Volunteers
Volunteers are crucial to the daily operations of the Forest Service. Volunteer activities are as varied as the backgrounds and skills of the individuals who volunteer, including environmental education, nature walks, trail and facility maintenance, campground hosting, visitor center reception, and more. There is certainly an opportunity for you at your local National Forest.
With five districts in southern Arizona, Coronado National Forest has year-round opportunities where you can volunteer part-time or full-time, seasonally, or just for a specific project. All volunteer activities require a minimal amount of training and some paperwork. Some volunteer opportunities can earn you college credit, community service, or a volunteer interagency pass award.
Learn more about Volunteering
If you are interested in working with an established volunteer group or prefer to volunteer individually with the Coronado National Forest contact Robyn Abeyta at robyn.abeyta@usda.gov. You can also check out campground host positions at Volunteer.gov.
The national forests and grasslands are public lands set aside for the enjoyment of everyone. Being stewards of public lands is a way to help preserve, protect and maintain the areas you recreate. Your efforts are much needed and appreciated because the Forest Service, like other federal land management agencies, has a declining budget.
Volunteering is a way to enjoy a special interest, meet new people, be outdoors, explore hidden natural treasures, exert some energy, and more.
Anyone interested can volunteer. We welcome individuals and groups from our communities with diverse backgrounds, abilities, lifestyles, and ages!
Volunteers under the age of 18 must have the written consent of their parents or guardians. Volunteers must be in good health to allow them to perform their duties without risk to themselves or others. Some work cannot be performed by youth who are under the age of 18. A photo/video release document must also be signed by a parent or guardian prior to the child’s face being captured.
Background checks are required when volunteers meet any of the below criteria and must be conducted prior to any volunteer work being conducted.
• Working with children (anyone under 18) when a parent is not present.
• Volunteering more than 179 days per year.
• Leading more than one volunteer activity per year. (This includes any volunteers who are tasked with leading groups on behalf of a volunteer
organization. i.e., Crew Leaders).
Background checks are required to be updated when renewing annual volunteer agreements.
Joining an existing organization is a good way to learn the ropes and become familiar with the volunteer community. Volunteer organizations in the Coronado National Forest include the following:
Nogales
- Arizona Native Plant Society - Santa Cruz
- Friends of Kentucky Camp
- Friends of Madera Canyon
- Green Valley Hiking Club
- Patagonia Dirtbags
- Tucson Audubon Society
- Mount Wrightson Wilderness Volunteers
Sierra Vista
Douglas
Safford
Santa Catalina
- Catalina State Park Buffel Slayers
- Climbing Association of Southern Arizona
- Friends of Redington Pass
- Friends of Sabino Canyon
- Friends of Santa Catalina Trails
- Sabino Canyon Volunteer Naturalist
- Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol
- Sonoran Desert Mountain Bicyclist
- Southern Arizona Hiking Club
- Southern Arizona Rescue Association
- Tucson Off-Road Cyclists and Activists
Forest-Wide
- Arizona Sonora Desert Museum
- Arizona State Assoc of 4WD Clubs
- Arizona Trail Association
- Borderlands Restoration Network
- Central Arizona Grotto
- Latino Outdoors Tucson Chapter
- National Wild Turkey Federation
- Sky Island Alliance
- Southern Arizona Grotto
- Trail Riders of Southern Arizona
- Tucson Rough Riders
- Wild Arizona
- The Wilderness Society
- Southern Arizona Quail Forever
- Santa Cruz Valley National Heritage Area
Volunteering across the Coronado National Forest
