Submitted Photo Trail guide volunteers are essential to the educational programming at Audubon Community Nature Center. You can experience the rewards of sharing nature with children by leading Discovery Walks at Audubon this spring. Like the volunteers pictured, on Tuesday, May 2, the education staff will teach you all you need to know for this important work.

Those who like to share their love of the natural world with others can consider becoming an Audubon Community Nature Center Trail Guide crew member.

Trail guides lead groups of six to 12 students, usually ages 3 to 12, along the trails during their school field trips. Trail guides are essential to Audubon’s educational programming. The ACNC is holding a trail guide training on Tuesday, May 2, from 9 a.m. to noon.

During the training guides will learn the basic outline of how to effectively walk the children through the discovery process as they move along the trails. After the workshop, observing walks and applying some of the learned information is required to complete the training and give guides all the skills they need.

Experience with children is helpful, but no prior knowledge is necessary to lead groups, just a positive attitude and a willingness to share a passion for nature. Established Trail Guides are welcome to come for a refresher course. Training takes place both indoors and out, so plan to come dressed for the weather.

Those taking part can bring a lunch if they want to stay for the optional 1 to 3 p.m. natural history walk.

Reservations for the training are appreciated and can be made by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or clicking through “Programs and Events” at AudubonCNC.org. Walk-ins are welcome.

Those interested in becoming a trail guide and who want to learn more before registering can call Audubon Education Coordinator Sarah Hatfield at 716-569-2345 or email her at SHatfield@AudubonCNC.org.