Want to volunteer? Want to become a docent? Want to become one with Malibu Creek State Park? Well, maybe not become one, but want to get to know it better or you are just mildly curious about working at the park?

What is a docent?

Do·cent (do´s'nt), n. "a volunteer teacher or leader, especially one who donates time to a charitable group or organization such as a museum, zoo, or park."

someone who appreciates nature

... who enjoys a hillside of bright orange and purple wildflowers in the spring. A mountain lion track in the mud. The cool green of a forest glade. Nearly impenetrable chaparral. Puffs of fog impaled on sharp rocky peaks. The graceful flight of the giant blue herons. The rugged majesty of Malibu Gorge. The stillness of a summer pond and the rush of a sudden winter waterfall.

someone who wants to learn

... who wants to find out more about the ageless wonders of the geology of Malibu Creek State Park. The surprising plantlife of the forest, the grasslands, the creekside, the chaparral, and the marsh. The birds and animals of the mountains and flatlands -- from the soaring golden eagles to the ever-present deer and coyote. The 5,000-year story of the Indians of the Santa Monica Mountains.

someone ready to help

... who is willing to give a little time each month to help others appreciate the surroundings of the Park. Leading nature walks. Working with school groups. Staffing the Visitor Center. Building displays and exhibits. Recreating the history of the Park. Assisting in other interpretive programs. After the docent has completed the training program -- and feels ready -- there are a variety of activities to help with the visitor information program. A few hours of sharing ... and years of receiving.

THE MALIBU CREEK DOCENTS ASSOCIATION

... is a non-profit corporation dedicated to educational and interpretive activities designed to help the public appreciate the natural history, environment, and recreational opportunities of Malibu Creek State Park.

Sufficient tax dollars are not available for an adequate statewide visitor information program. Therefore, the Docents raise money through memberships, donations, sale of interpretive items, and other fund-raising events. Composed entirely volunteers, the Malibu Creek Docents work closely with the state park staff in designing and implementing many interpretive activities for the park's visitors.

DOCENT ACTIVITIES

... include many forms of educational ad fund-raising operations: