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Volunteers

Three volunteers wait to greet visitorsIf you're enthusiastic, enjoy new people and want to protect parks, then you might want to be a volunteer!

Volunteer park hosts inform visitors, register campers, assist at entrance stations, conduct customer comment surveys, open and close parks, pick up litter, perform minor maintenance and support interpretive programs. Hosts live in the parks and inform Park Rangers about emergencies or visitor complaints. Volunteer hosts must work at least 20 hours per week, and stay in the park during certain hours to assist visitors as needed. In return, RV sites with full hookups are provided. Current Corps of Engineers openings are listed at the Volunteer Clearinghouse.

Natural Resource Volunteers assist the Corps throughout the year with natural resource management activities. Volunteers are often recruited volunteers from the community for special events such as: Earth Day, SOLV Beach and Riverside Clean-Up, Down By the Riverside and National Public Lands Day. Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church members, school groups, and other community groups have helped with litter clean-ups, trail work, non-native plant removal, habitat improvement and tree planting.

How to volunteer

Willamette Valley:
Ron Colletti, 541-942-5631

Rogue River Basin:
April Andujar, 541-878-2255

Bonneville Lock and Dam
(Columbia River):
Ryan Braaten, 541-374-8820
Learn about joining Bonneville's Volunteer Program

The Dalles Lock and Dam
(Columbia River):
Amber Tilton, 541-506-7857

John Day & Willow Creek dams
(Columbia River):
Greg Volkman, 541-506-7899

Online volunteer applications:
Fillable PDF / Printer-friendly PDF

Volunteer Clearinghouse

The National Volunteer Clearinghouse links prospective volunteers with Corps of Engineers lakes in the Pacific Northwest and in 39 other states.

Visit www.corpslakes.us/volunteer or call 1-800-VOL-TEER (865-8337).

By the numbers ...

324

Volunteers in 2015

15,000

Hours worked by volunteers

5

Operating projects

$349,000

Savings to the Corps

Volunteers can earn annual passes

The Corps of Engineers has established a volunteer pass program, recognizing volunteers who have served a minimum of 100 hours at Corps-managed areas to receive an Annual Day Use Pass, which waives all day use fees. This token of support helps show our appreciation for our volunteers by encouraging their use of Corps parks.

Volunteers can accumulate hours toward a pass at multiple Corps projects; volunteer hours will be verified and entered by the project volunteer coordinator into a centralized database. After providing 100 hours of service, volunteers will be individually eligible for a free Annual Day Use Pass from the local project where they completed their 100th hour. Only one Annual Day Use Pass may be earned per volunteer per year.

For more information, visit the Natural Resource Management Gateway or review this program memo.

