Volunteers
Volunteering is an excellent opportunity to see what our National Forests have to offer in a way beneficial to both yourself and the forest. The diversity of projects and positions available offer each person a chance to participate in an activity that meets their individual or group interests.
Many volunteer opportunities on the forest are available and organized through partnership groups. Be sure to check with local trail organizations for other opportunities.
Projects can range from a single day project to a long term undertaking lasting for several months. What captures your interest? Trail work, campground host, bird surveys, conservation education, fire lookout, Adopt-A-Trail, information receptionist and wilderness restoration projects are a few examples of what may be available. Other possibilities might include working in the field with biologists, botanists, archaeologists, recreation rangers and other Forest Service personnel.
Volunteer Opportunities
Campground hosts play a vital role in the operation of campgrounds, from greeting visitors and answering questions to general maintenance and assisting recreation staff.
Excellent volunteer candidates for these positions will have the following strengths:
- Outgoing personality with strong verbal communication skills
- Ability to perform light maintenance work in outdoor conditions
- Ability to maintain daily written logs
- Ability to interact with diverse visitors while maintaining a positive, helpful and non-confrontational attitude
Host duties will include the following:
- Welcoming visitors and providing appropriate Forest information
- Informing visitors of Forest Regulations and campground Courtesy Rules
- Encouraging fee compliance and Courtesy Rule adherence
- Tracking daily arrivals and posting incoming reservations
- Performing light landscape and bathroom maintenance
- Reporting emergencies and providing District Recreation staff with pertinent daily information
- Setting a positive camping example for other forest visitors, keeping a clean, presentable and welcoming campsite and encouraging common courtesy throughout the campground
Individuals and groups can help maintain trails and restore or protect resources in our area by “adopting” a trail. Your group would return on a continuing basis to ensure the trail that you adopt remains in good condition.
Entrance Station volunteers greet visitors as they enter recreation sites. They are responsible for collecting fees, providing information guides, directing visitors, and answering questions.
Find an Opportunity
Interested in volunteering for the Tahoe National Forest? Visit volunteer.gov to discover opportunities, time commitments, reimbursement potential, location information and campground details.
Forest Service Volunteers
For more than 100 years, the Forest Service has brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Through campground hosting, trail maintenance, visitor services, research and more, volunteers make significant contributions to the legacy of conservation for future generations.