Volunteer Opportunities
Message from Park Manager, Mark Spurrier
Volunteers are an integral part of the operations of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks. From serving as a camp host, to helping out with maintenance projects, a special event, or as a supportive member and advocate through our Friends of Cunningham Falls and Gambrill State Parks, there are options tailored to varying levels of availability and skill set. To search for volunteer opportunities at this state park and all of the state parks in Maryland, please view the
Volunteer with Maryland State Parks webpage and then click on Opportunity Search in the Volunteer Menu on the left side of the page. Below are examples of possible opportunities:
Gardening/Invasive Plants
Be a part of the larger effort to encourage the growth of native trees and plants while removing invasive plants in the parks.
Maintenance
From trash pick up, to cleaning out gutters or campsites, be prepared to get some exercise and get dirty.
Special Events
Maple Syrup Festival, the Maryland Iron Festival, Spirits of the Furnace, Traditional Village Christmas, 5k/10k Race, First Day hikes and more. There are many special events in the park which require extra help, from set and clean up to parking cars, serving food, serving as a tour guide and more.
Camp Host
Enjoy meeting your fellow campers? Camp hosts receive a free campsite in exchange for working for 20 hours per week per person. The work to be done includes but is not limited to: welcoming new campers, keeping the campsites clean, keeping the campground in good condition, keeping bathhouses clean and in working order, answering questions asked by campers, and letting the campers know what is happening in the park/area over the period of the campers stay. Minimum commitment of 1-month stay required. Visit the
Camp Host section of the DNR website for more info.
Aviary
Assist in the feeding and cleaning of animal enclosures at the park’s aviary which houses non-releasable raptors and reptiles. Patience and willingness to get dirty and messy, commitment to a weekly shift and a year commitment is needed. Must be at least 18 years old and able to lift a minimum of 20 lbs. regularly and 50 lbs. occasionally or with help.
Trail Work
Like to get your hands dirty or hike? Volunteer to join one the trail stewardship program. Check trails on a regular basis and report any issues, downed trees or signage issues. Occasional trail work days are set to clear and repair trails throughout the year. The ability to work outside in all weather conditions on rugged terrain is a must.
Interpretation/Education
Volunteers can learn and help deliver interpretive and educational programs to the park’s visitors, including but not limited to hikes, campfire programs, animal programs, historical programs, craft programs and more.
Visitor Center/Nature Center
Serve as a friendly face and answer basic park questions with shifts in the Visitor or Nature Centers.
Friends of Cunningham Falls & Gambrill State Parks, Inc.
Consider joining this organization to support both parks. The Friends generate the financial support necessary for supplementing the park's budget. All proceeds go directly back into the park. The members consist of local residents, representatives of the surrounding business community, campers and people like you who care about the park and want to be a part of making a difference for its future. Contact for the Friends: James Baker, President; baker89james@gmail.com or visit their
website.
Group and/or Corporate Volunteering
If your company or civic group is looking for an opportunity to give a day of service in an outdoor setting, let us know. Invasive plant removal, trash pickup, and plantings are a few examples of what groups have done for us in the past.
Contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Claudia Padilla, at
claudia.padilla@maryland.gov to talk about opportunities to serve your natural resources, your neighbors and yourselves. Your contribution is priceless.
