Imagine never leaving the city - never seeing the ocean or the forest. This is the reality for many of the kids we work with, but thanks to the efforts of our enthusiastic and passionate volunteers, we are able to introduce thousands of children to the wonders of nature every year. We are always in search of more outstanding individuals to lead and assist with our Outreach Discovery Nature Walks. If you have a love for nature and would like to share your passion with young children, CNI will train you to be their guide. Prior experience is not necessary.

Walk leaders may begin to lead Nature Walks after completing three training components:

1. Join CNI on the nature trails by signing up as an Assistant to see what our  programs are like.

   • Please view our calendar for our next Outreach Nature Walk and register online.

2. Participate in our A Training: Docent Tools Class.

   • This class teaches you the fundamental tools to be a Docent such as how to talk to young children, what to bring on the trail, and what to do in case of an emergency.

   • Offered on the third Tuesday of each* month. Please view our calendar for availability and register online.

   *Docent Tools Class must have at least 5 individuals registered to be offered.

3. Participate in our B Training: Focused Topics Class OR Docents Leading Docents Session.

   • The Topics Class focuses on fun topics that fascinate young children such as camouflage, dirt, insects, animal calls, and much more. Classes are 2-3 hours in the forest and are taught by our staff Environmental Educators.

   • The Docents Leading Docents Session is taught by one of our seasoned Nature Walk Leaders. Each have a wealth of knowledge about nature and their own style of leading nature walks. This training is meant to provide you with the opportunity of experiencing and learning the many different approaches to leading a nature walk and to get comfortable, roll up your sleeves and dig into leading your own nature walk!

   • Offered on the fourth Tuesday of each* month. Please view our calendar for upcoming B Training Topics Classes and register online or contact us to schedule a Docents Leading Docents Session.
   
   *Focused Topics Class must have at least 5 individuals registered to be offered (please check our calendar for availability).