Education: Docent Program

The FOMC Board of Directors contracted with Douglas Moore to run the Education Program for the local schools.  Doug is well known for his book, "The Nature of Madera Canyon" and his knowledge of the natural history of the Santa Rita Mountains. We always need docents to help operate the program for fourth grade students. If you would like to volunteer to work with the students in the education program, please contact Doug Moore at (520) 682-0459 or at maderaedu@msn.com. The School Nature Walks are held each fall and spring.

Since 1988, FOMC has worked with local schools to teach the students about the natural history of Madera Canyon. School teachers contact FOMC volunteers to come to the canyon on an arranged schedule. Docents, trained in various areas of natural history such as ecology, birds, mammals, insects, plants, geology, and archaeology accompany the students as they walk some of the many trail systems in the canyon. Teaching the young students about nature in the sky island habitats right in their own "back yard" gives them a greater appreciation and understanding of the world they live in. Over the years, hundreds of students have been introduced to the wonderful world of natural history.

Bud Gode preparing a group of Docents to lead school groups in a field trip to Madera Canyon. Photo by Al Tozier.

As an example, recently a school group from San Cayetano Elementary School made a trip to the canyon and sent letters back to FOMC about their experiences. Following are some of the comments of their teacher, Mrs. Bracamonte, and her 4 th grade students:

"My class and I had a most enjoyable visit with all of you and the canyon.The students talked a lot about the things they did and what they were told.They especially shared what they learned about the plants, animals, and surroundings within the canyon. I believe they learned a lot and will remember their experiences. ..We very much appreciate your enthusiasm and helpfulness with our students. Many of our children may not have an opportunity to visit the canyon until they are much older. In the classroom, we stressed their part in the canyon and how to care for it. It is important that they share this with their family members so that the canyon will remain healthy for many years to come."

Bonnie Tozier pointing out a bird for students to examine in a field trip to Madera Canyon. Photo by Al Tozier.

"I loved the attracive canyon.I liked the enormuse ocotillo.the leaders reported the things that were out in the canyon.there were obnoxious animals . and peculiar bones." - Aurelio

"The trees were so great.thank you for the compass." - David

".my favorite part of the trip was EVERYTHING.all the butterflys were very pretty. I also liked the river and the birds" - Melissa

A group of local school students examining archaeological finds from a dig at the White House ruins in Madera Canyon. Photo by Al Tozier. 

".It was the prettiest field trip I've ever gone to. I liked the water because it was so colorful over the rocks. If I ever go to Madera Canyon again, I would not liter." - Diego

".I also like the desert spoon.I also liked enormous oak tree, but my favorite one was the alligator juniper." - Roberto

".I learned lots of things in the Madera Canyon .it has lots of wonderful trees. These words come from my heart. Thanks so much." - Ziulma

".Thank you for teaching us about plants.." - Keyran

".thanks for giving and showing us how to use a compass." - Luis

".If I go again, I will keep it clean." - Kristen

".my favorite part was looking at the river and learning about trees. I had a lot of fun.." - Niza

"I sure had a glorious time. Your volunteers were awesome! They told about hackberry trees, oak trees, sycamores, and others. It was nice seeing the creek full of water and the water falls." - Jose

".I learned about the sycamore tree, alligator jupiner and the Mexican blue oak tree. I feel sorry for the people who died from the white house. I also liked throwing leaves into the waterfall to watch how they went." - Alan

".when we looked at the bones that really was sad. I liked to see the water." - Stephanie

If you are interested in becoming a docent or you are a school teacher interested in scheduling a canyon visit, please send an e-mail to info@friendsofmaderacanyon.org.

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