Volunteers
Volunteer Program on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas (NFGT)
The volunteer program on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas plays a vital role in stewardship, conservation, and public engagement. Volunteers contribute their time and skills to help maintain and enhance the lands, ensuring they remain healthy and accessible for future generations.
The Benefits of Service
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who individually accrue 250 volunteer hours qualify for an interagency volunteer pass, valid for one year.
Benefits:
- Honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites charging entrance or standard amenity fees.
- Valid for 12 months from the month of issue. Expires the last day of the month punched.
- Admits pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle.
At per-person fee sites, admits pass holder and up to 3 persons. Persons 15 and younger are admitted free of charge.
How to Obtain a Pass and Hangtag:
Available at most national forest or grassland offices. Please email sm.fs.passorders@usda.gov with any questions.
By working together, volunteers and NFGT staff help ensure that the forests and grasslands remain healthy, resilient, and accessible for both people and wildlife.
To learn more about volunteering on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas, check out Volunteer.gov or contact your local district ranger office.
Watch to learn more about Forest Service volunteers
Learn about Volunteering on the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas
The NFGT volunteer program provides opportunities for individuals, organizations, and groups to participate in a variety of projects, including:
Trail Maintenance & Restoration: Volunteers help clear trails, repair erosion, and maintain signage to improve recreational access.
Habitat Restoration & Conservation: Efforts include planting native species, removing invasive plants, and restoring wetlands or grasslands.
Wildlife Monitoring & Conservation Projects: Volunteers assist with data collection, bird counts, and habitat improvement projects.
Recreation Site & Facility Maintenance: Work includes painting, cleaning, and repairing campgrounds, picnic areas, and historic structures.
Environmental Education & Outreach: Volunteers support educational events, school programs, and interpretive programs that promote conservation awareness.
Special Events & Public Lands Days: Volunteer efforts support National Public Lands Day, tree planting events, and partnership workdays.
1. Enhance Public Engagement & Stewardship Inspire individuals and communities to take an active role in caring for public lands.
2. Support Land & Resource Management Provide additional workforce and skills to assist in forest and grassland conservation efforts.
3. Improve Recreational Access & Visitor Experience Maintain trails, campgrounds, and facilities for safe and enjoyable public use.
4. Promote Environmental Education Encourage awareness and understanding of natural resource conservation.
5. Build Lasting Partnerships Strengthen relationships with local organizations, schools, businesses, and outdoor groups.
Collaborating with Volunteers & Partners: Engaging individuals, nonprofit groups, and local organizations maximizes conservation efforts.
Conducting Hands-on Conservation Projects: Volunteers directly contribute to habitat restoration, erosion control, and fire mitigation efforts.
Providing Training & Support: Volunteers receive guidance, tools, and safety training to effectively assist in forest management projects.
Encouraging Responsible Recreation: Volunteer-led education efforts promote Leave No Trace principles and outdoor ethics.
Monitoring & Maintaining Public Lands: Regular volunteer efforts help keep trails open, recreation areas safe, and ecosystems thriving.