This amazing 245 acre park landscape is convenient to three urban areas, and two thirds of its visitors come to enjoy the nearly five miles of hiking trails. through farm, fields and forests, along many of the same trails the Sandburg family enjoyed. Although we don’t have any mountain bike trails, many of these visitors also bring along canine companions.
Trail Rovers provide an important contact with visitors and hikers and are an essential part of our visitor services team, who strive to protect these treasures for all to enjoy. Rovers offer directions, answer questions about flora and fauna, promote trail safety, and encourage exploration. They are also important in ensuring visitors abide by park rules such as staying on designated trails and keeping dogs on a leash. Learn more about the Bark Ranger Program which promotes responsible pet behavior on park trails
Find out more about joining us as a Volunteer Trail Rover by exploring the following information:
Rover Volunteer Program Orientation
Trail Rover duties are to essentially provide a friendly park staff presence on the trails and roads! Our mission together is to preserve and protect this landscape and its resources and stories, so that this and future generations can enjoy it. Check out the information below to learn more about volunteering as a Rover here at Carl Sandburg Home National Historic Site.
Position Expectations
Assist visitors with their questions (i.e. lake/bridge status, directions back to parking lot, barn, restrooms, house)
Informing visitors of park policies such as staying on the trails, not picking flowers, Leave No Trace ethic, and pet restrictions as well as explaining the reasoning behind those policies. Note: DO NOT attempt to enforce park rules such as mask-wearing, dog leash requirement, cleaning up after pet, entering areas closed to the public. Refer to: De-escalation techniques; review the SLOW Poster handout.
Educating visitors about the natural and cultural history of the Carl Sandburg Home and Connemara Farms.
Distributing pet waste bags to dog walkers if it seems they have run out
Offering brochures and other written materials to visitors if there is interest
Providing visitor assistance in emergencies to the level for which the volunteer has been trained. (Such as, helping visitors in urgent need of assistance, such as sprained ankle, chest pain, etc.) Call the main office number, or supervisor, or any available staff for emergency assistance. In case of a life-threatening emergency, FIRST CALL 911
Reporting resource or safety issues that may require management’s attention, such as damaged trees, broken limbs, wasp or yellowjacket nests, washed out trails, graffiti, evidence of “campfires”, etc.
Notify staff of visitors that are not compliant or distressed in any way!
There may be opportunities to assist at special events throughout the year.
Completing all required training and orientation requirements, such as annual safety and Rover training.
Abide by current CDC and NPS Covid guidelines.
Practicing all safety procedures and using all required equipment always including the use of a radio while roving.
Following check in procedures before going out on a rove, sticking to the route you proposed at check, and checking out after the day’s rove.
Commit one shift per week for a minimum of three months during the Spring, Summer, or Fall seasons.although year round is welcome. Shifts are offered for am and pm shifts 4 days a week, in two hour blocks
Have good people skills including patience, communication, and a friendly disposition.
Be able to react calmly, safely, and maturely in stressful and emergency situations.
Be in good physical condition for hiking on uneven terrain at elevations in a locations that are prone to high winds, high sun and heat exposure, rain, and conditions that can change rapidly.
Have (or be willing to attain) knowledge of park rules and regulations as well as information on vegetation, wildlife, history, geography, and geology.
Ability to work independently, in a group, and with a partner.
You will have an easily identifiable visible presence on the trail as a park volunteer by wearing a volunteer shirt with a patch.
Our standard uniform includes a Khaki volunteer work shirt (long or short sleeve) with a volunteer patch on the sleeve. As well as a volunteer baseball cap or sun hat. These items are provided by the Volunteer Program.
Trail Rovers are responsible for supplying their own khaki pants (suitable for hiking) and hiking boots.
Trail Rovers should not be in open toed shoes or sandals of any kind. Sunglasses are permitted (and encouraged) but should be removed when talking with visitors.
This is required for all new rovers. We will cover the purpose and intent of the rover program, visitor engagement strategies, answering FAQ's, check in and out procedures, and safety operations
We will also provide hands on experience using a park radio, conduct a site orientation and ensure you are well prepared for your first rove. Returning rovers may also attend this refresher to fulfill their seasonal training requirement.
