Sandy Creek Park is looking for a few good volunteers.

The lake-front nature reserve offers training sessions to those interested in assisting naturalists in exposing elementary school-aged children to nature.

“Trail leaders will be trained to relate everything children see on the trail to topics talked about with the naturalist,” said Carly Robinson, coordinator of this event.

Robinson said she is looking for nature-lovers who can “show (the children) that the woods are a great place to explore.”

Training takes place today through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers only need to attend one of the three days, but an additional day of observation is recommended.

The trainees will get hands on experience on the trail and learn the trail’s history.

They will be taught to relate topics discussed by the naturalists to coincide with objects seen on the trail walk.

By the end of training, they will be able to teach children about the weather and how to identify specific plants and animals.

Starting mid-August, elementary schools will come for trail walks. Trail leaders will take children on the trail and show them what they can and cannot touch, like poison ivy.

Some children will spend time with the naturalist, while others will be on the trail walk. After an hour, the groups will switch.

“A lot of the kids have never been exposed to nature, and this is a really great experience for them,” said Trish Polling, a naturalist at the park.

Trail leaders will teach kids the “similarities between urban areas and the outdoors,” said Randy Smith, faculty supervisor.

Smith said he hopes children will come away from this experience inspired to learn more about science.

“The things children see in their back yards is real nature,” he said.

Sandy Creek offers other volunteering opportunities throughout the fall and spring.

“Ocean Life” will be held on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. Volunteers are needed to lead activities and games related to ocean life.

Another upcoming activity is “Full Moon Canoe Rides,” which will be held today and Friday from 9 to 11 p.m.

Volunteers will assist with loading and unloading boats, checking life vests for correct fit and will assist in supervision on the canoe ride.

Sandy Creek Park is located off Highway 441 in North Athens.

The park hosts events such as family reunions, parties, fishing, and other outdoor activities take place. It also is a nature reservation and contains many of Georgia’s animals, plants and rocks.