The Torrey Pines Docent Society

Docent Society History

Organized in March, 1975, Torrey Pines Docent Society is one of the oldest volunteer groups in the California State Park System. By December, 1977, the group was incorporated as a non-profit organization. Every year docents provide hundreds of hours of service to thousands of visitors. Special projects have included publishing books, postcards, and a flower brochure; maintaining an interpretive garden; and providing programs for school children. In 1991, the Park System named the Society "Volunteer Organization of the Year".

What does 'docent' mean?

The word docent comes from the Latin docere, meaning to teach, inform, or tell. Many organizations train docents to assist with their programs.

What services do Torrey Pines docents provide?

• Lead nature walks

• Staff the Visitor Center

• Help maintain trails

• Educate children

• Work on special projects, such as bird counts, planting seedlings, removing exotic plants.

• Issue a newsletter

• Prepare interpretive publications

Who can become a docent?

Any person 18 years or older who is capable of leading nature walks and/or staffing the Visitor Center is qualified to take training to become a docent.

How can one become a docent?

If you wish to become a docent, write a request for information on the next training course, including your name, address, and telephone number. Send this request to: Torrey Pines Docent Society, PO Box 2414, Del Mar, CA 92014; or, call Torrey Pines State Reserve, (858) 755-2063, and leave your name, address and phone number for our Training Officer.

What are the benefits of being a docent?

• Learning about and enjoying nature

• Meeting world-wide visitors

• Associating with other nature lovers

• Receiving a discount on books in Visitor Center Gift Shop

• Use of docent library

• Monthly newsletter

• Networking with other docent groups

• Parking privileges

The Torrey Pines Association

The Torrey Pines Association was founded in 1950 to preserve and protect the rare Torrey pines and their scenic refuge.  Since then it has played an active role in such activities as achieving State Reserve/Preserve status;  assisting in the acquisition of additional acres of a native trees; funding educational exhibits; and monitoring the overall welfare of the Reserve.  For more information about this important organization, please visit  www.torreypines.org.

Trail Maintenance

Help maintain the beautiful trails of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Individuals and groups are welcome.  Please contact Park Staff for details and location.  (858) 755-2063.  See Public Calendar for more information.

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