*Ohlone and Animal tours – Please check the docent calendar and sign up for April programs! http://www.santacruzmuseums.org/docents/
Upcoming trainings
Sandhills training –Monday, April 23, 2pm-4pm at Randall Morgan Preserve
Our spring field season is approaching (first field trip is May 1) and we’re excited about our geology/fossils/restoration field program. Join us for our spring training and be a part of this fun and growing program!! Email Zack at (sandhills@santacruzmuseums.org) so we know how many folks to expect.
Art of Nature school tour training – Monday, April 30, 10am-1pm
Through the month of May, the Museum invites school classes to come view our Art of Nature exhibit and participate in a special docent-led illustration and art program. Please plan to come to the training even if you’ve done the programs before, we’re making a few changes this year. Email Deb (Deborah@santacruzmuseums.org) so we know how many folks to expect.
Upcoming Docent events
Volunteer Appreciation Week outing to the Seymour Center –Wednesday, April 18, 3:30-5pm
Thank you for everything you do to help connect people with nature and inspire stewardship! In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’d like to say thank you to all our committed volunteers in a special way. All active volunteers are invited to attend a free tour of the Seymour Marine Discovery Center, led by Visitor Programs Manager, Chris Reeves. Please meet at the Seymour Center, 100 Shaffer Road, by 3:30pm. A carpool will be meeting at the Museum of Natural History at 3:00, and departing by 3:15pm. We only have room for 20 people on this tour, so please RSVP to Jen@santacruzmuseums.org.
Docent enrichment – BATs at Neary Lagoon – Monday, April 23 6:45pm-dark
Our April enrichment will be at Neary Lagoon with bat biologist Fred Frick. We will start the evening with a brief lecture and discussion of local bat natural history and then go on a bat walk in Neary Lagoon. We will learn about local species and how bat biologists study these animals. The bat walk will include demonstration of how to use a bat detector to hear the ultrasonic calls of bats as they forage over Neary lagoon. We will also spotlights bat foraging over the lagoon. Please be sure to bring a head light and sturdy shoes and a layer.
*Remember docents, these enrichments are part of your training and we need your attendance to make these worthwhile! Please email Deb (Deborah@santacruzmuseums.org) if you cannot make it.
Docent Enrichment – Gurnee taxidermy field trip – Monday, May 21, 10am-1pm
Freeze-dried – not stuffed! We’ll learn about our collections and the special technique of freeze-dried taxonomy that Richard Gurnee has perfect right here in Santa Cruz County. We’ll begin at the Museum and travel to Gurnee’s studio in Watsonville to learn more.
End-of-year luncheon – Monday, June 11, 11am-1pm
Mark your calendars for this celebration of all the great work you do through the school year. We’ll provide the food, come enjoy the great company!
Program Updates
Storytime –The public library has some great kits with books that match some of our natural history themes. Bugs, reptiles, forest, space, etc. Nancy used the pond life kit which included puppets and felt board cut outs! Here’s the link: http://www.santacruzpl.org/kids/readtome/kits/themes/6/
Hosting – We now have the Illustration Station set up! This is a great way to engage visitors. Other new exhibit floor interactives include encouraging visitors to make a tule boat or doll, recording on the topo map how you have connected to nature, and using the Ohlone cards to connect with the mural and exhibits in the front room. You can also direct families to the book nook area that has a comfy bean bag and new area rug.
Neary Lagoon – Docents, let us know what you have seen recently at Neary! Any ducklings in the marsh? What great field experiences can you share?
Logistics
We will be sending out an email with updated docent contacts (email and phone numbers). Please let Deborah know if you do not want your information shared with the other docents.
Feel free to post comments on this Whale Spout blog. It’s a great way for us to communicate as a community. Thank you!!!
