Volunteers
There are a lot of volunteer opportunities waiting for you on the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest! Volunteers are the heartbeat of the Forest Service. There are many types of opportunities to assist as a volunteer (with the exceptions of law enforcement and firefighting). We match your talents and skills with your work preference to select a role that satisfies you, while best meeting our mission and providing a safe but rewarding project for your experience. You may prefer performing invigorating physical labor outdoors or help out in an office environment. Your commitment is up to you.
From campground host to trail groomer, there is something for almost everyone: kids and young adults, retirees, professionals, corporate teams, students, community service organizations and individuals in search of meaningful outdoor and stewardship projects. If you like people and care about our country's natural resources, the Forest Service welcomes your time and talents. Volunteer opportunities may also include non-native plant species eradication, monitoring wildlife populations, trail patrol and maintenance and more.
Why volunteer with the Forest Service?
- Participate in important projects that can guide you to job interests and future careers.
- Earn college credits through a college-approved intern program.
- Become familiar with activities and mission of the Forest Service.
- Enjoy a nice change of pace, an opportunity to relax in a beautiful outdoor setting, and a chance to interact with others.
Specific Volunteer Opportunities
With more than 700 miles of motorized ATV trails, backcountry hiking trails, hunter walking trails, cross country ski trails on the Forest, volunteers are needed to assist as individuals or groups to adopt a whole trail or just a section of trail. The work is performed on an ongoing basis and the volunteers are expected to ensure the trail remains in good condition.
Trail volunteers work accomplish various projects and could include removing rock and debris from the trail, cutting out logs, building or maintaining trail structures, replaces assurance markers and signs, trimming brush, removing litter and ensuring that the trail is open and in good condition.
The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest has a variety of volunteer opportunities for people of all ages. Below is a list of general duties for campground hosts and of offices/campgrounds where opportunities are available. Please feel free to contact the office and/or fill out an application and return it to any of our offices.
General duties of a campground host
- Campground hosts must be identifiable, visible and a positive representative of the USDA Forest Service. Maintain a groomed appearance, greet visitors and provide information, and display a courteous and helpful demeanor when rendering assistance to visitor questions. Host campsite will be tidy and welcoming to visitors.
- Clean and resupply restroom facilities, campsites and fire rings after a campsite is vacated.
- Hosts may be asked to assist visitors during any severe inclement weather-related emergencies.
- Encourage visitors to “do the right things” by following all Forest Service rules and regulations.
- Forest Service provides a free campsite (amenities vary by site) and all maintenance supplies.
Time commitment
- Minimum of one month, or up to a full season. Season dates are typically May 1 – October 31
- Expected to work a minimum of Friday mornings – Monday evening as well as holidays.
- Visitation revolves heavily around weekends and holidays when presence is required.
Requirements
- Have adequate housing (Motorhome, RV or similar) for extended periods of time.
- Physical condition with ability to monitor facility and perform above general duties.
Potential Host Locations
Lakewood-Laona: Boulder, Boot Lake, Bear Lake, Richardson Lake, Ada, Bagley Rapids, Pine Lake
Medford-Park Falls: Chippewa, Twin Lakes, Sailor Lake, Emily Lake
Great Divide: Namekagon, Black Lake, Moose Lake, Day Lake, East Twin, Beaver Lake
Washburn: Birch Grove, Wanoka, Perch Lake
Eagle River-Florence: Franklin Lake, Laurel Lake, Lac Vieux Desert, Luna-White Deer, Spectacle, Lost Lake and Morgan Lake
The Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center (NGLVC) is a unique nationally recognized interpretive center that showcases the entire Northern Great Lakes Region of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan. The Center is a 36,000 sq.ft, three-story building on 180 acres. We have a very large exhibit hall, 100-seat theatre, observation tower five stories up, a state reading archives, and many other things. Outside we have 2 trails, including a Âľ mile accessible boardwalk loop that winds through black ash swamp, sedge meadow, and mature cedar & tamarack swamp, as well as a seed garden, agroforest and solar panels.
Front Desk Volunteer
The volunteers that staff the front desk provide visitors with information about the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, the local area and three National Forests located in northern Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Assisting with programs for various age groups at the Center is also an option for volunteers who are interested. Duties of a front desk staff member may include:
- Opening and closing the Visitor Center
- Answering phone calls to provide visitors with information
- Basic maintenance around the Center
- Assist other agencies with their events happening at and around the Center
- Give tours of the exhibit hall to groups and individuals
- Present short programs for groups and the general public about the cultural and natural resources of the area
Orientation and training about the Visitor Center, the three surrounding National Forests and Apostle Islands National Lakeshore will be provided. We are looking for volunteers who are able to work 25-32 hours a week, and are available during the busiest season from the beginning of June through Labor Day weekend. We may be negotiable on dates but require a minimum of a 6-week commitment, preference will be given to volunteers who can stay the whole season. An RV pad and utilities are provided a short walk (~150 yards) from the center. Most cell phone carriers have service around the Center, and Wi-Fi is available in the visitor center.
Housing and Amenities
Type: Trailer/RV Pads
Description: RV pads are available to Information Desk/Education Services volunteers. The RV pads are gravel, have sewer, water and electrical (50 AMP) hook ups (equipment not provided) on each pad. There is no washer or dryer available onsite, there is coin-operated laundry mats in all nearby towns. There is no restriction on motorhome or fifth wheel length. Pictures of the RV pads are available upon request.
Trails Volunteer
The two trail systems at the NGLVC are the Aldo Leopold Trail and the Children’s Discovery/Center Trail Systems. These are very short trails that are utilized all year round. Trail volunteers work on these two trails during various times throughout the season to conduct trail inspections, pruning, replacing signs or doing some trail tread work with a Youth Conservation Corp (YCC) crew and Forest Service employee. In the spring, volunteers are needed to help with getting the trails cleaned up and signs refreshed for the summer season. After storms or if there is a trail project, volunteers will be requested to help clear down branches, install new signs and minor repairs to the boardwalks along the trails. Orientation and training would include a safety training on use of hand tools and personal protective equipment; signing guidelines and reporting trail damage or issues. The amount of time a volunteer would like to contribute on trails is negotiable.
Gardening Volunteers
The NGLVC has gardens around the building and the Aldo Leopold Native Seed Orchard that is maintained with help from local Master Gardener volunteers; Northland College interns; YCC crew members and other volunteers. Volunteers are critical in assisting with rearing plants, conducting maintenance, pruning native shrubs in the agroforest area, planting areas with native plants and harvesting and processing native seeds. Orientation and training would include a safety training on use of hand tools and personal protective equipment; and gardening practices and techniques. We are looking for volunteers who are able to work 10 hours per week and are available from May through October to work on the garden beds, pruning and seed collection.
Contact
If you would like to speak with someone regarding volunteering in general, please contact the Ranger District for which you want to volunteer. We appreciate your willingness to donate your time and services.