Vandenberg Air Force Base is seeking volunteer docents for Surf Beach and Ocean Park.
Docents will inform beach-goers of any restrictions that are in place and help protect the Western Snowy Plover from disturbance.
Surf Beach is one of three beaches at Vandenberg Air Force Base where certain restrictions are imposed during the threatened bird's nesting season from March 1 through September 30.
Restrictions include the prohibition of dogs, horses, and kites, and certain areas of the beaches are off-limits to visitors. Violations are recorded and if a beach goes over its violation limit, it may be closed.
Vandenberg says volunteer docent duties include:
- Welcoming visitors to the beach and informing them about beach restrictions, specifically locations of closed areas
- Roving the beach or standing at the entrance to make contact with beach visitors
- Educating visitors about the natural history, plight, and protection of the Western Snowy Plover
- Communicating with conservation law-enforcement officers when necessary
- Providing general information and assistance to visitors
- Using interpretive materials to help communicate information
Docents are needed now through the end of September.
Volunteers will receive training, a t-shirt, hat, and other materials.
To sign up, contact the Plover Docent Coordinator at 30CES.CEIEA.NaturalResources@us.af.mil.
