News.bytes Extra, issue 433 

BLM Recognizes Big Morongo Canyon Volunteers

The BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office recognized 47 volunteer docents at the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve on May 18.  Of the 47 docents that volunteer at the Preserve, 21 attended a luncheon provided by the Friends of Big Morongo Canyon Preserve. (text continues below)

Field Manager John Kalish and Preserve Manager Greg Hill presented each of the docents with award certificates, BLM commemorative pins, and “years of service” pins.  The docents provide all the visitor services, interpretation, environmental education, and facilities maintenance at the Preserve.

Combined, they contributed over 15,000 hours to the BLM and the Preserve over the last year.  Their duties and skills include trail maintenance, renovation and construction of facilities, vegetation and habitat restoration, leading bird walks and interpretive hikes, and environmental education.  Some of the docents have logged over 500 hours of volunteer time and six docents have been with the Preserve over 10 years.

Eighteen docents received special awards for their contributions over 100 hours or for special service such as developing and supervising the environmental education programs for the local school districts.  Because of these volunteers, the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve is a well known destination for birders, hikers, and nature lovers from throughout the region and from around the world.

BLMPalm Springs-South Coast Field Office Manager John Kalish and Planning and Environmental Coordinator Greg Hill with recognition recipient Mike Smiley -- Big Morongo's longest-serving volunteer, with 16 years!

- Greg Hill, BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office, 5/20/10

BLM-California News.bytes, issue 433