Become a Volunteer

Volunteers for field work or help on administrative tasks can start right away working with one of our committee chairs. We also have a student intern and volunteer program and work with local schools and colleges so students get volunteer hours and school credit.
All educational and research services are provided by trained docents. The Petaluma Wetlands Alliance (PWA) provides training each year for community members who are interested in becoming city-appointed docent volunteers for the Petaluma Public Wetlands. The course consists of lectures on wetlands, ecology, plants, birds, other wetlands animals, and hands-on techniques used with school groups. Docents are asked to make a two-year, 20-hours-per-year commitment as a docent. We ask that applicants pay $40 toward the cost of training materials.

Volunteer Activities
Become a Docent
- Lead tours for the public at Shollenberger Park, Alman Marsh, and the Ellis Creek Wildlife Sanctuary
- Visit elementary schools and conduct educational activities at Shollenberger Park, using hands-on, science-based activities
- Public speaking and wetlands advocacy
Monitor and Research Birds and Wildlife
- Participate in monthly bird surveys as observer or data recorder
- Build, inspect, and maintain bird and bat housing
Wetlands Restoration and Maintenance
- Minor trail repair
- Cleaning up trash and debris
- Removing invasive weeds
- Planting native species
Publicity and Marketing
- Communicate PWA’s mission and activities to the public
- Help generate funds for the PWA via grants and public contributions
- Solicit organizations or groups to help with various wetland-related activities
- Educate the public about wetlands
Administrative
- Organize events and fundraisers
- Basic accounting tasks
- Write news articles, grants
- Research information
- Provide and maintain technology and website