NPSVolunteer images

The first full week of May had our volunteers busy! 🪢 The rigging crew participated on bending the mizzen staysail. This project allows for our future visitors to participate in raising the sail on BALCLUTHA. 🛶 The boat shop crew continue their efforts of building a floating dock. ⚓️ The steam crew worked in EPPLETON HALL to help conserve by removing old material. 👗The living history crew started their new program in the Maritime Museum by demonstrating 1930s San Francisco! 🎨Docents continue their work in storytelling history of park. San Francisco Maritime’s volunteers are amazing and we are thankful for their support!!! #SanFrancisco #NPSVolunteer #NPS #Maritime #Volunteer #Volunteering #HistoricPreservation Image and Video Descriptions: 1. Volunteer inside EPPLETON HALL doing maintenance work. 2 and 3. Volunteer working on the floating dock in Hyde Street Pier. 4. Six volunteers from the living history crew in the Maritime Museum. 5 and 6. Two volunteers working on bending the mizzen staysail on BALCLUTHA.

Having trouble identifying piping plovers? This is a common problem since so many shorebirds can look very similar. Swipe to see some piping plover look-a-likes! Key indicators for a piping plover consist of small, stocky bodies with a black collar and brow band during the breeding season, along with a bill that is slightly orange. Another key identifier is a piping plover’s legs, which stay orange year-round. Mistaking piping plovers for sanderlings? Sanderlings have a longer bill and darker legs. Confusing piping plovers with semipalmated plovers? Semipalmated plovers have a wider collar and darker plumage. Spotted a killdeer? Notice their distinctive double breast bands and slightly larger size compared to a piping plover. Happy birding! Photo Description: Photo 1 - Piping plover with colored bands on its legs. Photo credit: Debbie Digianno. Photo 2 - Side profile of a sanderling. Photo 3 - Side profile of a semipalmated plover. Photo 4 - Side profile of a killdeer. #NPSVolunteer #Plovers #NationalParkService #GatewayNPS #SandyHookNJ

We would like to extend our sincerest thanks to @TheNationalMall, @NationalMallNPS, and the @NationalParkService for their help with repairs throughout the Memorial grounds. Last month, their team of volunteers, "Helmets to Hard Hats", restored many damaged lights back to working order, and just in time before National Police Week! Thank you so much for your time and efforts!

☔️Volunteer Weekend Racap🖤 The rain did not deter the Rigging Crew to do great work on BALCLUTHA! They worked on serving and re-parceling foot ropes. They used thin canvas and tar for this work. Shout out to the docents, boat shop crew, and all volunteers who helped us out this past rainy Saturday! #NPSVolunteer #Volunteer #HistoricPreservation #HistoricShips #SanFrancisco #MaritimeHistory

This week we are celebrating 🤗 #PublicServiceRecognitionWeek (May 5 -11) with a special thanks to all the amazing employees, interns, volunteers, and contractors in the @nationalparkservice. From preserving our 🌳 natural treasures to educating visitors, their dedication keeps our parks healthy and happy. A thank you note of appreciation can go a long way, so among many ways to thank our colleagues, we have created themed 📨 e-grams to send to our fellow coworkers internally to share a special thanks for all the hard work that they do. The graphic below is just one of many options! 👀 There are so many different jobs in the NPS, from interpretation to communication, maintenance to education, wildland fire to law enforcement, and everything in between. Each job matters and plays a helping hand in preserving, interpreting, and educating about the park to better connect visitors to their public lands. We could not do it without all of you! Check out our youth and young adult programs ➡️ https://www.nps.gov/subjects/youthprograms/index.htm Learn more about this week ➡️ https://ourpublicservice.org/our-solutions/recognition/public-service-recognition-week/ 📸 NPS – An e-gram graphic for Public Service Recognition Week #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque #NPSYouth #NPS #NationalParkService #NationalParks #PublicService #PSRW #PSRW2024 #TeamPublicLands #PublicLands #RecreateResponsibly #PlotYourPath #PlanLikeAParkRanger #Sunday #SundayWisdom #PublicLands #NextGen #GettingThingsDone #NPSVolunteer

Happening Now Volunteers of the Warrior Reunion Foundation are busily cleaning headstones in Section D helping to help us get Stones River National Cemetery looking its best for Decoration Day (May 11) and our upcoming Memorial Day events (May 25-27). #NPSVolunteer

Toot toot! All aboard! Did you know that the train route from St. Paul to La Crosse runs along almost 150 miles of Mississippi River, offering sweeping views of the river valley and a front-row seat to one of the river’s most critical areas of wild floodplain? It’s true! If you head to the lounge car you’ll find that the Mississippi River offers more than just a great view – you’ll discover landmarks that tell stories about human relationships with the river, places that speak to the river’s ecology, and viewpoints to spot wildlife like bald eagles, pelicans, and bison – all with the help of our NPS Trails and Rails volunteers. For over twenty years the Trails and Rails program has been putting NPS volunteer experts onto Amtrak routes to tell the stories of important American landscapes – it’s the fruit of an ongoing partnership between Amtrak and the National Park Service. This Monday, our Mississippi River-themed Trails and Rails program got out of the station and is now chugging along on this beautiful section of riverfront on Amtrak’s Empire Builder train. If you ride on the Empire Builder along the river, chances are good you’ll be able to find one of our fantastic Trails and Rails volunteers -- they’ll be on the train each week this summer from Monday to Thursday. Image 1: The Empire Builder runs along the shore of lake Pepin on the Mississippi River at Maple Springs MN. Credit: Jerry Huddleston, courtesy of Wikimedia. Image 2: A ranger rides alongside Trails and Rails volunteers. Credit: NPS. Image 3: Come say hello to our friendly volunteers in the train's lounge car. #NPSVolunteer #MissNPS #MidwestNPS #FindYourPark @Amtrak

Do you enjoy sharing your love and appreciation of Sandy Hook's resources with visitors? Are you observant and think you can be the eyes and ears riding the park pathways? Become a Pathway Ambassador Volunteer! Pathway Ambassadors: 🚴‍♀️Bike, hike, or walk on the park pathways and trails. 🙋‍♂️Engage visitors informally and answer questions about Sandy Hook. 👍Communicate regulations & provide directions to visitors 📱 Report emergencies to dispatch by phone. 🔧Assist with bicycle repairs - helpful but not required! Interested? Join us on Sunday, May 5th from 2pm to 4pm at the Sandy Hook Lifesaving Station between Parking Lots D and E where you can get trained for the program and sign up as a Pathway Ambassador Volunteer. RSVP to the training here! Click or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://forms.office.com/g/t113dDwfu4 Photo Description(s): A Pathway Ambassador stands with his bike in front of the Sandy Hook Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters. #NPSVolunteer #nationalparkservice

