If taking long walks, listening to the birds and sharing knowledge about the ecosystem seem like a great way to spend free time, than you may be the ideal volunteer interpretive guide.
The Squamish Environmental Society is searching for nature lovers who want to lead guided tours through the Squamish Estuary and share their knowledge with visitors.
Estuary volunteer guide Rachel Shephard encourages others to sign up and share their passion with the public, as she so enjoys doing.
"I like the opportunity of introducing people to the natural world perhaps in a way they haven't seen it before. I hope that through appreciation comes understanding and through understanding comes a desire for conservation."
The volunteer interpreters are a part of the newly established Squamish Estuary Education Program, which the Squamish Environmental Society established thanks to a $10,000 donation from Squamish Savings.
Shephard said the seven member education team hopes to increase the public's awareness about the estuary.
"The team's goal is to introduce people to the estuary, show them how beautiful it is, how interesting it is and explain some of the ecological importance of it."
Organizers plan to achieve their goals by creating a guided walk program, developing an informative self-guided map brochure and by creating estuary trail markers for visitors without a paper map.
Creating a guided walk program requires a pool of volunteers trained in providing tours around at least two trails through the estuary. In an effort to introduce potential volunteers guides to the estuary, the society is hosting a series of free informative walks throughout the summer in hopes of securing a dozen volunteers for the program.
Organizers said a volunteer interpreter should be an enthusiastic, people person who is willing to undergo a bit of training and can volunteer to guide as many as three walks every six weeks.
Individuals do not need prior knowledge or training in environmental studies, they just need an interest in the area and an ability to talk to visitors.
"Really they just have to be a people person and somebody who likes to share information, share their enthusiasm," said volunteer co-ordinator Mary Livingston.
Shephard said she's not a biologist, just a nature lover.
"I've got a strong interest in natural history in the natural world and really enjoy learning about the places that I am and the things that live there."
Organizers plan to pair new guides with veteran interpreters until new volunteers feel comfortable enough to lead groups on their own.
The next informative walk is scheduled for Monday (July 19) at 7 p.m. with the group meeting at bridge pond near Third Avenue and Vancouver Street.
But, Shephard said, a few more walks are planned throughout the summer, although the dates have not been finalized. Future walks will include discussions on the geological history, habitats, threats, birds and plants of the estuary.
Anyone interested in becoming a volunteer interpreter or attending an estuary walk should contact Livingston at 604-898-9235 or email at [email protected].
