Audubon Canyon Ranch: Ranch Guide Training at Martin Griffin Preserve

Volunteers are being sought to serve as Ranch Guides at Audubon Canyon Ranch's Martin Griffin Preserve during the 2012 public season, which runs from March 17 to July 15 and coincides with the annual return of hundreds of egrets to one of the most studied nesting sites on the West Coast. An 8-week training course begins with an orientation meeting on January 21, 2012. No prior experience is necessary.

ACR’s staff biologists will conduct the trainings.  Topics include ACR's history and facts about the plants, animals, insects, and pond life found on the 1,000 acre preserve, with an entire class dedicated to understanding the egret nesting colony located in a grove of redwood trees.

Upon graduation, ACR’s Ranch Guides share their knowledge and appreciation of nature with thousands of visitors each year during the public season. Ranch Guide graduates are required to volunteer four weekend days during the public season for two years.

The Saturday training class dates and schedule are as follows:

 Jan 21           Introduction & Orientation meeting

Jan 28            History of ACR, Introduction to Ranch Guide Program

Feb 4              Ponds and Insects

Feb 11           Birds of the Martin Griffin Preserve

Feb 18           Plants of the Martin Griffin Preserve

Feb 25           Ranch Guide “Stations” & Tips for Working with the Public

Mar 3              Optional – Hike the longer trails of the MGP

Mar 10            Herons and Egrets

Mar 17            Nuts & Bolts Class, Opening Day, Graduation Ceremony & Potluck

The cost of ACR Ranch Guide Training is $35 to cover training materials. Scholarships are available by request. 

ACR’s Martin Griffin Preserve is located 30 miles north of San Francisco on Highway 1 (3 miles north of Stinson Beach).