The Valley of the Moon Natural History Association
The "Valley of the Moon Natural History Association"
is a non-profit organization whose members share a common interest in Annadel,
Jack London and Sugarloaf Ridge State Parks. The group seeks to increase
the understanding and appreciation of the natural and historic features
of these parks. The association meets this objective through various activities,
including:
- Offering free guided nature walks and historic tours led by trained volunteers;
- Providing mounted bicycle and horseback patrols on park trails;
- Staffing park visitor centers with knowledgeable volunteers;
- Publishing informational books, maps and brochures about the parks;
- Furnishing equipment and supplies to help park rangers in their work with
visitors;
- Cooperating with state park staff on projects that promote and preserve
the natural and historical features of the parks.
Membership
Members in the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association is open to
all. Benefits include:
- The pleasure of giving something back to the state parks you enjoy;
- The chance to become involved in state parks;
- Opportunities to learn about the native flora and fauna from local experts
during hikes and tours;
- Meeting others who share your love for the outdoors;
- A monthly schedule of activities;
- A subscription to the quarterly newsletter, "The Moonletter";
- The use of a docent office and research library inside the historic House
of Happy Walls Museum at Jack London State Historic Park.
Get involved!
Valley of the Moon Natural History Association members may work
with the Docent Council, Redwood Empire Trail Assistance Group or Mounted
Assistant Unit.
Docent Council
The word "docent" is derived from the Latin verb, "docere,"
which means to teach, instruct or lead into. To become a docent, you need
only possess a desire to volunteer in one or more of the three state parks
and complete a one-time annual training program. A docent donates four hours
a month for a minimum of two years. As a member of the docent Council you
might:
- Lead natural hikes along the trails or lead historic tours;
- Give environmental education programs to park visitors;
- Work in the Sugarloaf Ricge visitor center or Annadel park office;
- Work in the Jack London State Historic Park museum;
- Provide golf cart rides for the frail or disabled to Jack London's Wolf
House;
- Play the antique piano inside the museum;
- Make displays and exhibits;
- Work on research projects;
- Catalog artifacts;
- Photograph natural features, activities, projects;
- Schedule walks and school tours;
- Use your special talents inside the parks.
The Docent Council holds regular meetings featuring interesting speakers
who share their expertise in the ecology, history, and other aspects of
the parks. Regular social gatherings bring everyone together for socializing
and fellowship. Becoming a docent allows you to share your enthusiasm for
the outdoors with fellow nature lovers as well as the general public.
Redwood Empire Trail Assistance Group
This group helps the park rangers by patrolling Annadel State Park on mountain
bicycles, offering park information and first aid for park visitors. They
patrol in pairs and wear a bright jersey and helmet cover. Volunteers participate
in a one-time annual training and must keep current in first aid and Cardio-Pulminary
Resuscitation.
Mounted Assistant Unit
This group assists park staff at three state parks as well as Spring Lake
and Mount Hood Regional Parks by providing backcountry patrols on horseback.
The volunteers provide information, assistance and first aid to the public.
They are trained and their horses are tested before being scheduled to patrol
in uniform in pairs.
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