Become a volunteer naturalist at the Placerita Canyon Nature Center. Learn about the natural environment; teach children about nature; make a difference in your community.

No special background needed, just a willingness to attend training and to volunteer at least twice a month.

Training starts Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.

Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to noon.

Volunteer-naturalists attend a 9-week training program. Topics include native plants, ecology, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, geology, history, and interpretive techniques. Instructors include noted professionals in the various fields. The cost of the training is $45, which includes all training materials (instruction manual, field guide, T-shirt, and related items.) Minimum age for Volunteer-Naturalists is 18. Visit our website (placerita.org) for further information regarding the Volunteer-Naturalist program.

Other volunteer opportunities are also available at Placerita Canyon Natural Area that don’t require the 9-week training program, such as office helper and trail maintenance team member. Bilingual (English/Spanish) volunteers are needed.

For further information call Placerita Canyon Natural Area, (661) 259-7721 or email ron@placerita.org.

What is the Nature Center all about?

The Placerita Canyon Nature Center Associates is a 501c3 non-profit volunteer group that assists the County of Los Angeles in the operation of Placerita Canyon Natural Area. Following is a summary of what we are all about.

Mission Statement: To inspire a passion, awareness and respect for the environment, and to preserve and protect for future generations the history and ecosystem of Placerita Canyon.

We are the volunteer arm of the County-run Placerita Canyon Nature Center and Natural Area. We:

* Host programs

* Support our collection of local native wild animals

* Host annual events

* Invite the community to come to the center, learn about nature, our local history, and take a hike!

Community Outreach: Over the last 5 years, Placerita has opened our trails and programs to over:

* 70,000 grade school children from throughout L.A. County

* 450,000 visitors to the park and natural area

* 77,000 volunteer hours donated by our volunteer organization

Educational Programs: We host on-going educational programs for the community:

* Pre-school, K and 1st grade introduction to nature

* 2nd through 6th grade nature program

* School outreach programs

* Monthly Bird Walk

* Monthly Wildflower Walk

* Weekly Family Nature Hike and Animal Show

* Monthly Community Nature Education Program