As you may have figured out, my name is Hunter and I live on the
Central Coast of California, in San Luis Obispo County. While my background
consists mostly of construction related fields, my collegiate studies were in the
geological fields focusing on volcanism and plate tectonics. I never did get a chance
to work in these fields but have had an interest in our planet and the oceans my whole life.

Two years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to join the Friends of the Elephant Seals
as a docent at Piedras Blancas on the beautiful San Simeon Coast. It was there
that I learned of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary's plans to open
an interpretive and educational center at W.R Hearst Memorial State Beach.
I jumped at the chance to be in the first docent class and started training in the
spring of 2006, life has been a whirlwind ever since.

As a docent for the Coastal Discovery Center, I have been involved with all
levels of operation. I have assisted in the construction, operation and maintenance
since the beginning. Among the projects i have been involved with are,
development of a school field trip program, oversee the raising and releasing
of our steelhead trout program (as well as aquarium maintenance),
maintenance and upkeep of the center and all the displays, San Simeon history education
program, design and develop our pamphlets and other outreach  information,
design and production of shirts, development, design and maintenance of the web-site,
and I am a member of all our operational committee's, as well as my normal docent shifts.

I am currently the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary's
volunteer of the year and was sent to Washington D.C. last June to attend their
Oceans week conference, attend their leadership awards dinner and meet
with the many people that work tirelessly to help improve our oceans.

It is my goal to be able to continue my volunteer work at the center and other
upcoming projects in the San Simeon coast area. I want to be more involved in the
restoration of the lighthouse at Piedras Blancas, the State Parks work with the
newly acquired San Simeon State Park, Friends of the Elephant Seals and
any other projects that go to bettering and preserving our beautiful coast for the
education and enjoyment of our many visitors, residents and generations to come.

I also am creating an educational program to promote the marine technology field
to middle and high school students through a Remotely Operated Vehicle
competition with the MATE center in Monterey, Ca.

As you can guess, this work as a volunteer takes a vast amount of time and there
are many cost incurred, it is here that you can help. I have started this fund-raising
effort to give you a chance to get involved with this work. I know that not everyone
has the time that i can donate, so you can help with the cost. My efforts currently
cost me directly at least $400 per month, and i want to be able to spend more time
with this effort. It is my goal to raise at least $10,000 per year to assist me with my
volunteering/outreach efforts and to help offset some of the cost to other docents.
Other monies raised will be spent to supplement the work other agencies
need to accomplish but are having a tough time to get budgeted.

Please visit my "contributions page" to help, or just send this link to
people you think might like to have this opportunity to help.

Thank you very much for your time and look for me on the coast !!!