Ever thought about volunteering to help Bay Area birds and wildlife? This is the perfect time to turn those thoughts into action!

Golden Gate Bird Alliance is seeking volunteers for the upcoming season of our Eco-Education and docent programs. No experience needed — we’ll train you.

Photo by Ilana DeBare
Photo by Ilana DeBare

Birding the Bay Trail docents

Help passersby along the Bay Trail sight and appreciate the birds of the East Bay shoreline.

  • Commitment: Two hours per month between September and March.
  • Training:Wednesday Oct. 1, from 6 to 8 pm at the GGBA office in Berkeley.​

Burrowing Owl docents

Educate people about the Burrowing Owls of Cesar Chavez Park in Berkeley, and monitor their safety and numbers.

  • Commitment: Two hours per month between September and March.
  • Training: Saturday Sept. 27, from 9:45 am to 3 pm in Berkeley.​
Photo by Pipi Ray Diamond
Photo by Pipi Ray Diamond

Eco-Education volunteers

Assist our award-winning Eco-Ed staff as they introduce San Francisco, Oakland, and Richmond elementary school children to wildlife and ecosystems of their communities. No prior teaching or birding experience is needed.

  • Commitment: One to two schooldays per month during the school year.
  • Trainings: Monday Sept. 22 at Point Pinole, 9 am to 2 pm, OR
  • Monday Sept. 29 at Pier 94 in SF, 10 am to 3 pm, OR
  • Wednesday Oct. 1 at MLK Shoreline in Oakland, 9 am to 2 pm.

Click here to learn more about Eco-Ed volunteering, or email Marissa at mortegawelch@goldengatebirdalliance.org to sign up for an Eco-Ed training.

Email Noreen at nweeden@goldengatebirdalliance.org to sign up for Bay Trail or Burrowing Owl docent training.

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What our current volunteers say about the experience:

 
I am always surprised how eager people are to learn about the birds and share their experiences with us.
 — Inger Coble, Birding the Bay Trail docent  
 
Eco-Ed gives me a chance to share my love of natural history with students and parents, as well as to support urban school districts
— Diane Scarritt, Eco-Ed volunteer
 
I love watching the eyes of the kids as they light up, then hearing ‘wow’ and ‘awesome’.   I hope that first look through the scope at an otherwise hidden bird is the introduction to a life connected to the outdoor world.  
— Marty Malec, Burrowing Owl docent
 
It’s really fun to see people take delight in getting a close look at birds, especially if they walk this path regularly but haven’t really seen the birds with whom we share the area.
— Maureen Lahiff, Birding the Bay Trail docent