[Volunteer Ranger]
Volunteer Ranger Program
A Volunteer Ranger/Volunteer Mounted Patrol member. Become a Volunteer Ranger and help protect Maryland's natural resources! The Volunteer Ranger Program is for people ages 18 and above who want to assist the Department's regular work force in state parks with operations, programs and public service. Volunteers are trained and provided with uniforms for their jobs once they have completed 40 hours of volunteer service at a state park. For an application and additional information, contact the state park nearest you.

A one-day orientation training helps rangers become acclimated to the state forest and park service. Additional training opportunities, that may include CPR, first aid, search and rescue, and trail stewardship, are offered on a regional basis.

As ambassadors of the state parks, Volunteer Rangers serve a vital role to the public. Thousands of visitors to Maryland's state parks look to Volunteer Rangers for guidance and help.

To view a copy of our Spring/Summer 2008 Volunteer Ranger Newsletter, please click here. You will find training opportunities, "What's happening around the state", and more.

Here's what Volunteer Rangers are doing in Maryland:

  • Provide Outstanding Customer Service - Volunteer Rangers assist the public, answer their questions and ensure a quality experience for all visitors. Volunteers promote and expand public knowledge, understanding and appreciation for Maryland's natural resources.

  • Educate Citizens - Volunteer Rangers support nature programs, hikes, canoe trips, campfire programs, and other outdoor experiences.

  • Serve at Special Events - Volunteer Rangers assist park staff with crowd control, traffic control, first aid and public safety at events sponsored by parks and private organizations.

  • Maintain Park Property - Volunteer Rangers help plant trees and flowers, repair foot bridges, improve accessibility to recreational areas, install park signs and perform light maintenance work.

  • Promote Trail Stewardship - Volunteer Rangers help maintain, clear and blaze trails, as well as foster stewardship of Maryland's trail systems to park visitors.
Contact the state park in which you would like to volunteer for current Volunteer Ranger opportunities.

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Last Updated March 4, 2008