In the Santa Monica Mountains near Los Angeles, environmental naturalist training and wildlife education programs are made available to the public by the Topanga Canyon Docents.   Whether your interest lies in nature photography, California native edible plants, hiking, birding or historic study of the Chumash and Tongva native cultures, the docents provide a comprehensive source of information in the region.

The Topanga Canyon Docents were chartered by the State of California in 1981 as a non-profit §501(c)(3) public benefit group of volunteers.  Under the State of California, Department of Parks and Recreation, the Topanga Canyon Docents are adults who are dedicated and committed to protecting the environment.   The docents are trained to provide "interpretive guidance" and environmental education in Topanga State Park, Topanga, CA.   The park comprises 10,000+ acres located almost entirely within the Los Angeles City limits, and ranks as one of the world's largest wildlands adjacent to an urban area.  It is within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (SMMNRA).