Dave Goodburn
Dave Goodburn began volunteering with the Forest Service two years ago in the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forest. Now in his early eighties, he contributed 532 hours in 2015 alone! Although he has done just about everything a volunteer can do (including toilet cleaning), his real love is painting: sign boards, buildings, tables, a gazebo, and many more. This season, he plans to do a sign inventory for the forest. Dave (right) is pictured here with his son Craig, also a dedicated volunteer.
Why should I volunteer?
Your interests and experiences can help with just about any aspect of the agency’s work except law enforcement and firefighting. You will become part of an army of more than 2.8 million volunteers who, since 1972, have provided more than 123 million hours of service that is valued at about $1.4 billion. Volunteering provides you a great opportunity to:
- Give back to your community
- Improve Forests and Grasslands
- Learn about natural and cultural conservation
- Meet new people and form friendships
Volunteers may also earn an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass and be recognized nationally or locally.
Who can volunteer?
-
Anyone can volunteer - minors need parental consent
-
Churches, schools, community organizations, friends groups, businesses, or any other group
- International visitors - find out more about the International Visitor Program
What can volunteers do?
Volunteer activities can be tailored to your specific talents and interest or you can take advantage of opportunities to learn new skills.
- Help manage campgrounds
- Interact with the public at visitor centers
- Help run events and lead projects, like National Public Lands Day
- Build trails
- Inventory wildlife and plants
- Serve as fire lookouts
- And much more
How do I get started?
- Go to your nearest forest
- Contact your local volunteer coordinator
- Read this handy volunteer guide
- Find Forest Service opportunities on Volunteer.gov
- Forms:
- Volunteer Application (pdf, 183 kb)
- Volunteer Agreement (pdf, 139 kb)
- Volunteer Group Sign-Up Form (pdf, 226 kb)