Wisconsin State Park System
Volunteer Opportunities

• How to Volunteer
• Volunteer Projects
• Naturalists and Nature Center Hosts
• Visitor Services
• Campground Hosts
• Adopt-A-Trail Volunteers
• Trail Tenders

How to Volunteer

Do you have talents and interests you'd like to share? Concerned about our state's natural resources? If so, Wisconsin State Parks, Forests, and Trails need your skills and talents. Many groups and individuals generously offer their time for an hour, a day, a weekend project, or for a longer, seasonal position.

If you are interested in volunteering in Wisconsin State Parks, contact the property supervisor where you would like to volunteer to discuss available opportunities. Anyone who would like be a volunteer must fill out a Volunteer Agreement. Property superintendents will review the agreement and interview and select all volunteers.

Volunteer Agreement [exit DNR]

Volunteer Projects

Individuals, youth groups, scouts, adult organizations, environmental clubs, Friends Groups and others often participate in cleaning up litter, planting trees and removing invasive species. Volunteers assist rangers and staff in building and maintaining accessible cabins, picnic shelters, and other property facilities, assist in maintaining lawns, campgrounds and day-use areas, and help with prairie restoration and improving wildlife habitat.

Volunteers also help with projects to build and maintain new and existing trails, help to build new signs, observation platforms and boardwalks, may conduct plant surveys or monitor wildlife populations in designated areas, or help with other projects needed at the property. Many Eagle Scouts have worked on projects that included the construction of bridges and kiosks.

Some projects may require the use of special equipment and vehicles. Any volunteer who uses power or heavy equipment, such as chainsaws, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, commercial riding lawn mowers, dump trailers and brush chippers, must have proper safety training on the equipment. All volunteers who use this equipment must fill out the Power Equipment Safety Acknowledgement Form and submit to the property manager.

Form 2500-120, WSPS Power Equipment Safety Acknowledgement [PDF]

Volunteer Naturalists and Nature Center Hosts

Volunteer naturalists and nature center hosts assist DNR naturalists with environmental education and interpretive programs on cultural and natural history, guided hikes, school groups and special events. Volunteers greet visitors, hand out literature and program schedules, may assist with nature center gift shop purchases, assist with nature center operations, exhibit maintenance and cleaning, assist in restoring prairies, improving wildlife habitat, plantings and litter pick-up, hand out literature and program schedules, and answer questions about the natural world, exhibits and property. Volunteer naturalists may also lead programs, hikes and events when appropriate.

Visitor Services Volunteers

Visitor services volunteers primarily give information and explain regulations by greeting incoming users and handing out brochures, maps, program schedules and literature. Visitor serves volunteers assist park visitors with vehicle admission sticker sales, campsite registrations and trail pass sales, answer phone questions pertaining to the park, forest or trail, assists visitors with gift shop purchases, and inform visitors of regulations and available facilities on the property and local area.

Campground Hosts

Most Wisconsin state parks with campgrounds have hosts. Campground hosts set an example by being model campers, practicing good housekeeping, and obeying all rules and regulations. Hosts live in a free campsite at the campground for an extended time and volunteer a few hours a day. Hosts greet new visitors, hand out literature, answer questions about the property and local area, perform minor maintenance tasks, share camping experiences, assist other campers as needed, and are alert to visitor's needs, comments, complaints, etc.

Adopt-A-Trail Volunteers

Individuals or groups may adopt a trail or segment of a trail by volunteering their time to help keep the trail clean and safe. It may be a state trail or a trail within a state park, forest or recreation area. Adopt-A-Trail sponsors collect litter and perform minor trail maintenance, assist with the control of invasive species and the planting of native species, record and report to the property manager any major or hazardous trail obstructions, and gather and return any "lost and found" items to the property office. If you are interested in adopting a trail, complete the Adopt-A-Trail Application and Permit [PDF] or contact the park, forest or trail manager.

Trail Tender Volunteers

Trail Tenders volunteer their time to patrol our state trails for the safety and enjoyment of all users. Trail Tenders act as role models, assist and provide support to other trail users, and give feedback to property managers. Trail tenders sell state trail passes, educate trail users on rules and regulations, as well as trail etiquette Trail Tenders are not law enforcement officers but most are affiliated with Friends Groups and work with state park and trail staff. Trail Tender volunteers wear t-shirts and name badges when on the trail to be easily identified by trail users. Additional information about the Trail Tender program is available in the Trail Tender Handbook [PDF]. If you are interested in becoming a Trail Tender, contact the Friends Group or DNR property manager associated with your preferred trail.

For more information, ask Patricia Loosen, (608) 264-8994.