HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - March 15, 2017 B-01TM
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA TITLE:
MEETING DATE:
PREPARED BY:
AGENDA ITEM
Lodi Lake Nature Area Docents — 30 Years on the Trail
March 15, 2017
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
B -I
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Mayor Kuehne to present a certificate of recognition to the Lodi
Lake Nature Area Docents for 30 years of service.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Lodi Lake Nature Area docents celebrated their 30th tour
season beginning January 2017. 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 1986 to write the new curriculum,
train the first class of volunteers, and to coordinate tours with local schools. Julie Giometti-Wahl, Docent
Coordinator, provides hands-on assistance with scheduling tours, facilitating monthly docent meetings,
tracking numbers of participants and fostering relationships 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:
441
••.i
P. r. , R -creation and Cultural Services Director
S e • - n chwabauer, ity Manager