Get outside and enjoy the good weather! Lake Mead will be hosting two volunteer litter cleanup events. Come help us keep Lake Mead National Recreation Area clean. Saturday, May 4th- Help us celebrate Join Hands Day with a litter clean up! Join Hands Day is the first Saturday in May meant to unite all generations in acts of service! This will be the 24th Join Hands Day at Lake Mead. We would love to see you participate! Saturday, June 1st- Lend a hand after the Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start to summer, to help us clean a popular area of the park. The litter cleanup event will occur in the Katherine Landing area! Registration is required for these events. Register by emailing [email protected] or by calling 702-293-8711. Hope to see you soon! 📸NPS/O. Redman #FindYourPark #MoreToMead #NPSVolunteer #VolunteersInParks

🛠️Volunteer Weekend Recap 🪢 National Volunteer Week and National Park Week has ended but our volunteers still continue their work. 🪢 The Rigging Crew worked on a variety of projects such as rope work and aloft training. 🛠️The Boat Shop Crew began building a new dock. They installed the floats to the dock in collaboration with the boat shop volunteers and Sea Scouts. Interested in volunteering with us? Go to volunteer.gov and search San Francisco Maritime 🫡 #NPSVolunteer #Volunteer #BoatShop #Rigging #SanFrancisco #Maritime #NPS

Today, we thank Dave Card, a volunteer who has been involved with Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear Dunes (PHSB) since 2013. Each summer, Dave brings youth groups to help with different cultural preservation projects throughout Sleeping Bear Dunes! Read Dave's #MyParkStory on nps.gov/slbe. Photo/S. Pocklington #MyParkStory #NPSVolunteer #SleepingBearDunes #NationalParkWeek

V.I.P. Custodial Rap by Jack Ashley I’m a custodial volunteer making the scene My number one goal is to keep the bathrooms clean If you like a clean toilet I’m your man I’ll put a fresh liner in your garbage can I go about my job with style and spark I like to show my pride in this national park If you leave some trash I’ll take it away All that I ask is show some respect for old J-A-C-K! Thank you, Jack, for all your hard work this season at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument. Hope your travels are full of great adventures! If you are interested in volunteering visit: Volunteer with Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) and Volunteer.gov. NPS Photo/A.Gomez #NPSVolunteer

Do you love all things Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island? Do you enjoy talking to people and sharing your knowledge with a diverse audience? We have the opportunity for you! Statue of Liberty National Monument and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration are recruiting Interpretation and Visitor Services Volunteers. As a volunteer, you will join a dedicated team of interpretive park rangers and volunteers working together to provide a high-quality experience for our many daily visitors. If talking about the history of some of New York City’s most famous landmarks interests you, click the link below to learn more about the expectations, requirements, and how to apply. https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a093d0000015rDuAAI #NPSVolunteer Image: Statue of Liberty with the Volunteers-in-Parks logo in the upper right corner (NPS)

Grandview Amphitheatre: "Spring Theater Clean"...Volunteers Needed! Do you love going to the outdoor dramas at the Grandview Amphitheater? Are you a theater or acting junkie? Maybe you just like prepping and designing sets. If so, Grandview Amphitheater could use your assistance prepping the theater for season opening. Projects could include but will not be limited to cleaning up winter debris, painting the stage, walls, and props. Building and demoing props, cleaning dressing areas, restrooms, and guest seating. Volunteer projects will begin early May. To inquire or add your name to the list to participate, contact the park Community Volunteer Ambassador [email protected] #VolunteerWeek #MyParkStory #NationalParkService #NPSvolunteer

Garlic mustard’s worst nightmare- trained volunteers! The invasive garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) grows in natural areas and easily outcompetes native wildflowers. To even the growing field, Hopewell Culture National Historical Park staff have trained volunteers to identify and destroy these intruders. Throughout the month of April, these volunteers come armed with gloves, knowledge, and lots of energy to remove the entire garlic mustard plant before it flowers and sets seed. If you see any of our volunteers in the woodlands surrounding Mound City Group Visitor Center adorned in their bright yellow vests, know that they are helping restore our grounds to a healthier, natural environment and creating more space for native vegetation! Everyone here at the park (minus the garlic mustard plants) appreciates the tremendous work they are doing- thank you, volunteers! #NationalVolunteerWeek #NPSVolunteer Picture caption: Three of our specially trained volunteers sporting their bright yellow vests with their many bags of garlic mustard with the Visitor Center and trees in the background. (M Vick)

Meet Joanna — Community Volunteer Ambassador. Joanna, a native of Tennessee, joins the Mammoth Cave National Park team from Cumberland Gap National Historic Park where she also served as a Community Volunteer Ambassador. Joanna will work with park staff over the next year to strengthen our Volunteer-in-Parks program by building #CommunityConnections through outreach and recruitment. She looks forward to helping engage local communities in meaningful service projects while also experiencing the unique features found both above and below ground in Mammoth Cave National Park. The Community Volunteer Ambassador Program supports National Park Service (NPS) initiatives to expand community engagement and volunteerism on our nation's public lands. This partnership between the NPS Volunteers-In-Parks Program and the Stewards Individual Placement Program of Conservation Legacy places youth and young adults who aspire to future careers in service and conservation stewardship in internships at park sites throughout the country. For more information about the work NPS volunteers do and how you can get involved visit: https://ow.ly/PkbS50Rpu3F #NationalPark Week #VolunteerWeek #NPSVolunteer #FindYourPark Image: A woman wearing a caving helmet and a black jacket with "AmeriCorps" written on the sleeve stands on stairs descending into a large cave entrance.

#DidYouKnow that there are opportunities to volunteer remotely for Valles Caldera National Preserve? Meet Dr. Linda Pickett, a #NPSVolunteer who has been researching and developing a self-guided audio tour for Valles Caldera's most popular hiking trail...all the way from her home in Nebraska! #MyParkStory "I grew up in a small town in Missouri and have always enjoyed being outdoors and learning about nature, especially geology. When I first contacted Valles Caldera National Preserve last year, I was working as a semi-retired Earth science instructor. I was teaching a course about the geology of national parks and learned of a volunteer opportunity helping develop educational materials about the geology at Valles Caldera National Preserve. I decided to contact the Preserve even though I don’t live close-by. I am so glad I did! I do some of the volunteer work remotely, and I will complete an audio tour and other work during a brief residency at the Preserve later this spring after hiking the trails, visiting the rocks, and talking to staff and other volunteers. Everyone I have interacted with at Valles Caldera National Preserve has been wonderful and welcoming. I look forward to meeting them in person! Working for the National Park Service has been a dream of mine for many years, and I am very happy to be able to contribute as a volunteer." Thank you, Linda, for volunteering with us from afar! We are excited to finally meet you and share your self-guided audio tour with park visitors this summer! #NVW #NPW #YourParkStory #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque Learn more about this volunteer opportunity (Interpretation & Education Researcher) at https://www.nps.gov/vall/getinvolved/volunteer.htm. Photo description: Linda smiles for a selfie. (Courtesy of Linda Pickett)

