Did you know ... this country's federally owned public lands are owned by every American, giving each of us a shared interest in their care and in their future? Nearly half of these lands--258 million acres- are managed by the US Department of the Interior's Bureau of Land Management (BLM), making the BLM manager of the nation's largest land trust. That's a big responsibility! Fortunately, help is close at hand. Each year, over 20,000 Americans volunteer their time and talent. But there's always room for more. Young adults, single people, seniors, and families are invited to become BLM volunteers. You can make a difference! Working alone or with a group, BLM volunteers enjoy work that matches their interests and schedules. Some volunteers serve part-time and others enjoy a seasonal or full-time position The important thing to remember is that even a few hours a month can make a big difference. The public lands administered by the BLM range from saguaro cactus desert to Douglas fir tundra. Overall, these lands, located primarily in the Western part of the United States, comprise nearly one-eighth of our nation's land area. The BLM's mission is to help sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of these public lands so they can be used and enjoyed by both present and future generations. BLM has an opportunity for you! Help protect and restore streams, wildlife habitat, plant communities, and ecosystems. Serve as a river ranger, campground host, hiking leader, or interpretive guide. Share your talents as an educator or youth group leader by conducting field trips, visitor center programs and other educational activities inside and outside the classroom. Plant trees and shrubs in fire-damaged areas; conduct fire prevention seminars. Update mineral survey maps and databases; assist with geological surveys and fossil excavations. Map and record ancient petroglyphs; discover, restore and protect historic areas; research the history and prehistory of the American West. Assist with soil and water conservation projects; plant vegetation; erect fencing to reduce erosion and pollution. Operate office equipment; answer inquiries; supervise volunteers. Write, edit or take photographs for publications; conduct orientation sessions for visitors; and produce graphic artwork and videotapes. Monitor wilderness study areas and prepare management plans; maintain trails or teach low-impact camping. Assist with care and citizen adoption of wild horses; show trained animals at county fairs and horse shows. Construct and maintain facilities, signs, roads, and trailheads; work as a member of a cadastral survey crew. Operate the Land Information System--a computerized geographic-based system for processing natural and historic resources data. Computerize information for resource management plans; identify areas of critical environmental concern. Earn curriculum credit toward a college degree by becoming a student volunteer intern. And More... Many volunteer groups partner with the BLM to adopt a favorite stream or treasured wildlife habitat area. If your organization or group is interested in becoming a partner you should contact a representative in your area. Volunteer applicants are selected without regard to gender, race, or age and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Volunteers under 18 must have written consent of a parent or guardian. For more information on volunteer opportunities contact a coordinator in your area. Click here to visit our volunteer contacts page.