Pease Park Conservancy
Docent Program

Docents are a special group of volunteers that help Pease Park Conservancy achieve its mission in the park. Docents provide conservation-related learning experiences for park visitors of all ages, serve as representatives of Pease Park Conservancy, and assist the Conservancy’s conservation team with land management initiatives.

 
 
 

Environmental learning docent

This volunteer leadership role is ideal for people who are passionate about the environment, learning more about our ecosystem, and sharing that passion with others.

A docent candidate might be someone who has devoted their life to environmental sciences and studies and wishes to share that knowledge with the public. Candidates can also be people with varying degrees of experience, an interest in leading volunteer groups, learning about conservation, building community, and so forth.

Ultimately, previous experience in the environmental field is not required. Pease Park and the outdoors are meant to be enjoyed and cared for by all, so we invite folks of all backgrounds and abilities to become a docents.

Opportunity
The Pease Park Conservancy docent program is an opportunity for individuals to:

  • share their knowledge and passion with Austinites of all kinds of environmental backgrounds

  • enhance leadership and communication skills

  • learn more about the work of Pease Park Conservancy, our partner organizations, greenspaces, environmental studies & sciences, land management practices, and more

  • become involved in the community and meet like-minded people with similar interests

  • make a difference in people’s lives by sharing the wonders of the natural world with the public

Responsibilities

  • Assist with conservation learning programming for groups including:

    • Peasecology School Field Trips

    • PPC volunteer groups

    • Attendees at PPC large scale events, including Squirrel Fest, Pride Picnic, Southern Lights

  • Assist with conservation learning programming activities including:

    • Peasecology School Activity Kits

    • National Geographic Bioblitz throughout Pease Park pavilions (Kingsbury Commons, Live Oak Meadow, Gaston Green, Lamar Terrace)

    • Families in Nature Ecologist School Pease Park Edition pocket guide lessons

    • Project Wild Coursework and activities

  • Help lead volunteer work in the park

  • Table in Pease Park to share information about upcoming events and encourage folks to complete PPC survey(s)

Requirements

  • A monthly commitment of up to 4 hours in Pease Park

  • Individuals must agree to and pass a background check as required by the City of Austin and Pease Park Conservancy

  • Ideal candidates are

    • 18+ years of age

    • enthusiastic, patient, and friendly demeanor

    • passionate about the environment

Trainings

  • Environmental Learning Docents will undergo training with Pease Park Conservancy staff before leading volunteer groups or programming events

Benefits

  • Two free tickets to Luminarium - Pease Park Conservancy’s annual fundraiser that takes place in the fall, complete with food, entertainment, and more! (1 Ticket for a docent and 1 ticket for their plus one)

  • Invitation to volunteer appreciation events

  • Free Pease Park Conservancy Swag

MEET OUR DOCENTS

Kaitlyn Cobb

Born and raised in Reno, Nevada, Kaitlyn called the Sierra Nevada mountains home, where she developed a deep appreciation for nature and a sense of adventure. Early in her career, she embarked on an adventurous journey across continents to expand her horizons and teach in various corners of the world, including Seoul, South Korea, Brussels, Belgium, and Austin, Texas. This international experience provided Kaitlyn with invaluable insights into diverse educational systems, teaching methodologies, and cross-cultural communication. Driven by her love for education and a desire to make a broader impact, Kaitlyn transitioned into the field of instructional design. She now develops innovative and engaging instructional materials, leveraging technology to create meaningful learning experiences for adult learners.

Kaitlyn brings a commitment to student-centered learning, cultural sensitivity, and a deep-rooted love for learning. Her goal as a Docent at Pease Park is to instill a love for learning, a sense of curiosity, and responsibility for the park's preservation.

Alejandro Hernandez

Alejandro "Alex" Hernandez (he/him) was born and raised in Mexico City. In 2021 he moved to Austin to study his Master of Global Policy Studies at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT Austin and loved exploring the city. He has worked in consulting and local government with the goal of increasing youth involvement in policies and promoting climate actions in non-profits and government. He is part of the St. Gallen Symposium 100 Leaders of Tomorrow (in Switzerland) collaborating with a global youth network to bridge the generatiqson gap on climate issues. Alex was a researcher of the Global Disinformation Lab at UT, and he currently works at Austin Water as a Content Strategist. He is a docent at Pease Park Conservancy to learn new things and share his experience about climate communications.

Sadie Spaeth

Sadie was born and raised amidst the vibrant culture of Austin, Texas. As a current student at the University of Texas, Sadie focuses on sustainability, history, and sociology, intertwining her studies to embody her belief in the interconnected nature of environmental responsibility, cultural awareness, and societal dynamics. With a passion for the great outdoors, Sadie has shared her love for nature and self-discovery as a youth backpacking instructor in Colorado. Additionally, Sadie counts the summit of Half Dome in Yosemite and her time spent hiking the Continental Divide Trail as some truly formative experiences for her relationship with the outdoors and nature conservation. Within the Austin climbing community, Sadie has experience as a youth climbing instructor. Guiding young climbers to new heights, she firmly believes in the power of youth education and that knowledge is a force for positive change. In her free time, Sadie can be found on walks with her dog Belle, reading Lord of The Rings, or climbing with friends. Sadie’s goal as a Docent at Pease Park is to share her love of the outdoors with the next generation as well as to contribute to a community that is an integral part of the city.

Daniel Ethan Bareket

Daniel's journey from California to the University of Texas, where he studies sustainability, reflects his deep commitment to environmental stewardship. At Pease Park Conservancy, Daniel finds a unique intersection of his academic pursuits and personal passions. His love for the outdoors, hiking, reading, and quality time with friends and family aligns with the park's mission. He chose to become a docent to actively contribute to environmental education and preservation, hoping to inspire visitors with the park's serene beauty and the importance of sustainable living. He enjoys engaging with the community, sharing knowledge about sustainability, and fostering a deeper appreciation for nature. Daniel's enthusiasm for the outdoors, coupled with his academic background, makes him an inspiring guide, eager to share the wonders of Pease Park with visitors.