State Parks seeks volunteers

The Sonoma State Historic Park is seeking volunteer docents for Mission San Francisco Solano and the Barracks. Registration for the free training closes Jan. 3.

Docents are trained volunteers who work to welcome and enhance park visitors’ experiences by interpreting history, and revealing the site’s stories in a relevant and engaging manner. They lead public tours on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 11 0a.m. to 3 p.m.

Both park locations are rich in history and significance in the development of our state. Established in 1823, Mission San Francisco Solano is the most northern of the 21 Franciscan Missions of Alta California, and the only one built under Mexican government rule. Historically Sonoma Barrack’s housed Mexican soldiers and by the late 1840s was an important American army post.

Free training is offered by California State Parks in cooperation with Sonoma-Petaluma State Historic Parks Association. Training runs three full days. Saturday, Jan. 10, Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18.

To become a volunteer and register for the training contact Volunteer Coordinator, Philip Herrschaft at Philip.herrschaft@parks.ca.gov of call 938-1519.

Volunteering offers many benefits. As a volunteer in State Parks, participants will meet new and interesting people, enhance their public speaking skills, be involved with the community, participate in special events, discover Sonoma’s rich history, and impress your family and friends with your newfound knowledge.