train volunteers to complete trail maintenance and field work alongside Authority staff.
Trail Patrol, Docent, and Community Outreach roles are open to anyone 18 years of age and older. Youth aged 14-17 are welcome in the Land Stewards Program or for Internship and Special Projects with parental consent. Contact Gavin for more information.
Volunteer Handbook
