All news / Back / Print

04/22/2010 • News Stories

Jefferson Land Trust to Offer Docent Training for Quimper Wildlife Corridor

« Click image for popup view » Members of JLT's 2009 docent group studying wetland soil types. Jefferson Land Another great opportunity to learn more about the natural history of our region and support the conservation of important wildlife habitat is being offered by Jefferson Land Trust in May and June. Volunteer docent positions are available for dependable, friendly individuals who share a passion for the Land Trust mission, the conservation of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, native plants and wildlife, and natural history. Potential volunteers interested in leading public walks for Jefferson Land Trust in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor project area are encouraged to apply by May 14. Qualified applicants will be asked to lead publicly-advertised, regularly scheduled natural history walks in the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, located on the outskirts of Port Townsend on the northern Quimper Peninsula. “The Jefferson Land Trust Docent Program builds a constituency of support for the long-term stewardship and appreciation of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, as well as its increased protection” says Stewardship Director, Erik Kingfisher, “Our community recognizes the importance of connecting people with the natural lands around us, and Jefferson Land Trust is committed to helping the community educate the public about the conservation values in these places.” The Quimper Wildlife Corridor links six major wildlife habitat areas, including four critical and high-priority wetlands. It also contains areas of significant habitat value within the connections between the major habitat areas. Admiralty Audubon Society estimates that more than 200 bird species currently make use of the corridor, as well as a wide variety of small and large mammals (including occasional anecdotal sightings of cougar, elk, and bear). In addition, the Quimper Wildlife Corridor is already home to a significant number of informal trails on public rights-of-way. Jefferson Land Trust has purchased for protection nearly 200 platted lots throughout some of the highest priority sections of the Quimper Wildlife Corridor, and continues to seek protection of other crucial links within the corridor. The remainder of the corridor consists of Jefferson Land Trust conservation easements, protected property owned by the City of Port Townsend, Jefferson County, and forestland owned by Washington Department of Natural Resources. “Some our region’s most respected experts are generously volunteering their time to lead the training sessions, and we’re very grateful for their support” says Kingfisher. The training is scheduled to take place on the last two Thursdays in May from 7–9pm, and Saturdays May 22 through June 26 from 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $55 to help cover costs associated with the program. It is important for docents-in-training to attend as many trainings as possible to be eligible to lead walks for the Land Trust in the future. Interested parties should contact Erik Kingfisher, Stewardship Director: 360-379-9501; steward@saveland.org Website   More Info   Document    Contact Erik Kingfisher (360) 379-9501 steward@saveland.org