SERC public hiking tour. (Photo: Michael Osman)

An exciting chance to be involved with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center! If you’re an active person who is passionate about the environment, loves nature and the outdoors, and would relish the chance to participate in a vibrant volunteer program, this is a wonderful opportunity. SERC’s docent program is looking for individuals to lead tours and share SERC science with the public. Docents walk about one and a half miles with visitors along wooded and waterside trails, while sharing exciting research on coastal ecosystems and environmental challenges. Docents often have opportunities to interact with leading environmental scientists and gain behind-the-scenes glimpses into SERC’s world-class research and experiments.

Docents work in pairs, leading tour group sizes of approximately 12 visitors. They participate in at least 2 tours per month (with sign-up scheduling) and take initiative in additional learning opportunities. Each tour lasts approximately an hour and a half.  Tours are scheduled from late spring through mid-autumn.

Requirements:

• Approx. 3-4 hours of standard SI volunteer training.
• Approx. 24 hours of training in SERC science and mission.
• A federal background check/fingerprinting.
• Comfortable with nature and the outdoors and at ease in dealing with the public.
• The ability to hike and stand on uneven, natural wooded terrain for up to 2 hours.
• A love of science and a great attitude!

For more information, please contact either Janice Stringer (stringerj@si.edu) or Pam Trepanier (trepanierp@si.edu)

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) provides science-based knowledge to meet the environmental challenges of the 21st century. SERC is a recognized leader in research on coastal ecosystems—where the land meets the sea—to inform real-world decisions for wise policies, best business practices, and a sustainable planet. 

Thank you for your support of SERC!