Volunteers-in-Parks (VIPs) work side-by-side with National Park Service employees in parks and programs across the nation to help preserve our nation’s most precious natural, historical, recreational, and cultural treasures. April 21-27, 2024, is National Volunteer Week, to recognize the contributions of our volunteers we will be shining a spotlight each day on our volunteers, to highlight their contributions to the park and their communities. Feeder Watch Bob Wichlinski How long have you been a volunteer at Indiana Dunes? A decade, I appeared in 2014. Why did you join? I love National Parks, specifically the Indiana Dunes National Park. I want to be involved and help share my joy of the Dunes with others. What Park volunteer programs are you currently part of and what do you do in this specific program? I am the volunteer coordinator of the Feeder Watch program featured out of the Douglas Center for Environmental Education in Miller Woods in Gary, Indiana. What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I not only love our park, I love interacting with others who share my love and passion for our treasure on our lakeshore. Our program was among the first virtual volunteering opportunities in our park. I wanted to find a way to involve everyone; most especially those who, for whatever reason, could not visit our park in person. Today, we have virtual volunteers from across America identifying and enumerating birds from our image capture system housed at the Douglas Center in the Indiana Dunes National Park. Photos by Volunteer Paul Kemiel Photos of Volunteer Bob. Want to volunteer? Visit us on nps.gov or volunteer.gov to learn more about our different volunteer opportunities and how you can help take care of the park. #NPSVolunteer #volunteer #volunteering #nps #findyourpark #MidwestNPS #nwindiana #indianadunesnps #indianadunesnationalpark #MyParkStory #YourParkStory

As volunteer week ends, Prince William Forest Park would like to thank everyone who volunteered at Operation Clean Sweep to help park employees clean out the 5 cabin camps in the park in preparation for their summer opening. Armed with brooms, dusters, spray bottles, and dust pans, we cleared the cobwebs and swept out the dust in over 100 cabins after they'd spent the winter vacant. Without help from park neighbors and volunteers, it would take the park a lot longer than 3 days to clean all these buildings. Thank you to everyone who helped participate in Operation Clean Sweep! #CommunityConnections #NationalParkWeek #NPSVolunteer #PrinceWilliamForestPark

Throughout National Volunteer Week, we’ve celebrated the diverse roles and unwavering dedication of Gateway National Recreation Area’s volunteers. We’re grateful not only for their support of the National Park Service, but also for the connections we forge with the surrounding community and the joy that is brought through meaningful conversation. Feeling inspired? There are volunteer opportunities right around the corner in both Sandy Hook and Jamaica Bay. Want to help protect threatened and endangered shorebirds on our coastlines by engaging with the public? On Sunday, May 5th, both units are hosting Shorebird Ambassador volunteer trainings. To get involved in New York City, check out @nycploverproject or nycploverproject.org/events for more information and to register. To join the program at Sandy Hook, search for “Shorebird Ambassador” on Volunteer.gov to explore details and apply! For more information, contact the ([email protected]) Photo Description: Photo 1 – Highschool group posing for a group photo in front of a beach dune. Photo 2 – Volunteers sitting in a room for training with a PowerPoint slide showing and a presenter in the front. Photo 3 - Par ranger and individual on the beach standing in front of a truck. Photo 4 - Three individuals behind an information table. #NPSVolunteer #Plovers #NationalParkService #GatewayNPS #SandyHookNJ

Bob Bender retired from his job in Miami eighteen months ago and headed west. In that short time he has volunteered at four parks: Chiricahua National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historic Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, and here at Organ Pipe Cactus National Park. A native of London, England, Bob finds that all the parks are wonderful places to spend time. He's headed next to the mountains of California: Lake Tahoe. And after that...who knows? All the parks in his future will be very lucky to have him as a volunteer! For volunteer opportunities visit Volunteer with Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). NPS Photo/K. Fernandez #NPSVolunteer

After retiring from a career in municipal parks and recreation management in 2010, Stan Ford was chatting with a friend who recommended that he attend a night sky photography workshop at the Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park. Suffice it to say, he went. "It was amazing, and I was hooked. Bought my first digital camera and as the saying goes, the rest is history." Since that life-changing event in Yosemite, Stan Ford's experience has come full circle. He has been a #NPSVolunteer since 2016, first as an Artist in Residence and then as a volunteer photographer, to inspire park stewardship and wonderment through his art. He has also instructed astrophotography workshops at Pecos National Historical Park and Valles Caldera National Preserve to share that amazement that he felt in Yosemite fourteen years ago. "The best part of volunteering is enjoying people's excitement with learning a new skill. Also, meeting and working with the staff is something I personally enjoy," he said. Stan will offer 5 astrophotography workshops this summer at Valles Caldera. Check out our Ranger-led Activities webpage for more information about these and other upcoming events. Thank you, Stan, for bringing this incredible opportunity to Valles Caldera and its visitors! We appreciate you! Learn about current volunteer opportunities at Valles Caldera: https://www.nps.gov/vall/getinvolved/volunteer.htm. #NPW #NVW #MyParkStory #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourPark Photo descriptions: 1. The Milky Way rises above Cerro La Jara during an astrophotography workshop at Valles Caldera, October 2023. 2. The night sky behind Pecos National Historical Park's Forked Lightning Ranch. 3. Stan sits beneath a frozen Zapata Falls with his camera on a recent visit to Great Sand Dunes National Park. (Courtesy of Stan Ford)

Join Lassen's Artist-in-Residence, Marty Kotter this weekend at the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center! Have you ever felt inspired by your surroundings in a national park but are unsure how to express that? Would you give it a go if you had creative tools in front of you? Snow-covered volcanoes slowly blooming into spring, an inspirational artist, a canvas, and paints – these are all available to you at Lassen this weekend. Artist-In-Residence Marty Kotter will showcase her talents of painting on silk to be sewn into quilts, and loan you the tools for your own creations. In Marty’s words, “My art has evolved from pen and ink into the fiber arts where I incorporate techniques of silk painting, sewing, beading and quilting into my pieces.” Join us for these free of charge activities to celebrate the ways national parks inspire us all. Saturday 4/27 1:00-2:00 PM - Slideshow | 2:30-4:00 PM - Art Demonstrations in the Visitor Center parking area Sunday 4/28 11:00-12:30 PM - Art Demonstrations in the Visitor Center parking area #NPSVolunteer #NationalVolunteerWeek “If the artist has outer and inner eyes for nature, nature rewards him by giving him inspiration.” – Wassily Kandinsky 📷 - A quilt depicting a gnarled tree full of green leaves next to a wooden fence and a road, surrounded by grass and hills of dirt. 📷 - A child’s hands are pressing a stamp into purple, yellow, and turquoise paint on a flat surface.

Thank you to Apple Preservation Project volunteer, Laura N! The project saves antique apple varieties brought by settlers in the 1800s. They are reaching the end of their lifespan, so the park is grafting and replanting them. This project would not be possible without volunteers like Laura. Read Laura's #MyParkStory on nps.gov/slbe. #MyParkStory #NPSVolunteer #SleepingBearDunes #NationalParkWeek Photo Credit: Laura N. Alt text: A hand holding a yellow apple in front of a large apple tree and historic barn.

#NPSVolunteer Burn of Canada wild rye at Arneson prairie planting.

