Naturalist Training Begins at Ballona Wetlands

The Friends of Ballona Wetlands and Santa Monica Bay and Los Angeles Audubon Chapters are offering a six-week training program for volunteer naturalists and educational outreach volunteers interested in leading school tours of the Ballona Wetlands. Training classes will begin Tuesday, September 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and continue on Tuesday mornings through October 16. No prior experience is necessary, only a desire to help children develop a love of the natural world and an enthusiasm for preserving it. Since 1990, the Audubon Society has offered tours of the Ballona Wetlands for children in grades 4 to 6. More than 50,000 children have participated in the program, which offers an opportunity for students to see the last major salt marsh in Los Angeles County and to learn about the native plants, insects, birds and microorganisms that inhabit this beautiful natural environment. Tours are held on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from October to May. Two classes arrive at 10 a.m. to begin their adventure. The children are divided into groups of 15 and a volunteer naturalist accompanies each group. During their two-hour walk, students have an opportunity to use microscopes to observe microorganisms, and telescopes and binoculars to watch birds and bird behavior. They will also walk through the wetlands with naturalists leading the discussion of wetlands and the interdependence of all living things. Volunteer naturalists are asked to lead at least two tours per month between October and May. Educational Outreach volunteers visit local classrooms prior to the field trips. The visit lasts approximately 1-1/2 hours. Training sessions cover wetland ecology, birds, native plants and animals, the food chain and interpretive techniques. Each participant will receive a comprehensive training manual. The training program is free to Audubon members, and $20 for non-members (includes membership). There is also a small refundable materials fee. Contact: Cindy Hardin (310) 301-0050