Members of the Bonneville Emergency Rescue Team got tips from a Life Flight Network crew about how to quickly and efficiently prepare an injured person for transport to a hospital. Bonneville is located about 60 miles from Portland, so Life Flight is often the best mode of travel for seriously injured people who need to be transported to a metropolitan hospital.
Life Flight trains Bonneville Dam team for emergencies
Members of the Bonneville Emergency Rescue Team got tips from a Life Flight Network crew about how to quickly and efficiently prepare an injured person for transport to a hospital. Bonneville is located about 60 miles from Portland, so Life Flight is often the best mode of travel for seriously injured people who need to be transported to a metropolitan hospital.
Visitors to Bonneville Lock and Dam, located about 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, can learn about hydropower, fish and navigation, or enjoy hiking around historic Fort Cascades trails.
Recreation at Bonneville Lock and Dam
Visitors to Bonneville Lock and Dam, located about 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, can learn about hydropower, fish and navigation, or enjoy hiking around historic Fort Cascades trails.
Cody Fulkerson, 23, of Springfield, Oregon wakeboarding for the first time at Dorena Reservoir on July 12, 2014.
Wakeboarding at Dorena Lake
Cody Fulkerson, 23, of Springfield, Oregon wakeboarding for the first time at Dorena Reservoir on July 12, 2014.
Mike Turaski, Portland District project manager, and other Corps employees were at the Native American Youth and Family Center recently where they taught kids to use engineering and math skills to build BMX bikes and understand why tire pressure makes a difference in racing performance.
Taking STEM out of the classroom
Mike Turaski, Portland District project manager, and other Corps employees were at the Native American Youth and Family Center recently where they taught kids to use engineering and math skills to build BMX bikes and understand why tire pressure makes a difference in racing performance.
Park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River took recycled fishing line and created new fish habitat. Rangers build structures made from recycled fishing line and sink the structures in nearby Bass Lake.
Bonneville Dam rangers create fish habitat
Park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River took recycled fishing line and created new fish habitat. Rangers build structures made from recycled fishing line and sink the structures in nearby Bass Lake.
Park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River took recycled fishing line and created new fish habitat. Rangers build structures made from recycled fishing line and sink the structures in nearby Bass Lake.
Bonneville Dam rangers create fish habitat
Park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River took recycled fishing line and created new fish habitat. Rangers build structures made from recycled fishing line and sink the structures in nearby Bass Lake.
Dean Webster and Aaron Hagaman, former employees of The Dalles Lock and Dam, are recognized for their dedication, service and commitment to the construction of The Dalles Lock and Dam by Ron Twiner, project manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam operations. Here they are being presented with hats to commemorate the day and recognize their hard work in years past.
Former employees recognized as The Dalles Lock and Dam is named National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Dean Webster and Aaron Hagaman, former employees of The Dalles Lock and Dam, are recognized for their dedication, service and commitment to the construction of The Dalles Lock and Dam by Ron Twiner, project manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam operations. Here they are being presented with hats to commemorate the day and recognize their hard work in years past.
Col. Jose L. Aguilar, commander of the Portland District, and Ron Twiner, Project Manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam operations listen to stories from experiences of former employees, Dean Webster and Aaron Hagaman.
The Dalles named National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
Col. Jose L. Aguilar, commander of the Portland District, and Ron Twiner, Project Manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam operations listen to stories from experiences of former employees, Dean Webster and Aaron Hagaman.
Tom and Velda Pierce have volunteered for events at The Dalles Lock and Dam for the past three and a half years, providing key support for popular events such as the Annual Eagle Watch, the Kids Fishing Day at Spearfish Park, and most recently helped during the Amazing Race Geocache event. In this photo, Tom and Velda are sharing information about the importance of water safety and wearing life jackets at the 2012 Childrens Safety Fair.
Celebrating Volunteer Week: April 6 - 13
Tom and Velda Pierce have volunteered for events at The Dalles Lock and Dam for the past three and a half years, providing key support for popular events such as the Annual Eagle Watch, the Kids Fishing Day at Spearfish Park, and most recently helped during the Amazing Race Geocache event. In this photo, Tom and Velda are sharing information about the importance of water safety and wearing life jackets at the 2012 Childrens Safety Fair.
Shelby and Alton Clinard have volunteered as campground hosts at Cottage Grove for the 2011 and 2013 recreation seasons, and plan on returning again this year. In this photo, they're using wire brushes, preparing a gate for repainting. Alton and Shelby have helped in the day-use areas and Pine Meadows campground by helping with painting and landscape maintenance--just another great example of how volunteers give so much!
Celebrating Volunteer Week: Shelby and Alton Clinar
Shelby and Alton Clinard have volunteered as campground hosts at Cottage Grove for the 2011 and 2013 recreation seasons, and plan on returning again this year. In this photo, they're using wire brushes, preparing a gate for repainting. Alton and Shelby have helped in the day-use areas and Pine Meadows campground by helping with painting and landscape maintenance--just another great example of how volunteers give so much!
Bonneville Lock and Dam would like to feature Jim Price as their outstanding volunteer. Jim has volunteered for Bonneville Dam the last 9 years. He enjoys providing technical and user-friendly tours on electricity to visitors, typically leading six tours weekly. When Jim communicates, he explains technical elements by minimizing jargon, explaining information in a way that more people can understand and appreciate. One of Jim's favorite aspects of volunteering is the interaction with visitors and staff. He enjoys seeing the enthusiasm visitors reflect when he speaks to them and shares his knowledge.
Celebrating Volunteer Week: Jim Price
Bonneville Lock and Dam would like to feature Jim Price as their outstanding volunteer. Jim has volunteered for Bonneville Dam the last 9 years. He enjoys providing technical and user-friendly tours on electricity to visitors, typically leading six tours weekly. When Jim communicates, he explains technical elements by minimizing jargon, explaining information in a way that more people can understand and appreciate. One of Jim's favorite aspects of volunteering is the interaction with visitors and staff. He enjoys seeing the enthusiasm visitors reflect when he speaks to them and shares his knowledge.