A special thank you to our hard working Volunteers In the Park (VIPs) Chris and Ron Brown. Long time Montana residents with backgrounds in corporate sales and graphic design the Browns are enjoying their winter season helping with interpretive programs at our busy visitor center. Chris has become our resident "Cactologist", guiding visitors through our cactus gardens as well as presenting on Quitobaquito and the Sonoran pronghorn reintroduction program in our park. Just don't call them antelope! Ron has become the Pack Rat Ambassador for the park, advocating respect for and learning to live with our adorable rodent neighbors. They have both contributed so much to the visitor experience this winter for which we are grateful. For volunteer opportunities visit Volunteer with Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). NPS Photo/J. McClean #NPSVolunteer

Students from Suffolk University have been coming to Prince William Forest Park to do volunteer work on various park projects during their spring break in March for over 10 years. This year, they completed work on park trails, built a footbridge, and helped clean out and air out buildings in the cabin camps. We'd like to thank everyone who has participated in this alternative spring break for all their hard work! #NPSYouth #NPSYoungAdults #NPSVolunteer #ThankYou #PrinceWilliamForestPark

Volunteers-in-Parks (VIPs) work side-by-side with National Park Service employees in parks and programs across the nation to help preserve our nation’s most precious natural, historical, recreational, and cultural treasures. April 21-27, 2024, is National Volunteer Week, to recognize the contributions of our volunteers we will be shining a spotlight each day on our volunteers, to highlight their contributions to the park and their communities. Farm Crew Kelly Kane How long have you been a volunteer at Indiana Dunes? 1 year, April 2023 Why did you join? My parents brought my sister and I to Chellberg Farm all the time when we were kids. I wanted to give back to the place that gave me so many wonderful memories growing up. What Park volunteer programs are you currently part of and what do you do in this specific program? Chellberg Farm Crew- I take care of the cows and goats; food and water, grooming, checking their general well being and of course lots of pets, snuggles and TLC. I am also a park ranger assistant and help out rangers on hikes. What do you enjoy most about volunteering? Meeting our many visitors both close to home and around the world. The amazing staff and fellow volunteers. Being out in nature and caring for the animals. The animals are the best park of my day. Photos by Volunteer Paul Kemiel Photo 1 of Volunteer Kelly. Photo 2 of Volunteer Kelly with a cow. Photo 3 of Volunteer Kelly with the goats. Want to volunteer? Visit us on nps.gov or volunteer.gov to learn more about our different volunteer opportunities and how you can help take care of the park. #NPSVolunteer #volunteer #volunteering #nps #findyourpark #MidwestNPS #nwindiana #indianadunesnps #indianadunesnationalpark #MyParkStory #YourParkStory

Join us as we celebrate National Volunteer Week to recognize the contributions of our amazing North Country Trail volunteers. 🖊 Sign up to volunteer and find an event near you at northcountrytrail.org/events (link in bio). 💛 Thank a volunteer. Are you hiking the North Country Trail or visiting a National Park this week? If you see a volunteer, toss some appreciation their way! 📢 Share your volunteer experiences. Post photos or stories and tag #NPSVolunteer, #MyParkStory, #NVW, and the @nationalparkservice, and tag the park or trail you volunteer for. Dive in at northcountrytrail.org/volunteer and THANK YOU, volunteers! 📸 by Matt Davis | #northcountrytrail #nationalscenictrail #longdistancetrail #hike #hiking #volunteers #trailbuilding #nationalparkservice #hikenorthdakota #hikeminnesota #hikewisconsin #hikemichigan #hikeohio #hikepa #hikeny #hikevt #giveback

To start off #WorkforceWednesday, we want to say thank you! Every year, volunteers make huge contributions to the work of the National Park Service. At Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park, we feel fortunate that volunteers have worked with us as well. Today, we would like to spend some time appreciating all the time and work that communities put into their national parks. If you would like to volunteer, contact us! Visit go.nps.gov/stge-vip to find out how to reach out and see a list of our current volunteer opportunities. Photo: Volunteers at last month's Garden Glow up event, NPS Photo/U. Eubanks. #NPSVolunteer #SteGenVIP #SteGenNPS #YourParkStory #NVW

National Park Week - Junior Ranger Day! Join us this Saturday, April 27, 2024, for Junior Ranger Day at Natchez Trace Parkway Visitor Center, milepost 266, from 10 AM until 2 PM. Junior Rangers that participate with the Tombigbee Pioneer demonstration will receive a certificate and Junior Ranger badge. The Tombigbee Pioneers will teach interactive pioneer era crafts to visitors and Junior Rangers. These skills were essential in developing creative solutions to challenges faced by pioneers from the 1700s to around 1840. After visiting with our pioneer group please come to the front desk in the Visitor Center to receive your certificate and Junior Ranger badge! #NPSVolunteer #JuniorRanger #PioneerDay Photo Description: A volunteer teaching children how to stitch a leather pouch. Credit: NPS Photo

#NationalVolunteerWeek - Day 3 Have you ever walked through Stones River National Cemetery and seen how clean the headstones appear compared to their state just a few years ago? That change resulted from the hard work of our Adopt-A-Section volunteers like Blackman High School JROTC. Every year the cadets ensure two sections of headstones get a thorough cleaning. Their work along with annual cleanings performed by other dedicated volunteer groups keeps the national cemetery looking its best. If your organization would like to adopt a section of headstones to preserve, go to https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09t0000009BMxuAAG and apply today. We're right in the midst of prime headstone cleaning weather. #NPSVolunteer

Ever wondered what we do in San Francisco Maritime? 🙌⚓️🛟🪢🛠️🖼️ Park rangers, shipwrights, volunteers, interns, and more support the park in many ways. We have historic ships that are maintained through our ship crew and volunteers. Rangers and docents provide diverse histories of San Francisco maritime history too. #WorkforceWednesday #ParkRanger #NPSVolunteer #Maritime #SanFrancisco

It’s National Volunteer Week and the rangers and staff at Eugene O’Neill NHS want to thank our volunteers for all of their help throughout the year!! #NPSvolunteer #nationalvolunteerweek #VIP #eugeneoneill #carlottamonterey #taohouse #eugeneoneillnationalhistoricsite #playwright #americanauthors #historichomes #danvilleca #eastbay #nationalparkservice #bayareahomes #eastbayhomes #nobelprizewinner #pulitzerprizewinner #longdaysjourneyintonight #americantheater #nps

It’s Workforce Wednesday! Volunteers at Capitol Reef wear a number of hats. Swipe left to see some of our volunteers at work and check the caption below to learn more about how they help the park! Image 1: Orchard docent Laura Lasco staffs the park’s historic orchards, sharing the stories of the orchards with visitors, and helping them identify ripe fruit as well as tree varieties. Image 2: Interpretation volunteer Pat Cashman answers visitor questions after giving a geology talk at the campground amphitheater. Image 3: Backcountry volunteers Ed and Fran Adams hike trails, performing preventative search and rescue, issuing trail and road reports, and helping visitors recreate safely. Image 4: Astronomy volunteer Alpha Lambert helps visitors use telescopes and better understand the night sky during summer astronomy programs. Image 5: Interpretation volunteer Julie Bahr answers visitor questions and provides hiking and driving recommendations at the visitor center desk. Image 6: Campground host volunteers Dennis and Sandy Palm assist visitors checking into the campground and help visitors make plans to enjoy the park. Image 7: Volunteer groups, like this group from the Sierra Club of Austin, Texas, help with a variety of large park projects, including removing invasive species, closing social trails, and cleaning up litter. #NPSVolunteer #NationalParkWeek

