Training for Pescadero Marsh volunteers is included in the program for all Half Moon Bay-based volunteers that starts in the spring and extends 4-5 weeks on Saturdays. Weather, water level, wild life and plant life on Pescadero Beach and Pescadero Marsh are highly variable throughout the year. Careful study of the training manual is necessary preparation, along with repeated Marsh walks with a docent mentor. Because of the narrow trails in the Marsh, more than one interpreter/docent is always beneficial to visitors and helpful to volunteers as well.
For more information, please contact the volunteer coordinator at 1-650-726-8819 or email HMBParksVolunteer@parks.ca.gov.
One or more docents and volunteers lead guided walks from the central parking lot onto the beach and into the Marsh twice a month on the first Sunday at 10 a.m. and the third Sunday at 1:00 p.m. In addition to leading scheduled Marsh walks, docents act as roving naturalists pointing out landscape features and marsh wildlife. They emphasize stewardship as vital in the Natural Preserve: to stay on the trails, view animals quietly at a distance, not to collect plants or seeds and not to leave litter behind. Docents also plan and lead special walks as requested by the Volunteer Coordinator for school groups, college classes and community organizations. Volunteers at the Marsh may also help with bird, fish and water-level monitoring projects and trail maintenance.