What’s up? – Hearst San Simeon State Park’s Elephant Seal Docent Program Success in 2024

Feb 13, 2025

Docent Vicki Collison leads students in a field trip rotation exploring elephant seal anatomy and behavior.

Graphic of three intertwined speech boxes with various punctuation accompanied by the text, "What's up? Resources for Interpreters"

The Hearst San Simeon State Park elephant seal docent program has demonstrated exceptional impact in 2024, engaging over 127,500 visitors through 8,328 volunteer hours across various interpretive activities. Led by California State Parks Interpretive Staff, docents have received outstanding visitor feedback, with visitors praising their knowledge, friendliness, and ability to create memorable learning experiences.

Docent Jim Mentgen overlooks the elephant seal rookery, ready to interpret to visitors.

Looking into 2025, the program aims to strategically expand and enhance its volunteer engagement. Key objectives include diversifying the volunteer base, improving training opportunities, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With 77 current docents and plans for spring recruitment and training, the program is poised to continue its significant contribution to environmental stewardship and public education.

—Monica Rutherford, State Park Interpreter II, San Luis Obispo Coast District