Each year, many thousands of volunteers contribute millions of hours of volunteer service at our national parks. These Volunteers in Parks truly are VIPs. At Guadalupe Mountains National Park, volunteers help with resource management projects, interpret the significance of cultural sites like Frijole Ranch and Pratt Cabin, and conduct backcountry patrols, where they monitor resource conditions, mitigate damage and safety issues, and serve as points of contact with the hiking public. We are thankful for their contributions. If you are one of the millions who have volunteered at a national park, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to you too. Thank you for lending your time and talent to preserve and protect our natural and cultural resources. Because of you, we are better able to support the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations in national park sites. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, check here: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/volunteer/become.htm (NPS Photo/D. Buehler) #NPSVolunteer #GuadalupeMountains

Carol and Robert are two of the greatest people you could meet. They approach their maintenance volunteer duties with big smiles as if part of an extended vacation. After long careers, they retired and have spent the last three and a half years on the road traveling. This winter, Robert and Carol decided to stop for a bit and serve the visitors of Organ Pipe Cactus by keeping restrooms clean and removing trash from multiple places around the monument. The idea of staying in one place for a while, initially a nerve-wracking decision, has become an amazing and fulfilling experience. Their favorite part of volunteering at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument is being outside meeting visitors and helping to answer their questions. Robert and Carol’s advice to those interested in volunteering: create a profile on Volunteer.gov and explore what is available. For volunteer opportunities visit Volunteer with Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). NPS Photo/S. Cerda Navarro #NPSVolunteer

Volunteers-in-Parks (VIPs) work side-by-side with National Park Service employees in parks and programs across the nation to help preserve our nation’s most precious natural, historical, recreational, and cultural treasures. April 21-27, 2024, is National Volunteer Week, to recognize the contributions of our volunteers we will be shining a spotlight each day on our volunteers, to highlight their contributions to the park and their communities. Visitor Center Ranger Assistant Oliver Wilgocki How long have you been a volunteer at Indiana Dunes? For about 7 months now. (September of 2023) Why did you join? I joined as part of the internship program at Chesterton High School. Since I want to major in Archaeology in the future, this is a perfect place not only to learn about the park, but also have a head start when I go to college! What Park volunteer programs are you currently part of and what do you do in this specific program? I volunteer at the Visitor Center, and I help visitors with directions, suggestions, and the do’s and don’ts of the park. I also restock brochures and help out other rangers and volunteers with miscellaneous tasks. What do you enjoy most about volunteering? I enjoy working with so many people and with my co-workers. I am glad not only to meet such wonderful people, but to hear their stories and tips. I also learned many ins and outs of the park, which is always good to know. Lastly, meeting so many visitors allowed me to speak more confidently about the park when I’m off duty. Photos by Volunteer Paul Kemiel Photo 1 of Volunteer Oliver. Photo 2 of Volunteer Oliver by the park sign. Photo 3 of Volunteer Oliver assisting visitors. Want to volunteer? Visit us on nps.gov or volunteer.gov to learn more about our different volunteer opportunities and how you can help take care of the park. #NPSVolunteer #volunteer #volunteering #nps #findyourpark #MidwestNPS #nwindiana #indianadunesnps #indianadunesnationalpark #MyParkStory #YourParkStory

We love *all* of our amazing volunteers at Valley Forge — and boy howdy this particular volunteer team really likes to swing for the FENCES! 💥 In 2023 the Fence Force volunteers moved approximately 148,000 pounds of fencing material by hand and installed around 4,000 fence rails, including an entire mile of fencing around Wayne's Woods. Phew! The excellent work of these VIPs allowed Valley Forge park maintenance staff to focus on other critical park projects and contributed directly to the mission of the National Park Service to protect both the park resources and the visiting public. Learn more about the fantastic work of the Fence Force in the article linked in the bio. #ValleyForge, #ValleyForgeNPS, #NPSVolunteer, #NVW, #NationalVolunteerWeek, #NationalParkWeek, #FenceForce, #Innovation, #FindYourPark, #EncuentraTuParque.

Happy National Volunteer Week! The park appreciates the effort of all our volunteers to help make this a special place to visit. Today we're highlighting our 2023 park Volunteer of the Year! Meredith started volunteering in the park a few years ago when a friend invited her to help on some projects. She loves spending time in the park and keeps coming back to volunteer because she feels like being a part of a volunteer team enables her small actions to add up to help make a big difference. When we asked Meredith about her favorite spot in the park she replied, “The 12-mile section from the James Rumsey Bridge to Dam 4 is spectacular!! It's got everything from interesting looking cliffs and caves to picturesque river scenes. The colorful blooms along the Ferry Hill hike in the springtime is another! I also like the western MD section from Little Orleans to the Paw Paw Tunnel because it feels so remote, and I usually see a lot of wildlife.” Thank you, Meredith, for the energy you put into volunteering and for your enthusiasm about the park! #NPSVolunteer #Volunteer

National Volunteer Week - Day 2 #NPSVolunteer Gary Burke has dedicated more than two decades of service to our park! Gary serves on the boards of two of our partners, the Friends of the Stones River National Battlefield and the African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County Tennessee supporting the many programs and events those groups do with us each year. Gary's passion is bringing the stories of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) to life. He has done so as a member of the 13th United States Colored Infantry living history group and by sharing the story of his own USCT ancestor who served in the 17th United States Colored Infantry. Gary also speaks for the USCT as Chaplain Fort Donelson Camp of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and is mainstay at our annual Memorial Day and Wreaths Across America ceremonies. When not serving at our park, Gary can often be found sharing his passion for history as a member of the The "Friends Of Fort Negley". If you're interested in serving alongside and learning from Gary while helping us to help visitors discover the rich history of the USCT in middle Tennessee, you can apply today to become a United States Colored Troops Living History Interpreter at https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a093d0000013g1eAAA. #NationalVolunteerWeek

Allllll Aboard! 🛤️ Ever sit on a train and wonder about the places you pass through on your morning commute, cross-country vacation, or that day trip to the big city? Yes, no, maybe, you just finished the last episode of your podcast and need something to entertain you. No worries, we’ve got you covered. From the comfort of your seat, National Park Service Trails & Rails volunteers are ready to help you connect with the sites and stories of the places you see along the way. For almost 25 years, the Trails and Rails partnership with @amtrak has continued the long history of train travel and national parks by providing educational opportunities for travelers on the heritage and natural resources in regions crisscrossed by select Amtrak trains. To kick off #NationalParkWeek and #NationalVolunteerWeek, Director Chuck Sams boarded the train from Washington D.C. to New York City. Along the way, he met with volunteers and learned about the history of nearby national parks and their historic landscapes. Still with us? We’re right on track! Want to be a Trails & Rails guide or volunteer your time and skills in a national park? Check out volunteer.gov to find the perfect volunteer opportunity for you! Images: Director Sams boards Amtrak train and meets with volunteers on route to New York City. #trains #amtrak #travel #volunteer #npsvolunteer #railsandtrails #trainstagram

