This post was written by Jessica Schneider, 2015-2020 Office Director, 2011-2013 Information Center & Bookstore Manager, and 2010 Information Center & Bookstore Assistant.
The Mono Basin teems with visitors during summer months, and their experiences here are greatly enhanced when they meet one of the 70-plus Mono Lake Volunteers also out and about during the summer.
Volunteers introduce Mono Lake’s natural history to visitors by roving the high-use areas around the lake, leading patio talks at the Scenic Area Visitor Center, and helping with invasive species removal events. Volunteers also help with office tasks—such as putting together mailings—here at the Mono Lake Committee offices.
Not sure if you’re ready to teach visitors about Mono Lake? That’s okay! We have a great training for new volunteers each spring. This year training will take place from 9:00am to 4:00pm in a three-day block over one weekend, starting Friday, May 31 and culminating in the graduation ceremony on Sunday, June 2.
The training itself is quite a treat. Attendees learn about geology, natural history, and human history at Panum Crater, Old Marina, County Park, the north Mono Basin, and South Tufa from retired State Park ranger Janet Carle. Additionally, volunteer trainees tour the Mono Lake Committee, the Old Schoolhouse Museum, and the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center. You’ll meet the staff at each agency and organization, eat lunches with the other trainees provided by the volunteer program, and enjoy Mono Lake for an entire weekend.
New volunteers are required to attend all three days of this free training, and are asked to donate roughly eight hours a month to the program, June through August, on a flexible schedule. Participants must be at least 18 years old, be able to walk short distances, and stand for two hours.
If you are interested in volunteering, or for more information, please contact me by email or at (760) 647-6595 x120.
