Those interested in becoming an Audubon Community Nature Center Trail Guide volunteer, like those pictured, can participate in training Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28-29.

Those interested in sharing their love of the natural world with others can participate in an upcoming Audubon Community Nature Center Trail Guide training session.

Trail Guide volunteers are part of the educational programming at Audubon. Using age-appropriate and exploration-based activities, volunteers lead groups on Discovery Walks along Audubon’s trails during their school field trips. Students range in age from 4 to 12, and there are typically eight to 12 students in a group.

Audubon is holding a two-day Trail Guide Training on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 28 and 29, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The training provides new and returning Trail Guide volunteers with the skills to lead a Discovery Walk. Information and skills learned may be useful in other volunteer positions at the Audubon Community Nature Center.

In this training, those participating learn some exploration activities, pick up tips for group management, and go through the basic outline of how to effectively walk the children through the discovery process as they move along the trails. Afterward, volunteers will have opportunities to observe walks and apply some of the learned skills in preparation to lead groups on their own.

Experience with children is helpful, but no prior knowledge is necessary to lead groups. Established Trail Guides are welcome to come for a refresher course. Training takes place both indoors and out, so those attending should attend dressed for the weather.

Reservations for the training are appreciated and can be made by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or through AudubonCNC.org//trail-guide-training. Walk-ins are welcome.

For more information call Chelsea Jandreau, Audubon education director, at 716-569-2345 or email CJandreau@AudubonCNC.org.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, and hike the six miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.