These sessions are available to all returning rovers and any new rovers who have attended the Intro to Trail Roving Orientation. We will cover updated procedures and contacts for the year as well has provide in depth mini trainings for improving your Trail Rover Knowledge and skills like plant identification, communicating with various visitor demographics, and way finding. If there are specific things you would like included in these trainings let your program manager know. If you are unable to make it to any of the times available, you must schedule a personal orientation with your Trail Rover Coordinator.
Rover Shift Protocols
Trail Rovers are scheduled on a monthly basis, through the Trail Rover Volunteer Coordinator. Eight rover shifts are available per week. The schedule is four days a week: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. AM and PM shifts include 10:00 – 12:00, and 12:30-2:30. Plan to get here early to allow time to park and walk up to Main House to Check in and get your Trail Pack! Have a route in mind for the day, but also have alternatives.
Before you start your rove, you will check in at the Main House Visitor Center at your start time. Be familiar with the trail(s) you are walking and where they are on the park unigrid as well as the trail map. Have extra’s of each of these for visitors!
Sign in at the front desk using the QR code on the sign in sheet
Identify your planned routes for the day on the sheet provided.
Check out a radio and record the radio number you are using for the day
Check out a counter for keeping track of the number of contacts for the day
Check in with front desk staff for any news to know, to replenish brochures or supplies or to report a concern or issue
Your primary responsibility is to be a resource for visitors on the trails. The challenge of the front lake bridge being out, as well as remote parking, and limited accessibility all provide a need for timely and helpful visitor information.
You will need to be prepared to have a thorough knowledge of park parking areas, and accessible parking, as well as restrooms as these are some of the most relevant needs. You may also be providing information about shuttle routes and using the radio to support this operation.
Developing increased knowledge of the resource is rewarding for yourself, but also for park visitors who then have access to that information through you. Be prepared to answer questions, offer solutions, and direct people to find the information they seek.
Occasionally, you may need to engage with visitors around following park rules, such as dogs on leash, and guidance such as please don’t pick the flowers. This is done in a friendly and non-threatening manner you are not expected to be an “enforcer” of those rules.
We will offer Customer Service Training as a prerequisite to first Trail Rover shift.
When you have completed your rove for the day you MUST check out at the visitor center, return your radio and counter, record how many people you contacted, and sign the check-out sheet (same as sign in sheet, different column).
We want to know you have returned safely from your official Rover shift, and you certainly want to get credit for the hours you have volunteered. If you don’t check out, we will be calling contacts, and or sending out a search party.
Rover Safety: Be Prepared
There are five miles of trails that meander up and around the lake, and Little Glassy and Big Glassy mountains. The terrain can be steep. In wet weather conditions trails can be very muddy and slick. Most trails are uneven, have roots and pits and can be covered in leaves so these roots and pits are difficult to see.There is a large amount of poison ivy along many trails and on many trees adjacent to the trails. It is advised to stay on the trails to stay clear of poison ivy and any other plants or animals that may live off the trail.
If at any time weather conditions change or you feel unsure about going forward, turn around and head back to the visitor center. If storms roll in and there is a chance of lightning, head back to the visitor center. More on hiking safety
Essential Rover Equipment: Radios, map/brochure, water, snack, phone/contacts, sunglasses, first aid kit, hat
Optional Rover Equipment: sunscreen, insect repellant, layered clothing (moisture wicking for seasonal temperature changes)
Radios are required for Trail Rovers. Radios are checked out from the Main House VC. The Rover Training will include a hands-on tutorial for using a park radio and you can also reference Radio Protocol for outlined instruction.
Radios are to be used only for communication that is of immediate importance. Radio’s are used primarily in visitor services division at main house and with shuttle operations.
Please always have your radio on and at an audible volume (you can turn it down when talking with visitors). The Visitor Services team may try to reach you through radio so please be listening.
Carl Sandburg Home and grounds reflect a cultural landscape, woodland forests, grassy meadows and pastures, freshwater lakes and ponds, rock outcrops, and hardwood forests. This diverse habitat supports a rich ecosystem with typical wildlife for this region such as black bear, deer, turkey, bobcats, racoons, opossum, and of course a variety of birds, snakes, spiders and bees and other insects. Though encounters with the larger wildlife are rare, bears are occasionally sighted on trails.
