Volunteer

Volunteers clearing non-native plants

NPS photo

Volunteering is an American tradition that has made an immeasurable contribution to communities, organizations, and individuals throughout the country. Today's volunteers are active, dynamic, creative individuals who possess the skills, desire, patience, and time to accomplish a wide variety of tasks.

Volunteers-In-Parks are Very Important People (VIPs)! VIPs come from all over the country to help preserve and protect America's natural and cultural heritage for the enjoyment of this and future generations. Volunteers of all ages give of their time and expertise to help achieve the National Park Service mission.

Please consider volunteering your time and talent at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. You will enjoy putting your skills to work in this beautiful setting, and you will meet many other fine people who have similar interests.

We are grateful for the generosity and dedication of so many volunteers who contribute their time and skills to making Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore the beautiful, educational destination that it is today.

 

When Can We Volunteer?
Most volunteer activity occurs from May through October. Some people volunteer in the winter helping with school group visits and visitor contact.

 

Volunteer working at the Au Sable Lighthouse

NPS photo

What Do Volunteers Do?
Volunteers have assisted park staff in each operational division, though most volunteers assist in the maintenance, visitor services, interpretation and education, and science divisions.

• Artist in Residence (on hold at present)
• B.A.R.K. Ranger Ambassador - pet education
• Backcountry trails roving, monitoring, and informal interpretation
• Campground Hosts at Hurricane River and Twelvemile Beach Campgrounds
• Clean-up efforts such as trash pickup
• Exotic plant monitoring and eradication
• Planting native plants
• Monitoring endangered species (e.g. piping plover)
• Backcountry trail construction and maintenance
• Ski trail monitoring
• Au Sable Light Station interpretation
• Visitor center desk staffing
• Fall and winter environmental education programs
• Photography projects
• Manual labor to stabilize and rehabilitate historic structures and landscapes.

 

Current Volunteer Opportunities

 

Au Sable Light Station Volunteers

Application now open for 2024 season! We are seeking volunteers for the month of June. See more information and apply here!

 

Become a BARK Ranger Ambassador

NPS/Reece

Bark Ranger Ambassador

Volunteers and their well-behaved canine companions can become BARK Ranger Ambassadors! Volunteers spread awareness of the park's pet rules and regulations with dog owners so they can properly enjoy the park with their pets. Volunteers are trained on how to approach visitors and explain the importance of the BARK Ranger rules. B.A.R.K. stands for:

• Bag your pet’s waste
• Always leash your pet
• Respect wildlife
• Know where you can go

Volunteer responsibilities vary from setting up a table with B.A.R.K. and pet information to roving trails and overlooks and approaching visitors to share BARK rules. Pets who volunteer also model good behavior. Email the park's volunteer coordinator for more information.

 

How Long May I Volunteer?
Your contribution depends on the type of work and the time you have to offer. Scout groups often complete one or two day work projects as they hike the park's segment of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Organized volunteer trail crews from universities or other organizations normally work a week or more in the park. Campground hosts are asked to sign up for a minimum four week stay.

Volunteers are provided a VIP uniform and protective gear if required. Housing may be available for long-term volunteers.

 

How Do I Become A VIP?
Look and apply for volunteer opportunities at www.volunteer.gov. Or send your resume, interests, and availability dates to the Volunteer Coordinator:

Volunteer Program Coordinator
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
P.O. Box 40
Munising, MI 49862
email

 

Return to top of page