PALM DESERT, CA – September 27, 2007 – Friends of the Desert Mountains, the non-profit partner organization for the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, is recruiting volunteers to serve as classroom and field trip instructors for local fourth grade students. Selected volunteers will assist with classroom instruction of dynamic hands on lessons. In addition, these volunteers are needed to assist in field trip instruction, where students apply what they learned in the classroom lesson. The field trips involve hiking 3-miles, round trip to prominent places such as the Indian Canyons. While on these field trips, the instructor will assist students in the observation and identification of flora and fauna, geological features, science project ideas, and Leave No Trace ethics.

This program, referred to as H.I.K.E., or Healthy Initiative for Kids in the Environment, benefits local students by instilling in them a greater understanding of natural history, a closer connection with the local environment, and increased skills for maintaining personal fitness and health.

Selected volunteers will receive training and materials to successfully assist in the program. Special enrichment opportunities are provided for active volunteers, including field trips to natural and cultural history sites of interest, workshops in Mt San Jacinto State Park, and free admission on National Monument natural history bus tours. Best of all, volunteers are rewarded with personal satisfaction of investing in youth for environmental stewardship.

The Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument is home for many natural wonders, and we invite you to help youth in their discoveries. Join the Friends of the Desert Mountains team of volunteers and make a positive difference in the future.

Special Requirements: Candidates should be willing to contribute four hours per week, or approximately 16 hours per month, October through April. We do not conduct lessons during holiday periods or academic breaks (Winter Break / Spring Break). Because selected volunteers will be working with children, all candidates will be subject to fingerprinting and background investigation.

This is an excellent opportunity for self growth and a chance to give back to the community by virtue of contributing to the further education and environmental awareness of valley children.

For further information, please contact Scott Segal, Friends of the Desert Mountains’ Director of Programs, at (760) 862-9084, or email ssegal@saveourmountains.org