Remember: No wildlife should ever be approached, fed or harassed in any way, and should always be viewed from a distance. Please demonstrate and share this with hikers as needed. If a bear is sighted, encourage visitors to observe from a safe distance and let the animal go its own way. You may step away and quietly radio the Main House as an FYI.
Snakes, particularly Copperhead and Rattlesnakes, are residents of the forests and special care should be taken on trails during late summer, not to step on them. In the event of a snakebit, call 911 and inform the park via radio the location and nature of the situation. Keeping dogs on a leash is a great way for visitors to show respect to wildlife!
Summer thunderstorms: check weather and dress in layers as afternoon storms are common. Check the weather before your shift and consider using a weather app for up to date weather conditions.
Seasonal Insects: The forest and meadow habitat support many beneficial insects, as well as some stinging insects including bees and wasps, heavy rain may bring more mosquitoes, and ticks are common in eastern forests. Consider bug repellant and always check for ticks when you walk in the woods especially in summer.
Snakes and other wildlife encounters: Learn to recognize venomous snakes such as rattlesnakes and copperheads. They enjoy rock outcrops and trail crossings just like we do. Watch where you put your hands and feet.
Winter Ice and Snow: The park management team will monitor weather and notify all park staff of any expected changes in operations such as trail closures, park closures, or weather advisories based on our Severe Weather Action Plan.
As a Trail Rover, there is the possibility that you may be the first on the scene of an accident, and we want you to feel prepared and supported should a situation arise. Please try your best to stay calm and rational and keep those involved as well as any bystanders calm too.
Reporting an emergency is almost always the first action to be taken. 9-1-1 can be dialed from any phone and they will initiate a rapid response in your area. After you dial 911 radio all units that you have called 911 add your location and if you need any assistance. Emergencies should be reported through park radio. The standard call for an emergency: Main House, (your name or radio number), (your location), Emergency Traffic." State your emergency!
Main House will then ask you for incident details and give you further instructions. (Such as Main House calls 911, you stay with the injured and provide assistance). See the Radio tab for more information on standard radio practice.
Aside from reporting, volunteers are not required to give any assistance that would put them in danger or that requires a level of training they do not possess. If you have the training and skills to safely and effectively help the situation, send someone else to get and then get involved. After thoroughly assessing the situation, if you are doubtful of your ability to help, wait for help to arrive. In all circumstances reporting the accident and getting help is top priority.
Weather in the mountains changes quickly, from afternoon thunderstorms to frequent high winds! Seasonal snow, and icy roads themselves may impact getting to and from the park as well as opening the park safely to the public. All staff and volunteers will be notified if weather impacts operating hours.
If weather conditions deteriorate or deviate from the forecast while the park is open, you will be notified by your coordinator. Estimates of a possible severe weather event that shows potential to impact CARL will come from the Greenville-Spartanburg National Weather Service in Greenville, SC, local news and the regional office.
Park Incident Management Team members will utilize these sources as a decision support tool to prepare the park and staff for the severe weather event, up to and including closing the park.
The park's safety goal of 0 incidents can only be realized if all park staff, volunteers, and visitors proactively work towards that goal. As a volunteer we ask that you are aware of your surroundings when in the park and speak up when you see something that is unsafe whether it relates to your job, the job of another employee or volunteer, or the experience of a visitor
.If the situation puts a person in immediate danger, gently approach that person and explain what you see and the possible consequences of the situation, then report to your supervisor. If the situation is not urgent, contact your supervisor, explain the situation and ask what you can do to help mitigate the risk.
Park Contacts
Call 911 for any emergency that is life threatening or per request. Then use Radio to connect to Main House for futher assitance.
Trail Volunteer Coordinator: 828-273-4423
ANP Bookstore: 415-350-8227 Laura Moody Store Manager
Park Superintendent: Polly Angelakis 828- 690-0266 703-799-0533
Visitor Services Manager: vacant
Resource Manager: vacant
Check out our Expanded Rover Resources page for FAQ’s about the lake bridge, rock outcrops, farm, and Sandburg family, as well as tips to engage and inspire great visitor interactions!
