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Tidepool Programs
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Tidepool Interpretive Programs

PROFESSIONAL TIDEPOOL EDUCATOR PROGRAM AT TREASURE ISLAND SEASHORE

As a result of a generous donation by Montage Resort & Spa in April 2006, Laguna Ocean Foundation created one full-time position and several part-time positions to provide interpretive education at the Treasure Island tidepools. The program has been very effective and patrons and visitors from around the world have walked away with a fuller understanding of the rocky intertidal environment. The Educators provide on-site resource interpretation and love to share their knowledge and joy of the local ecosystem, flora and fauna. Educators are at the tidepools year around when the tide is below 2.5 feet and the weather is enjoyable.

These educators keep record of how many individuals visit the area and the following is a brief synopsis of the first years accomplishments: from June 1, 2006 through May 31, 2007, the total number of Tidepool Educator hours devoted to the Treasure Island Seashore was 1,544. On average the educators spent 130 hours a month at the site and saw an average of 26 individuals per hour. During that time, LOF’s Tidepool Educators observed over 30,000 visitors to the Treasure Island and Goff Island tidepools and approached more than 18,000 individuals to share information concerning the rocky intertidal ecosystem and to educate visitors of the “good tidepool rules.” The Tidepool Educators provided 2953 educational brochures to interested visitors and 216 tidepool coloring books to young children.

VOLUNTEER TIDEWATER DOCENT PROGRAM
Our TideWater Docents continues to educate the beach going public about the life and natural processes occurring in the tidal habitats of Laguna Beach. Trained docents work in close coordination with the Laguna Beach Department of Marine Safety and Laguna’s very own Marine Protection Officer. The volunteer docents are currently stationed at Heisler Park and Shaw’s Cove throughout the year during periods when the intertidal zone is most vulnerable. TideWater Docent training classes are held throughout the year and if you are interested in the program please see below. Main Beach Educational Program

This is an invitation to join the TideWater Docent Program sponsored by Laguna Ocean Foundation. The tide pools of Laguna Beach need protection and trained volunteers are needed to help educate the millions of uninformed locals and guests that visit our coastline. Created in April 2003 the program has trained over 175 volunteers and is actively seeking enthusiastic participants to help with our mission to educate the public concerning the value of the intertidal ecosystem.

To qualify as a TideWater Docent, volunteers must attend one formal training session. The initial three hour training session is held at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point and provides background information concerning the resource and logistics concerning the program. Following the formal training potential docents will have on-site training at the tidepools conducted by the Docent coordinator. All classes and training are conducted by professional marine biologists and by the Marine Protection Officer for the City of Laguna Beach.

After completion of formal training new docents receive a hat, badge, and TideWater Docent T-shirt and be ready to sign up for TideWater Docent Shifts. Docents are encouraged to volunteer once a month, for a three hour shift at our local tidepools. Currently there are three locations that docents can sign up to work at, Heisler Park, Woods Cove, and Shaws Cove in Laguna Beach. When on-site docents approach the general public and help them understand the value of our local natural resources. Docents point out key species and teach intertidal ecology while encouraging visitors to use the “Good Tidepooler Rules.”

Sign up to become a TideWater Docent by contacting Art Smart, TideWater Docent Coordinator at 949/633-5006 or via email info@lagunaoceanfoundation.org.

New Tidepool Docent/Educator Training Manual available for download here. (PDF -- 2MB)