Join Sonja for an afternoon of learning at Case Nature Center to develop the skills to share your love of nature and PVAS as a Nature Center Docent!

PVAS Host: Sonja Melander

Free and open to the public. This program is for adults. Registration is required and limited to 15 participants.

PVMN Continuing Education Credit Eligible

Share your love and knowledge of nature and PVAS with others as a Nature Center Docent! Docents at the Case Nature Center at Cool Spring Preserve welcome visitors at the front desk and help them explore the nature center! This training will help you develop the knowledge and skills to confidently show visitors around the visitor center, talk to them about things to do and see outdoors, meet the Animal Ambassadors, learn about how they can get involved with PVAS, and more! By volunteering as a volunteer docent, you will help visitors connect with nature in a friendly environment alongside PVAS staff and AmeriCorps service members! Both morning and afternoon volunteer docent shifts are available Tuesday – Friday.

• Walking Distance: Little to no walking.
• Restroom: Indoor, flushing restrooms are avaiable.
• Parking/Where to Meet: Meet inside the Case Nature Center.
• What to Bring: Paper and something to write with, though this is not required. Handouts will be provided. We will take a very short walk outside to the Nature Playspace, so dress for the weather!

Register Here!

About our Host: Sonja joined the PVAS team in Spring 2023. Sonja began her career in environmental education during her time as a camp counselor during summers in college in western Pennsylvania.  In 2008, Sonja earned her B.S. in physics and geology from the University of Pittsburgh and physics and her M.S. in geology from the State University of New York at Buffalo.  Since then, Sonja has worked in informal education at Montserrat Volcano Observatory, Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, and Mount St. Helens Institute.  Sonja enjoys crafting (especially crocheting), reading/learning about new topics, and spending time with her dog.