Susquehanna State Park
Volunteer Opportunities

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Contact: Rachel Robinson
c/o Rocks/Susquehanna State Parks
3318 Rocks Chrome Hill Road
Jarrettsville MD 21084
410-734-9035 (Susquehanna); 410-557-7994 (Rocks)
rrobinson@dnr.state.md.us

Adopt-A-Trail

• Take individual or shared responsibility for an entire trail, or a section
  
• Provide routine maintenance and repairs
  
• Serve as a “trail host”: hike frequently, greet people, provide maps and information regarding trail conditions, encourage user compliance, carry water, basic first aid, rope for dog leashes, etc.
  
• Make suggestions for trail work day projects

  Friends of Rock Run
  

• Group is in the forming stages of becoming a 501(c)(3) organization
  
• This group will be serving the interests of the Rock Run Historic Area
  
• Volunteers will be needed as museum docents Carter-Archer House, millers in the Rock Run Grist Mill, greeters (future) in the Jersey Toll House Visitor Center. as well as for special events in that area

  Historic Restoration and Preservation
  

• Assist with repairs and restorative efforts to the historic park structures
  
• Maintain buildings and stone walls
  
• Provide information on the history of the area
  
• Participate in historical research

  Interpretation and Programming
  

• Assist with and lead programs for children, adults, school groups, scouts, clubs and other visitors
  
• Program possibilities include, but are not limited to: guided hikes, history talks, stream surveys, bird counts, natural craft activities, storytelling, campfire programs, bike hikes, photography clinics, special topic workshops, etc.

  Operations and General Maintenance
  

• Open / Close area
  
• Serve as “eyes and ears” and report unusual or unsafe circumstances to staff
  
• Maintain facilities, with staff
  
• Collect user service charges / hand out friendly reminders
  
• Encourage proper use of the resource through voluntary compliance
  
• Pick up litter
  
• Post signs, provide information
  
• Respond to staff requests for assistance

  Public Relations / Visitor Services
  

• Offer assistance to park patrons
  
• Answer phones
  
• Respond to office visitors
  
• Hand out trail maps and other information

  Trail Work / Landscaping
  

• Enhance the appearance and functionality of the public lands
  
• Build and maintain trails using hand tools (this can be physically demanding)
  
• Assist with trail and landscape design
  
• Become familiar with techniques to create sustainable trails
  
• Work with, and for, various trail user groups (i.e hikers, bikers, runners, equestrians, wildlife watchers, children, etc.)
  
• Create focal points
  
• Design and create gardens and planters incorporating native plant species
  
• Participate in invasive species removal throughout the public lands

  Special Skills / Shop Help
  

• Assist staff with special projects and general shop work
  
• Useful skills include : plumbing, carpentry, mechanical, etc.

  Volunteer Mounted Patrol
  

• These are Volunteer Rangers patrolling the park, using their own horses and tack
  
• Must become a Volunteer Ranger
  
• Must complete the additional training that is required

  Volunteer Ranger
  

• Training is required, after donating at least 40 hours as a volunteer
  
• Time Commitment > 100 hours per year
  
• Assist the park staff in a variety of ways, often serving in any, or all, of the other mentioned areas
  
• Often will serve as a leader among the volunteers

  Volunteer Work Days / Special Projects
  

• Perfect for school / church / youth / service groups and “occasional” volunteers
  
• May involve any of the other areas of service
  
• Volunteers are needed to help organize and implement work days
  
• Make suggestions for project ideas

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Last Updated July 28, 2006