Meet Kathy, one of Valles Caldera's outstanding Visitor Services Volunteers! You can meet Kathy in-person at the Entrance Station if you visit the park mid-week. #MyParkStory: "I was born and raised in northern New Mexico visiting the Valle Grande and the Jemez Mountains in all seasons. It seemed natural for me to volunteer at Valles Caldera National Preserve when I retired from veterinary medicine and had more time to give. I enjoy greeting visitors from all over the world, sharing information, and making suggestions on how they can enjoy the Preserve. My enthusiasm for our public lands spills over into my conversations. I really enjoy trading stories about people's travels, where they came from, and where they are headed. I have been volunteering for just over a year, and I continue to learn new things every day about the history, geology, and ecology of the Valles Caldera. I can feel a deep connection to the landscape and the people who have come before me. Each day I come to the park, I feel a sense of peace and awe. It is ever-changing. At home, I enjoy living life with my family. We have four generations close by and spend time camping, fishing, hunting, and skiing in the mountains. We look forward to witnessing the changes and growth as Valles Caldera National Preserve evolves into its future version!" Learn more about volunteering at Valles Caldera and/or apply for one of our 13 current volunteer opportunities at https://www.nps.gov/vall/getinvolved/volunteer.htm. #NPSVolunteer #NationalParkWeek #NPW #YourParkStory #EncuentraTuParque #FindYourPark Photo description: Volunteer Kathy pauses for a selfie in her brown volunteer cap at the Valle Grande Pond. (Courtesy of Kathy Brooks)

Happy #NPSVolunteer week! Today, we want to highlight the fantastic National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) we have at George Washington Carver National Monument. George Washington Carver National Monument's VIP program features a group dedicated to serving others and sharing their knowledge and talents with visitors and staff. Their contribution to our park site is precious, and we could not be the park we are today without them. Look for them... Greeting visitors Mowing Providing education programs for students Updating library files Performing at events like Carver Day and Prairie Day Sewing for special projects Quilting Putting in gardens Maintaining the trail Entering data and maintaining statistics Teaching natural history Chert Glades Missouri Master Naturalist Sharing archaeology information Judging student artwork and essays Water quality testing of the Carver Branch Creek .... just to name a few roles! Are you looking to volunteer? We have a place for you. Message us or call 417-325-4151. Keep watching our page all week as we spotlight some of our amazing National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks. #NVW #NPSVolunteer #NationalParkWeek #MyParkStory + #YourParkStory = #OurParkStory Midwest National Parks Photo Collage: NPS|GWCA|SLM

Do you have a volunteer in your life that you would like to showcase? In the comments below, please tell us the name of the volunteer, and how they help their community. We would love to hear your impactful stories! For National Volunteer Week we wanted to spotlight one of our dedicated volunteers here at the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve, Jacki Wright. Jacki does it all from our gardens, to the visitor centers, from the rails to the trails! Thank you Jackie for all that you do! Image Description: A woman in a grey sweater stand behind a desk being shown a phone screen by a visitor on the other side of the desk. #VolunteerWeek #MyParkStory #NationalParkService #NPSvolunteer #NewRiverNPS #Volunteer #NPS

Thank you Marvin Ivy for volunteering with the Sleeping Bear Dunes barn restoration project! Each year, park staff choose a barn, shed, or outbuilding and hold a multi-day restoration workshop. These workshops give volunteers a hands-on opportunity to learn and practice historic construction skills. The program, running since 1997, has restored countless buildings that needed attention. Read Marvin's #MyParkStory on nps.gov/slbe. For information on the barn workshop visit: https://phsb.org/event/barn-workshop/ #MyParkStory #NPSVolunteer #SleepingBearDunes Alt Text: A man in a straw hat standing behind a table saw.

Our Astronomy Volunteer in the Park Mike Hawkaluk joins us for a winter getaway from his home park of Glacier National Park in Montana. Mike brings years of experience setting up telescopes at Glacier and is an instructor for the NPS Dark Ranger Astronomy Academy hosted by Glacier National Park. Mike has graciously volunteered his time to assist with regular solar scope viewing and night time observing programs. For volunteer opportunities visit Volunteer with Us (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). NPS Photo/J. McClean #NPSVolunteer

National Volunteer Week (April 21-27) is a wonderful time to reflect on the history of volunteering in the National Park Service and here at Capitol Reef. The service’s earliest volunteers were the wives of park rangers, or “Honorary Rangers Without Pay” as they were unofficially called. Today, more than 123,000 volunteers contribute a collective 3.7 million hours of work, providing crucial service to the success of our National Parks. Here at Capitol Reef, we have hundreds of volunteers annually that contribute their time and expertise to the betterment and preservation of the park through education, natural and cultural resources, search and rescue, and administrative work. Without them, the park truly wouldn’t be what it is today. Thank you volunteers, today, tomorrow, and always! #NPSVolunteer

We’re volunteers; of course we... 🎉 Have served over 4,000 hours so far this year 🌱 Help replant our preserve and public lands 🚮 Keep the trails and waterways clean 🤝 Connect with the community at events and programs 🫡 Can issue you a junior ranger badge ❓ Know how to answer your questions (or find someone who can!) This week is National Volunteer Week! We wanted to take a moment to highlight the people who have given their time to Big Thicket so far. 🤠 From Big Thicket staff: You’re a volunteer; of course we appreciate your service at Big Thicket! Are you a proud volunteer? Share a photo and your volunteer story! Use #NPSVolunteer, #MyParkStory, and #NVW; and tag us on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. #BigThicket #volunteer #VIP #NPSVolunteer #VolunteersInParks #paddling #canoeing #kayaking #SoutheastTexas #EastTexas #NationalParkWeek #NationalVolunteerWeek

Thank you to all of the volunteers that came out to help with the park-wide Earth Day clean-up. Volunteers-in-Parks (VIPs) work side-by-side with National Park Service employees in parks and programs across the nation to help preserve our nation’s most precious natural, historical, recreational, and cultural treasures. April 21-27, 2024, is National Volunteer Week, to recognize the contributions of our volunteers we will be shining a spotlight each day on our volunteers, to highlight their contributions to the park and their communities. Photos of volunteers helping with 2024 Earthy day Cleanup. Want to volunteer? Visit us on nps.gov or volunteer.gov to learn more about our different volunteer opportunities and how you can help take care of the park. #NPSVolunteer #volunteeer #volunteering #nps #findyourpark #MidwestNPS #nwindiana #indianadunesnps #indianadunesnationalpark #MyParkStory #YourParkStory

"I volunteer at Mesa Verde National Park because I love our national parks and being able to help make visitors' experiences meaningful. It's a great way to give back." - Volunteer Steve "I volunteer at Mesa Verde National Park because I believe strongly in the National Park system, and I want to support it as much as possible." - Volunteer Mary This week we are celebrating National Volunteer Week! Here at Mesa Verde National Park, we are so happy to celebrate all of the true VIPs (Volunteers-In-Parks) that help the park run. Their time, knowledge, and passion help make this park what it is. From roving trails, to assisting rangers on cliff dwelling tours, to pulling weeds, our wonderful volunteers are an integral part of our park team. Are you interested in becoming a National Park VIP? Visit www.volunteer.gov to learn more. #NPSVolunteer #NPSVIP #NPS #nationalpark #volunteer

