A trail guide is pictured at the Audubon Community Nature Center. Training will be held April 29-30.

The Audubon Community Nature Center will hold trail guide training April 20-30 for those interested in learning more about leading groups of children on hikes at the nature center.

Trail Guide volunteers use age-appropriate and exploration-based activities to lead groups on discovery walks along Audubon’s trails during their school field trips. Students range in age from 3 to 12, and there are typically 6-12 students in a group.

Audubon is holding a two-day training on Tuesday and Wednesday, April 29 and 30, from 9 to 11:30 a.m. The training provides new and returning volunteers with the skills to effectively achieve the goal of a discovery walk: to inspire and nurture curiosity about the natural world. Information and skills learned may be useful in other volunteer positions at ACNC as well.

Training will include guidance on exploration activities, tips for group management and the basic outline of how to effectively walk the children through the discovery process as they move along the trails. Afterward, volunteers will have opportunities to observe walks and apply some of the learned skills in preparation to lead groups.

Experience with children is helpful, but no prior knowledge is necessary to lead groups. Established guides are welcome to come for a refresher course.

Training takes place both indoors and out, so plan to come dressed for the weather. Reservations are appreciated by calling 716-569-2345 during business hours or through AudubonCNC.org/Events. Walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call the Audubon Community Nature Center and ask for nature educator Chelsea Jandreau or email CJandreau@AudubonCNC.org.

The Audubon Community Nature Center is located at 1600 Riverside Road, one-quarter mile east of Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Visit the nearly 600-acre nature preserve, check in on the live birds of prey, enjoy the native tree arboretum, gardens, picnic area and natural play space, and hike over five miles of trails dawn until dusk daily for free.