HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - December 21, 2011 B-01AGENDA ITEM 13401
CITY OF LODI
Ca UNCIL COMMUNICATION
Im
AGENDA TITLE: Lodi Lake Nature Area Docents — 25 Years on the Trail
MEETING DATE: December 21,2011
PREPARED BY: Steve Dutra, Park Superintendent
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Mayor Mounceto present certificate of recognition to the Lodi
Lake Nature Area Docents for 25 years d service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Lodi Lake Nature Area docents will celebrate their 25" tour
season beginning January 2012. Fifteen docents continue to lead
nature tours for 1,500 students per year. Approximately 50
individuals have gone through the docent training over the years,
with many still in the program for over a decade.
In 1986, Dave Mende, a Lodi Unified Science Specialist, and Ron Williamson, the City of Lodi Parks and
Recreation Director, were awarded a State of California license plate grant to help develop a curriculum
and docent program, interpreting the 58 -acre Lodi Lake Nature Area. The Nature Area had been deeded
to the City in 1972 and used for various educational endeavors but never with a volunteer program to
assist teachers interpret the area.
Jay and Kathy Bell came on board with Lodi Unified School District in 1986to write the new curriculum,
train the first class of volunteers, and to coordinate tours with local schools. The Parks Division oversees
the program with Steve Dutra, Park Superintendent, as the acting staff liaison. Kathy Grant, Docent
Coordinator, provides hands-on assistance with scheduling tours, facilitating monthly docent meetings,
tracking numbers of participantsand fostering relationsh i ps with teachers, and other docent programs.
Dan White, Program Coordinator, provides assistance with many facets of the program. Jay Bell remains
involved as an advisor and to provide new docent training. Kathy Bell continues to work as an on-call
artist and designer of the Discovery Centers various displays. The docents meet monthly and host
educational speakers.
FISCAL IMPACT: Not applicable.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Not applicable.
cc: City Attorney
APPROVED:
-5:
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James M. Rodem
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
Bartlam, City Manager