Trail Volunteers
How to Volunteer
Weekend Trail Workdays
What else can I do?
Contact Us
Thank you for your interest in volunteering for our trails program. Building, inspecting and maintaining Montgomery Parks’ popular system of natural surface trails is a big job, and community effort helps us do it right!
If you live or work near us, love trails or would simply like to give something back, please consider joining our team, either as a long term volunteer orpitching in on a Saturday morning now and then for our short term events. We have positions and projects suitable for a wide range of ages, fitness and experience levels and time commitment. Whether you want to help on your own or rally a team of your co-workers for an event, there’s always a way for you to lend a hand!
How to Volunteer
Individuals & Families | Corporate & Community Groups | Special Projects
Individuals & Families
Weekend Trail Workdays*
Join the "front lines" in maintaining and repairing our 120+ miles of natural surface trails by giving a few hours of your time on the weekend from March-June and September-November. The work involved ranges from vegetation clipping and digging trail tread to tree-blaze painting or bridge construction. The minimum age to volunteer unsupervised is 14, and youths 12-14 can volunteer if accompanied by a parent. Meet new people, get some exercise, and learn more about your community trails while giving them some TLC!
While no workdays are currently scheduled for July and August, the fall calendar should be posted by mid-August, so check back soon.
Work Days Calendar || More Details and Apply / Sign Up
Volunteer Trail Rangers
Become our boots on the ground for reporting trail problems and performing light maintenance. Volunteer Trail Rangers are dedicated trail users who want to and help us inspect and maintain our natural surface trails in various locations countywide. Accepted applicants receive training and official parks gear.
What we ask in return is dependable inspections and some light maintenance on an assigned trail every three months and after major storms. It's a great way to make a big difference on the trails you use without a big time commitment!. Minimum Age: 18.
We are not currently looking for any additional Volunteer Trail Rangers. Please check back in the Fall!
Trail Ranger Forms & Info || More Details and Apply / Sign Up
Corporate & Community Groups
Weekend Trail Workdays*
Looking for a team-building day for your organization or want your group to be more involved in the community? Contact the Trails Volunteer Coordinator. Most weekend projects are group-friendly if we can accommodate your numbers.
Work Days Calendar || More Details and Apply / Sign Up
Create a Group Project
If our projects simply don’t fit your group’s scheduling or size needs, contact the Trail Volunteer Coordinator and we may be able to tailor an event to suit you.
back to top* Weekend Trail Workdays
Scheduled short term workdays typically take place on Saturdays or Sundays in late morning/early afternoon. The work involved ranges from vegetation clipping and digging trail tread to tree-blaze painting or bridge construction. The minimum age to volunteer unsupervised is 14, and youths 12-14 can volunteer if accompanied by a parent. We are Student Service Learning (SSL) approved. Volunteers should wear clothes that can get dirty, bring gloves and water, and generally prepare for a day working outside in a wooded setting.
What else can I do?
We encourage you to consider becoming a Volunteer Trail Ranger (VTR) with us. If that doesn't work for you, there are still some basic things you can do help out until weekend dates are posted:
- Report safety hazards or other serious trail problems to service.center@montgomeryparks.org: Make note of the nature of the problem as well as the location in terms of which park and trail, as well as relation to major trail landmarks (nearest road or trail intersection, stream crossing, etc.).
- Pick up as you go. Users do a great service by merely clearing the corridor of downed branches or trash they encounter on their trail outings. This is especially true on heavily used trails or after windy days.
There are many parks facilities and events currently looking for volunteers. To see if there’s a match for your time and talent please visit www.parksvolunteers.org.
Contact
Volunteer Services Office
301-495-2504
lynn.vismara@montgomeryparks.org
back to top - Last update: November 30, 2011
Montgomery County Department of Parks