Get Involved
Volunteer Naturalists
San Francisco Nature Education's overarching goal is to create tomorrow’s environmental stewards and leaders by inspiring a life-long love of nature. Our program connects children with conservation and the natural world.
We are looking for volunteers to support us in achieving our mission. We are looking for people who enjoy teaching children, being outdoors and who want to learn more about local birds and the natural history of Golden Gate Park.
Volunteer Naturalists:
- Lead San Francisco Kindergarten - 3rd Graders in classroom visits and/or field trips
- Lead hands-on nature walks for groups of about six children (all groups have chaperones)
- Learn about San Francisco birds and the natural world of Golden Gate Park with expert naturalists
- Special enrichment activities throughout the year including birding by ear and field trips
- Encourage future environmental stewards
- Are great role models for dozens of children!
We ask that volunteers commit to at least two mornings a month.
Volunteer Training Program
We provide training to our school program volunteer naturalists:
Overview (2 hours)
- Mission
- History of SFNE
- Natural History of Golden Gate Park
- Local birds of Golden Gate Park, slide show and field journal
- Classroom visits
Field Trip to SFBG (2 hours)
- Discussion: techniques for leading field trips for 3rd graders
Field Trip to Stow Lake (2 hours)
- Discussion: techniques for leading field trips for 3rd graders.
Shadow a group on a field trip (2 hours)
Feedback on Our Program
“The program aligns with the science standards for 3rd grade and also helps the children improve their writing and literacy skills. The program has been a fun way for children to learn about nature right in the community while meeting these standards.” – Kathy D’Or Reid, 3rd grade teacher, Sunnyside Elementary School.
“I have just completed my 33rd year as a teacher in San Francisco’s public schools. I’ve been on hundreds of field trips and yours is the most organized and meaningful field trip that I have ever had my class participate in.” – Kathy Lund, 3rd grade teacher, Jose Ortega Elementary School.
“I would like to learn what birds do in each season. I really liked seeing the birds on the field trips. I liked seeing them with the binoculars and my eyes.” – Student, Sunnyside Elem. School.
Additional Requirements
The San Francisco Unified School District requires that each volunteer naturalist submit to a Background check, including fingerprinting, by the Dept. of Justice.
Volunteers are responsible for the $50 background check fee. Naturalist training is provided over four mornings for a $50 fee. Some scholarships are available.
If you are interested in volunteering, please download and complete the application: (.word) (.pdf)
Phone: (415) 387-9160
Fax: (415) 387-9140
Mailing Address:
San Francisco Nature Education
3450 Geary Blvd., Suite 208
San Francisco, CA 94118
