Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Crooked River National Grassland

Volunteering

Volunteer opportunities range from sharing the geology of Central Oregon with visitors at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument to leading winter wildlife hikes as a snowranger near the Mt. Bachelor Ski Area. As a volunteer you can join archeologists in documenting prehistoric sites, wildlife and fisheries biologists in restoring critical habitat, and wilderness managers in reconstructing trails that wind through three wilderness areas. In this time of decreasing budgets and increasing public land use, we depend on active, committed volunteers like you to help care for our public lands and to serve the thousands of outdoor enthusiasts who vacation in scenic Central Oregon.

If you are interested in learning more about the volunteer opportunities on the Deschutes National Forest, please contact Jean Nelson-Dean, Partnership Coordinator at (541) 383-5576. If you'd like more information on volunteer opportunities on the Ochoco National Forest, please call Lynn Roby, Partnership Coordinator (541) 416-6542.

Events

Love The Forest? Volunteers Needed...

Want to make a meaningful contribution in a magnificent setting? Come volunteer for a variety of opportunities on the Deschutes and Willamette National Forests. The High Cascade Forest Volunteers and the Pacific Crest Trail Association are teaming up to offer spring training that will prepare you for fun and rewarding projects. Come alone, or bring your friends and family, and have some fun being a part of your National Forest.

Volunteers are needed for a wide range of activities; while tasks are more strenuous, there is plenty available for everyone’s interest and skill. Tools and equipment will be provided. Horses or llamas will help carry equipment for some of the organized summer projects.

• Adopt your favorite lake/trail
• Learn advanced trail building techniques
• Work with a trail crew for a weekend
• Clean campsites around lakes
• Clear rocks and brush from trails.
• Greet wilderness visitors.
• Survey trails for winter damage.
• Restore overused sites
• Maintain trail signs for summer and winter trails

Mark your calendar for one of two training week-ends....

To be a forest volunteer we ask that you attend one of two training weekends. There is no charge for either weekend and free camping is available.

• The first weekend is May 16th through 18th at the Westridge School near Oakridge, OR.
• The second weekend is Friday May 30th through Sunday June 1st at the Allingham Guard Station located west of Sisters, OR near Camp Sherman.

Classes may include trail maintenance, trail crew leadership, First Aid/CPR certification, cross-cut and chain saw re-certification, wilderness stewardship, adopt a trail/lake programs, compass/GPS, identify/remove noxious weeds, monitoring historic sites, survival tips and more.

For the complete 2008 training weekend schedule, and to register for the sessions, check the Willamette National Forest, volunteer web page at http://www.fs.fed.us/r6/willamette/admin/volunteer/index.html. This is a great opportunity to meet other Forest volunteers and Forest Service staff. Come learn new information or brush up on what you already know.

For more information about the National Forest Volunteer Program, contact

• Deschutes National Forest -
  • Jean Nelson-Dean, Partnership Coordinator for the Deschutes National Forest at (541) 383-5576
• Ochoco National Forest -
  • Lynn Roby, Partnership Coordinator for the Ochoco National Forest at (541) 416-6542
• Willamette National Forest -
  • Judy Mitchell, at 541-225-6319 or jamitchell@fs.fed.us.

Friends of the Forest is a great opportunity for families and individuals to experience their National Forest lands, have fun while learning something new and contribute to the well being of the public lands we enjoy year round. The National Forest Foundation (NFF) hosts Friends of the Forest Days around the country in partnership with local organizations. The NFF is dedicated to engaging citizens in the stewardship and enjoyment of our National Forests and Grasslands. With a regional office in Oregon, the NFF serves communities and forests throughout the Northwest. To learn more about the NFF, please visit www.natlforests.org

Need More Information?

Links

When you follow these links, you are leaving the Deschutes & Ohoco National Forest Website.

• Forest Pathways - High Cascades Volunteer Newsletter - Deschutes & Willamette National Forests
• Wilderness & Trails Volunteer Opportunities on the Deschutes & Willamette National Forests
• Backcountry Horsemen
• National Forest Foundation
• Pacific Crest Trail Association

Forms

• Volunteer application
• work reports

Volunteer Showcase

Wilderness worship former nun Judy Mitchell finds her calling in the forest (News Release (8/7)

National Program Information

• Volunteers in the National Forest

Coming Soon - this site is being updated as more information becomes available. Check back or call Jean Nelson-Dean, Partnership Coordinator for the Deschutes National Forest at (541) 383-5576 or Lynn Roby, Partnership Coordinator for the Ochoco National Forest at(541) 416-6542

• Volunteer Opportunities on the Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
• Training Opportunities

USDA Forest Service - Deschutes & Ochoco National Forests
Last Modified: Saturday, 16 February 2008 at 13:25:20 EST