Jim has volunteered for Bonneville Dam the last 9 years. He enjoys providing technical and user-friendly tours on electricity to visitors, typically leading six tours weekly. Jim explains technical elements by minimizing jargon, conveying information in a way that more people can understand and appreciate. One of Jim's favorite aspects of volunteering is the interaction with visitors and staff. He enjoys seeing the enthusiasm visitors reflect when he speaks to them and shares his knowledge. Sometimes Jim can be found educating the staff on various aspects of electricity and other forms of power generation.
Celebrating Volunteer Week: Jim Price
Jim has volunteered for Bonneville Dam the last 9 years. He enjoys providing technical and user-friendly tours on electricity to visitors, typically leading six tours weekly. Jim explains technical elements by minimizing jargon, conveying information in a way that more people can understand and appreciate. One of Jim's favorite aspects of volunteering is the interaction with visitors and staff. He enjoys seeing the enthusiasm visitors reflect when he speaks to them and shares his knowledge. Sometimes Jim can be found educating the staff on various aspects of electricity and other forms of power generation.
Winter snowfall at Bonneville Lock and Dam's First Powerhouse and spillway on Feb. 7, 2014.
Wintry weather at Bonneville
Winter snowfall at Bonneville Lock and Dam's First Powerhouse and spillway on Feb. 7, 2014.
The entire Intros family volunteered to plant trees at Schwarz Park during National Public Lands Day last September.
Volunteers make all the difference!
The entire Intros family volunteered to plant trees at Schwarz Park during National Public Lands Day last September.
Corps volunteers Dave and Sheryl Rambeau, left, and Dee DeBerry help make a visit to the Rogue River Basin Project in southern Oregon a memorable experience. Volunteers are critical to Corps recreation programs, where they greet guests, help control invasive plants and help out in many ways.
Volunteers make all the difference!
Corps volunteers Dave and Sheryl Rambeau, left, and Dee DeBerry help make a visit to the Rogue River Basin Project in southern Oregon a memorable experience. Volunteers are critical to Corps recreation programs, where they greet guests, help control invasive plants and help out in many ways.
Members of the Bonneville Emergency Rescue Team got tips from a Life Flight Network crew about how to quickly and efficiently prepare an injured person for transport to a hospital. Bonneville is located about 60 miles from Portland, so Life Flight is often the best mode of travel for seriously injured people who need to be transported to a metropolitan hospital. Visitors to Bonneville Lock and Dam, located about 40 miles east of Portland, Oregon, can learn about hydropower, fish and navigation, or enjoy hiking around historic Fort Cascades trails. Cody Fulkerson, 23, of Springfield, Oregon wakeboarding for the first time at Dorena Reservoir on July 12, 2014. Mike Turaski, Portland District project manager, and other Corps employees were at the Native American Youth and Family Center recently where they taught kids to use engineering and math skills to build BMX bikes and understand why tire pressure makes a difference in racing performance. Park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River took recycled fishing line and created new fish habitat. Rangers build structures made from recycled fishing line and sink the structures in nearby Bass Lake. Park rangers at Bonneville Lock and Dam on the Columbia River took recycled fishing line and created new fish habitat. Rangers build structures made from recycled fishing line and sink the structures in nearby Bass Lake. Dean Webster and Aaron Hagaman, former employees of The Dalles Lock and Dam, are recognized for their dedication, service and commitment to the construction of The Dalles Lock and Dam by Ron Twiner, project manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam operations. Here they are being presented with hats to commemorate the day and recognize their hard work in years past. Col. Jose L. Aguilar, commander of the Portland District, and Ron Twiner, Project Manager for The Dalles Lock and Dam operations listen to stories from experiences of former employees, Dean Webster and Aaron Hagaman. Tom and Velda Pierce have volunteered for events at The Dalles Lock and Dam for the past three and a half years, providing key support for popular events such as the Annual Eagle Watch, the Kids Fishing Day at Spearfish Park, and most recently helped during the Amazing Race Geocache event. In this photo, Tom and Velda are sharing information about the importance of water safety and wearing life jackets at the 2012 Childrens Safety Fair. Shelby and Alton Clinard have volunteered as campground hosts at Cottage Grove for the 2011 and 2013 recreation seasons, and plan on returning again this year. In this photo, they're using wire brushes, preparing a gate for repainting. Alton and Shelby have helped in the day-use areas and Pine Meadows campground by helping with painting and landscape maintenance--just another great example of how volunteers give so much! Bonneville Lock and Dam would like to feature Jim Price as their outstanding volunteer. Jim has volunteered for Bonneville Dam the last 9 years. He enjoys providing technical and user-friendly tours on electricity to visitors, typically leading six tours weekly. When Jim communicates, he explains technical elements by minimizing jargon, explaining information in a way that more people can understand and appreciate. One of Jim's favorite aspects of volunteering is the interaction with visitors and staff. He enjoys seeing the enthusiasm visitors reflect when he speaks to them and shares his knowledge. Jim has volunteered for Bonneville Dam the last 9 years. He enjoys providing technical and user-friendly tours on electricity to visitors, typically leading six tours weekly. Jim explains technical elements by minimizing jargon, conveying information in a way that more people can understand and appreciate. One of Jim's favorite aspects of volunteering is the interaction with visitors and staff. He enjoys seeing the enthusiasm visitors reflect when he speaks to them and shares his knowledge. Sometimes Jim can be found educating the staff on various aspects of electricity and other forms of power generation. Winter snowfall at Bonneville Lock and Dam's First Powerhouse and spillway on Feb. 7, 2014.
The entire Intros family volunteered to plant trees at Schwarz Park during National Public Lands Day last September. Corps volunteers Dave and Sheryl Rambeau, left, and Dee DeBerry help make a visit to the Rogue River Basin Project in southern Oregon a memorable experience. Volunteers are critical to Corps recreation programs, where they greet guests, help control invasive plants and help out in many ways.

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