Gifford Pinchot National Forest

	Mount St. Helens Institute
	USDA Forest Service Gifford Pinchot National Forest
For Immediate Release: June 03, 2008
Contact: Hailey Heath (360) 449-7887 or Peter Frenzen (360) 449-7835

Volcano Volunteers Forge Lasting Connection with Mount St. Helens and Visitors from Around the World

AMBOY, WA – Jeri Botsford of Portland likes working outdoors in the shadow of North America’s most accessible, active volcano. When she’s not working at Nike, Botsford can often be found helping visitors on the view deck at Johnston Ridge, overlooking the crater. “In addition to experiencing the steaming volcano, the expansive landscape provides incredible wildlife viewing opportunities,” Botsford said.

Tyson Rasor of Edgewood, WA started as a student intern in 2006 and has been busy learning about the latest geological and biological discoveries and the art of developing exciting interpretive talks for visitors. This summer Rasor will be returning for a paid position as a seasonal Park Ranger.

Attorney Liz Westby of Camas, WA will be returning to volunteer this summer for her fourth season. “Having an opportunity to work and learn from the scientists and interpretive staff here has been truly inspiring. This place really makes Earth Science and Volcanology come alive. Next fall, I’ll be returning to school to pursue a degree in Geology,” Westby said.

Larry Thomas from Clackamas, Oregon is just getting started. “The Science and Interpretive Training workshop was a great experience. This summer I’m looking forward to working with a great group of people. Don’t tell anyone, but I’d be willing to pay to have this much fun,” Thomas said.

“We are looking for interested, energetic folks to engage with us in the management and protection of this amazing landscape.” said Tom Mulder, Monument Manager. “Our volunteers are essential to our mission and are a big part of what makes this such a special place to work,” Mulder added.

Volcano Volunteers are needed this summer to help provide visitor services at the Ape Cave lava tube on the south side and at viewpoints on the NE side near Windy Ridge. A second Science and Interpretive Training Workshop will be held June 16 through 18. Details and application are available online at http://www.fs.fed.us/gpnf/volunteering/BecomeaVolcanoVolunteer.shtml. Volunteers can also request volunteer information by regular mail by contacting MSHI at (360) 449-7887.

The Mount St. Helens Institute is also recruiting for an AmeriCorps member this summer to help recruit volunteers and supervise volunteer projects for its Conservation Corps Program. Americorps will provide a $3,000 stipend for 900 hours of service and an education award of $2,362. Shared housing is also available in a Forest Service bunkhouse. Details and job listing are available online at www.mshinstitute.org

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US Forest Service
Gifford Pinchot National Forest - Vancouver, WA
Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument - Amboy, WA
Last Modified: Tuesday, 03 June 2008 at 15:52:26 EDT