Nature lovers can receive training to lead children’s hikes

Share your love of nature with young children, parents and teachers. The Children’s Nature Institute trains volunteers to lead interactive nature walks for infants through 8-year-olds.

Trained docents lead family nature walks once a month (weekday or weekend) at 80 pre-approved trails throughout Los Angeles and Ventura Counties.

Docents choose the date, time and location. Docents also lead outreach walks during the week (some Saturdays) for children from the lowest-income and lowest-performing schools and shelters in Los Angeles.

To become a nature walk leader, completion of the Walk Leader Training course in the spring, summer or fall is required. The next training session will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23 and 30 and April 6 and 13 at Temescal Gateway Park, Eaton Canyon and Topanga State Park.

Trainees will learn about local flora and fauna from professional naturalists, basics of early childhood education, and age-appropriate interpretive techniques from seasoned leaders.

After the training, new docents are assigned mentors and have the opportunity to attend trail-specific enrichments (continuing education workshops). No previous experience is necessary—only a passion for nature and children.

Volunteer docents assist (to varying degrees) with nature walks, field trips, office work and special events.

A Volunteer Open House is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon Wed., Feb. 16 at the institute, which is located at 1440 Harvard St., Santa Monica. The event will feature demonstrations by volunteers, hands-on nature activities for kids, and institute’s traveling classroom, the Wonder Mobile.

For more information, call (310) 998-1151.