It's day 2 of #NationalVolunteerWeek! Today we're featuring one of our hardest working and longest tenured volunteers. Jim Bosse began working with our team in 1998. He served on our living history team for several years and has worked two full days a week in our visitor center for more than 20 years. Jim has logged more than 16,500 hours helping visitors connect with our park's unique resources and stories. If you like interacting with people and helping them find the best way to enjoy the battlefield, you should consider joining Jim as a Visitor Center Assistant. You can apply online at https://www.volunteer.gov/s/volopprecord?listing=a09t000000Bj9YSAAZ. #NPSVolunteer

Happy National Volunteer Week! Each year, we celebrate National Volunteer Week to recognize the contributions of our volunteers. Established in 1974, the goal of National Volunteer Week is to shine a light on the people who volunteer with us. These dedicated individuals lend their time, talent, and voice to make a difference at our national parks and invite others to be engaged in their communities. Without their passion, knowledge or expertise, the Outer Banks Group of National Parks– Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial – would look very different! Swipe to learn more about the record-breaking impact of volunteers this past year at the Outer Banks Group of National Parks. #NPSVolunteer #CapeHatteras

It’s National Volunteer Week! Nearly 300,000 volunteers donate more than 6.5 million hours of service in a typical year across the National Park Service - for a value of more than $185 million! Volunteers serve in nearly every discipline, unit, and career field within NPS and represent all ages and backgrounds. To Valles Caldera's many devoted volunteers, you are so appreciated and valued. Thank you for making this place better just by showing up. #NPSVolunteer #NVW #NPW Valles Caldera National Preserve has several volunteer opportunities available. Learn more at https://www.nps.gov/vall/getinvolved/volunteer.htm. Image description: A grateful greeting for all National Park Service volunteers. (NPS)

Which of the following is true about the North Cascades volunteers? A) They contributed almost 9000 hours of volunteer service in 2023. B) Their work includes inventorying herbarium specimens, fixing trails, surveying butterflies, taking care of park campgrounds, and more. C) They play a vital role in helping protect and preserve the park complex. D) Are actually three marmots in a trench coach. E) A, B and C. The answer is E, of course! We cannot thank our volunteers enough for the experience and dedication they bring to North Cascades National Park Service Complex. Happy National Park Volunteer Week! Doing good in parks comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all. #NationalParkWeek #NPSVolunteer #NVW

It's one of the best weeks of the year: National Volunteer Week! Our volunteers donate their time and energy to educating our visitors, maintaining our archives and historic artifacts, removing invasive species, keeping our garden and orchard healthy, creating historic replicas, keeping our roadsides clean, and so much more. The impact of our volunteers can be felt decades after they leave. If you've visited Pipe Spring and appreciated our historic orchard, admired the quilts in the visitor center, given treats to our animals, or relaxed in our garden, you have a volunteer to thank for at least part of that experience! While some of our volunteers might only visit Pipe Spring once, their legacy lives on. If you see a volunteer at a national park, don't hesitate to give them a high-five, fist bump, or a simple thank-you. And if you're interested in volunteering for the National Park Service yourself, you can visit https://www.volunteer.gov/s/ to find the right volunteering opportunity for you. #volunteer #pipespringvolunteer #NPSVolunteer

Another Earth Day in the books! 🌎 We had 83 volunteers give back to the trail! We removed huge sections of invasive bush honeysuckle and over 25 bags of trash! #npsvolunteer

Volunteers are some of the most important people in our parks! Really! That's why we call them VIPs! 😎 It's Volunteer Day of National Park Week and we want to take a moment to share just how much our volunteers do for us every day! They are an essential part of our team. Here are two of our VIPs, Dick and Bob, cracking open some copies of Art Kennell's oral history! Over the years we've had a few volunteers who personally knew the Eisenhowers, like Art, a former caddy at the Gettysburg Country Club who spent many hours on and off the course helping the General with his game. He passed in 2013, but often helped with special events and teach visitors how to putt on the putting green! When Art was asked what his first impression of President Eisenhower was, he replied "No, I don't remember because you're in awe, you know. You're.... the President of the United States, the first time you didn't...I didn't really think that much about it because it was just an honor to be...privilege and honor to be associated with caddying and being with him." Over the last 44 years, we have been honored to work alongside of volunteers that continue the Eisenhower legacy of service. #NPSVolunteer #NationalParkWeek

Thank you to the amazing volunteers who braved the weather to participate in the Earth Day Clean Up yesterday! They did a great job picking up litter around the Texas and Pacific Railway Depot. We also want to thank the City of Natchitoches for participating with the clean up. We couldn't have done it without all of you! #FindYourPark #ExploreCaneRiver #NPSVolunteer #nationalparkweek Image 1: Welcome table for volunteers in the depot. NPS Image 2: Table with clean up supplies, gloves, grabbers, vests, and trash bags. NPS Image 3: Volunteers using grabbers to put trash in bags. NPS/Da'Nira M. Image 4: Volunteers using grabbers to pick up trash. NPS/Da'Nira M. Image 5: Bags of collected trash outside the depot. NPS/Da'Nira M.

Volunteers and the love they show our parks make the world go 'round! Here at Big Hole, we feel the love from a crew of volunteers who selflessly give of their time every year. Their work allows us to accomplish a number of extras for both our guests and our staff, including internal training and frontline programs. So, on this #NPSVolunteer Appreciation Day, we send a huge thank you to our wonderful support crew. Without our VIPs ( #VolunteersInParks), we couldn't do what we do. Become a #VIP today! Email [email protected] or visit https://bit.ly/3UrTuVe for the scoop on how you can make positive impacts in a park near you.

#NationalVolunteerWeek begins today! We can never thank our dedicated volunteers enough for their service week in and week out and year to year. We'll kick off this special week dedicated to highlighting the contributions volunteers make at our park and throughout the National Park Service by thanking the Friends of the Stones River National Battlefield for hosting their annual banquet to honor the nominees and winners of their Volunteer and Volunteer Partner of the Year Awards just a few days ago. 'The African American Heritage Society of Rutherford County Tennessee (AAHSRC) was the unanimous selection as the 2023 Volunteer Partner of the Year. Celebrating their 10th anniversary as an organization, the AAHSRC kicked off the year by planning and presenting a special program commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation and followed that up by supporting our annual Decoration Day event and working side by side with our staff to highlight the history of the Cemetery Community at local events like Murfreesboro's Juneteenth celebration. Our 2023 Volunteer of the Year, Kathy Greenberg was the motor that kept our ongoing project to transcribe primary source documents and share them on our website. She transcribed or proofread nearly 700 letters, diaries, or other records last year, a task that took nearly 500 hours of service. Jerry Williams and Wayne Thompson were nominated for their steadfast commitment to serving our visitors on a weekly basis and always stepping up to assist with special events. James Watson volunteers with our maintenance team. He also volunteered 2 or more days a week and spearheaded a long-term project to clean or repaint all of the signs throughout the park. Congratulations again to our 2023 Volunteer of the Year nominees and winners! It was tough choosing from our many dedicated volunteers and partners who all bring something special to our team. #NPSVolunteer

