A message from the Park Manager of the Southern Maryland Recreational Complex (SMRC) Ranger Jacob Wells:

Our facilities simply could not run without the selfless contributions provided by our volunteers and “Friends Of” groups. Wherever you wish to volunteer in the SMRC, we welcome you, as do our vital affiliates: the Friends of Calvert Cliffs State Park, the Friends of Chapman State Park, the Friends of Smallwood State Park, and Rosaryville Conservancy. Together with our staff, these groups perform park operations, patrols, historic interpretation, special events management, park maintenance, trail work, beach cleanups, environmental education programs, fishing derbies, and much, much more.

Volunteer Opportunities

To search for volunteer opportunities, please visit the Volunteer with Maryland State Parks Webpage. From there, you can search for various volunteer opportunities by park, activity, frequency, and more. Below are descriptions of a few of the volunteer opportunities that Cedarville State Forest has to offer.

Camp Host

The Camp Host works 20 hours a week and in return is provided with a free campsite while they are part of the Camp Host Program. The work to be done is generally campground related; welcoming new campers, keeping the campground in good condition, answering questions from campers, maintaining the campground restrooms, picking up trash, and informing campers about park amenities and activities. Camp Hosts may also work alongside park staff and respond to visitor inquiries, assist with park operations and maintenance projects, monitor and maintain park trails, and assist with naturalist programs and youth group volunteer projects. Here's your chance to pitch in with park staff and help out park visitors! Our campground is open from April to October.

For additional information, contact Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.​

Friends of Cedarville State Forest

Join the Friends of Cedarville State Forest and become a volunteer! The Friend's mission is to assist park staff in maintaining the park, campground, trails, and picnic areas. They hold work days throughout the year, usually meeting on Saturday mornings. The Friend's also participate in ongoing projects with park staff and help out with special events. The Friend's are an integral part of Cedarville's operation. Here is your chance to make your mark. Come and join the Friends of Cedarville State Forest!

For additional information, contact Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.

Scout Projects

This opportunity is designed for scouts who would like to complete a project at Cedarville State Forest. For more information and to discuss a potential project, please contact ​Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.

Trail Work Days

Do you like to get your hands dirty? This opportunity is designed for groups or individuals that would like to help maintain the trails at Cedarville State Forest. Trails do not just appear for our enjoyment. It takes dedicated people and hours of hard work to maintain the trails for the benefit of all trail users. Join us!

For additional information, contact Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.

Volunteer Ranger

Volunteer Rangers 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. A one-day orientation training helps Volunteer Rangers become acclimated to the Maryland Park Service.

Additional training opportunities may include: CPR, first aid, search and rescue, and trail stewardship. After attending Volunteer Ranger Training, the Volunteer Ranger commits to 100 hours of service per year. As ambassadors of the Maryland State Parks, Volunteer Rangers serve a vital role to the public.

For additional information, contact Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.

Volunteer Bike Patrol (VBP)

Do you like to ride your bike in the forest? Did you know you can patrol the forest on your bike as a member of our Volunteer Bike Patrol? These Volunteer Rangers provide assistance to park guests, especially mountain bikers and hikers, by offering information and directions. In addition, they report downed trees on trails, washouts, and other hazards. All VBP's must provide their own bike and be 18 years of age. Interested persons should start volunteering through different opportunities at the forest. After accruing 40 hours of volunteer service within the forest, the volunteer attends training for Volunteer Ranger certification and is provided with a uniform. After receiving certification, the volunteer commits to 100 hours of service per year.

For additional information, contact Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.

Volunteer Mounted Patrol (VMP)

Ride into the sunset and help park guests! These Volunteer Rangers patrol the forest on horseback assisting park guests, reporting trail maintenance issues, and reporting other problems and violations. All VMP's must provide their own horse and be 18 years of age. Interested persons should start volunteering through different opportunities at the forest. After accruing 40 hours of volunteer service with the forest, the volunteer attends training for Volunteer Ranger certification and is provided with a uniform. After receiving certification, the volunteer commits to 100 hours of service per year.

For additional information, contact Pete Leongini at 301-888-1410 or e-mail at pete.leongini@maryland.gov.

Looking for other volunteer opportunities? Contact the Cedarville State Forest Volunteer Coordinator:

Pete​ Leongini​
Cedarville State Forest
10201 Bee Oak Road
Brandywine, MD 20613
E-mail: pete.leongini@maryland.gov​​

​