Volunteers

The USDA Forest Service Volunteer Program has something for almost everyone: youth, people of all abilities, retirees, professionals, homemakers, students, as well as service clubs, organizations, and more. Your interests and experiences can help with nearly every aspect of the agency’s work. 

The national forests, grasslands, and prairies are there for you to enjoy because many people have served over numerous years to preserve, protect, and improve them. In 2024, the Southwestern Region engaged almost 11,000 individual volunteers who helped to improve the 20 million acres of national forests and grasslands in the region. Their time and efforts are valued at over $13 million!

Why Volunteer?

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Volunteering provides you a great opportunity to:

• Give back to your community
• Meet people and form new friendships
• Improve forests and grasslands
• Learn new skills
• Further develop your own interests
• Diversify your job experience and increase your career choices
• Assist in recovery efforts after natural disasters 

What Projects Could I Work On? 

Volunteers contribute in many different capacities. Your interests, talents, and skills can be matched with a volunteer role that satisfies you and best fulfills the Forest Service mission. The length of time for volunteering can also match your preference: some volunteers work full-time for several months, some donate a few hours each week, and others participate in single day activities, such as trash clean-ups.

Volunteers in the Southwestern Region:

• Serve as campground/campsite hosts
• Engage the public through Roving Ranger programs, Adopt-A-Site programs, Visitor Centers, and at educational events
• Help plan and run scheduled events, like National Public Lands Day events
• Build and maintain trails
• Inventory and monitor birds, wildlife, and plants
• Assist archaeologists on heritage projects
• Participate in reforestation and restoration projects

Become a Volunteer

There are many opportunities to volunteer with the Forest Service or with a partner organization that works with us. Many volunteer opportunities are listed on Volunteer.gov, America’s natural and cultural resources volunteer portal. When you apply, your information will be provided to the appropriate Forest Service contact. 

Available opportunities change frequently throughout the year, so visit often. You can also contact the Southwestern Regional Volunteer Coordinator. 

Volunteer.gov