Not only are we continuing to celebrate National Park Week here at Chaco, but today is ALSO the start of National Volunteer Week. Two things to celebrate in one week? How did we get so lucky?! National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 to recognize and celebrate the contributions of our volunteers. Here at Chaco, we depend on volunteers for countless tasks. From assisting at the visitor center, to giving programs, to hosting our campers in Gallo Campground, to monitoring numerous archaeological sites, we wouldn't get nearly as much accomplished without them. Have you been considering volunteering your time? Check out volunteer.gov for the latest opportunities! If you are looking to volunteer at a specific park, look for current volunteer opportunities on each park's website! As a specific example, here are the current opportunities at Chaco: https://www.nps.gov/chcu/getinvolved/current-volunteer-opportunities.htm. And if you visit a national park in the future, remember to thank any volunteer you see for the time they are donating to help preserve these places for the enjoyment of future generations! NPS photo Image description: A volunteer stands in front of several attentive visitors among the remains of intricately constructed walls of an ancestral great house. #NationalParkWeek #NPSVolunteer

It's National Volunteer Week! We at Kenai Fjords are so thankful for our amazing volunteers both past and present. The National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) program officially began in 1970, and private citizens continue to be a force behind the movement to preserve special places across the United States. From guiding visitors to shoveling snow to sharing the joy of creating art, we deeply appreciate these meaningful contributions to Kenai Fjords. Learn more about volunteering at Kenai Fjords: go.nps.gov/kefjvolunteer #NPSVolunteer #VolunteerWeek #NationalParkWeek #FindYourPark #EncuentraTuParque Photo 1: NPS Photo/ K. Thoresen Photo 2: NPS Photo/ J. Rodrigues Photo 3: NPS Photo Alt Text: Photo 1: A park volunteer points towards a view with several visitors looking on. Photo 2: A park volunteer shovels snow. Photo 3: A park volunteer paints a valley glacier from a distance.

Today is the first of a week-long celebration of Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) called National Volunteer Week! To volunteer is to do something willingly or because you want to. Many people choose to volunteer for the National Park Service, and each VIP has a different reason. With such a large amount of people willing to work with us, we do as much as we can to provide diverse options to choose from and an easy process to get involved. Volunteers can gain experience in just about any facet of the National Park Service from natural resources to working with the public to maintaining facilities and beyond. Volunteering is also a great way to meet other people who are also determined to benefit the world around them in any way they can. If you would like to find local opportunities to volunteer in Ste. Genevieve, visit our webpage at go.nps.gov/stge-vip. To learn more about National Volunteer Week, visit www.nps.gov/subjects/npscelebrates/national-volunteer-week.htm #NPSVolunteer #SteGenNPS #NVW #SteGenVIP #YourParkStory

Introducing Lowell National Historical Park’s volunteer management team! This small team works collaboratively to organize outreach events and educational programs aimed at fostering meaningful engagement with local communities. Their collective efforts are dedicated to recruiting and empowering volunteers from diverse backgrounds to contribute to LNHP's conservation and education initiatives. The expertise in volunteer program development, combined with the community outreach skills, ensure that volunteers receive the support and resources needed to make a positive impact within the park and the surrounding area. Together, this team is instrumental in building a strong and committed volunteer base that enhances the park's mission of preserving and sharing Lowell's historical and natural heritage. #LowellNPS #LikeLowell #YourParkStory #NPSWeek #VolunteerWeek #NPSVolunteer NPS Photo

Here at Voyageurs we're often known to have way too much fun! As we prepare for another summer season together soon, we take a moment to celebrate NPS volunteers today across the U.S. as part of #NationalVolunteerWeek and #NationalParkWeek, recognizing the contributions of our National Park Service Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs). National Volunteer Week was established in 1974 and has grown exponentially each year, with thousands of volunteer projects and special events happening across the country, not just this week but throughout the year. Whether online, at visitor centers, on the trail or on the water, doing good in parks comes in many forms, and we recognize and celebrate them all! #NPSVolunteer #YourParkStory #MyParkStory #NVW Photo credits: NPS/M. Miller and K. Grossheim

Today marks the kickoff of National Volunteer Week! This week celebrates the many contributions of volunteers from across the nation.   Each year, more than 100,000 volunteers step up day-in and day-out to help support our national parks. Whether it’s assisting visitors, removing litter, watering plants at the nursery, or helping monitor our resources, volunteers go above and beyond to get the job done.   In Fiscal Year 2023, Lake Mead National Recreation Area had 1,065 volunteers donate 53,870 hours. Without volunteers, fulfilling our mission would not be possible. We thank all these dedicated and passionate people who continue to show up for duty! Next time you see a volunteer, be sure to say “Hi” and give them a thank you!   If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer, you can check out www.volunteer.gov or email us at [email protected] for more information! 📸NPS/A. Blalock, N. Bernard, and O. Redman #NPSVolunteer #NationalParkWeek #NationalVolunteerWeek #VolunteersInParks

Today, we invite you to join us in celebrating the amazing volunteers who support our national parks. 👏 To all of our volunteers who staff our visitor centers, give interpretive programs, assist park scientists, educate students, help maintain our facilities and infrastructure, and much, much more, THANK YOU! Dry Tortugas National Park wouldn't be the same without you. Interested in volunteering with the National Park Service? Visit: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/volunteer/index.htm NPS Photos Photo 1: Two volunteers cleaning up marine debris from on Long Key. Photo 2: Two volunteers removing weeds from the helipad. #DryTortugas #DryTortugasNationalPark #NPSVolunteer #NationalParkWeek

Happy National Volunteer Week! National Volunteer week is from April 21-27th. Have you ever volunteered at a national park? It is a rewarding opportunity to get out into the parks and into the fresh air while helping to protect and preserve our national parks. We have a wonderful core of volunteers that keep the gardens looking great throughout the year. Not only is the work rewarding, but it is often a lot of fun! Learn more about volunteering and look for local events at volunteer.gov #NPSVolunteer, #NationalVolunteerWeek #nationalparkweek Photo courtesy of Tim Ervin

Today, April 21, marks the start of National Volunteer Week with the National Park Service. It is a week-long celebration, continuing until April 27. We are excited to recognize our volunteers. A big thank you to all our volunteers, remote and on-site. Our volunteers work hard at events such as Howling Homestead and Naturalization Ceremonies. They also have transcribed patents to accessible content and welcomed guests at the Freeman School. Our park is thriving due to your knowledge and passion! To learn more about our opportunities, look up 'Homestead National Historical Park' on volunteer.gov! #NPSVolunteer #NationalVolunteerWeek #Homestead @nationalparkservice Image Credit: NPS, NPS/Robert Hartwig, NPS/Jessica Korgie