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SAN DIEGO, CA—August 04, 2005—Quail Botanical Gardens (QBG) announced today that it is now accepting applications for the Fall 2005 Docent Training Class. The class runs from September 14 through November 23, meeting every Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Gardens.
"As a nonprofit organization, our docents play a very important part in the success of Quail Botanical Gardens. They are our ambassadors to the world," commented Mary Lou Kelly, QBG Director of Education and Operations. "We have also found we learn as much from them as they do from us; they bring a wealth of experience to the Gardens," added Kelly.
What is a docent?
Docents at QBG are more than volunteers; they are professionally trained in all elements of the Gardens, including:
- Botany
- Propagation
- Public education
- Garden development
- Nursery management
- Collections and curatorial work
With this extensive training, docents play a very important role at QBG by leading tours for school children and adults, creating and staffing various Garden projects, helping with day-to-day garden administration and representing QBG in local outreach programs, like community festivals and events.
Docent training at QBG includes a team teaching/cooperative learning approach with in-classroom instruction, in-garden instruction, several in-depth garden tours, conservation information and QBG history. Lectures and tours are conducted by QBG docents, garden staff, and additional expert speakers on a variety of topics designed to familiarize participants with botany in general, California native plants in particular, and QBG specifically. Upon graduation, the new docent has a diploma, a botanical education, free access to the Gardens, and other Garden discounts. Additional benefits include first choice at the annual plant sale and the opportunity to participate in such exciting QBG events as the Annual Gala, The International Orchid Fair, the Fall Plant Sale and the spectacular December Garden of Lights .
The fee for this class is $50 plus $10 for materials. An annual commitment of 80 hours of volunteer time and a current garden membership are required to maintain docent status. The cut-off date for registration for the Fall docent class is August 26, 2005.
How to apply
A downloadable application can be printed from the QBG web site at http://www.qbgardens.org under "Become a Docent." Applications can also be requested by calling (760) 436-3036 ext. 206, or emailing . Additionally, they are on hand at the QBG gift shop. Send completed applications to Quail Botanical Gardens at P.O. Box 230005, Encinitas, CA 92023-0005 or FAX to 760-632-0917, or email to mlkelly@qbgardens.com
About Quail Botanical Gardens
The mission of Quail Botanical Gardens is to actively participate in the conservation of rare, threatened and endangered plant species, to serve the botanical and horticultural needs of San Diego County, and to exist as an urban retreat. Quail Botanical Gardens is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization supported through earned revenues, gifts from individuals, corporate sponsorships, and grants. For more information, visit https://qbgardens.com, or call 760-435-3036 x216.
Contact: Cynthia Jones
Quail Botanical Gardens
(760) 436-3036 ext. 218, or
619-204-4231
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