Volunteerism is a rewarding activity that can be beneficial to both the volunteer and the people or the community being served. Volunteering in a Virginia State Park is both challenging as well as rewarding. Our parks serve many purposes and, therefore, offer a variety of opportunities to get involved.

Interested in building a trail, planting a pollinator garden, leading a bird walk, planning park events, hosting fundraisers, educating park visitors or building a bench for people to enjoy for years to come? Perhaps you want to share your favorite park activity with guests or teach someone an interesting skill.  There are many ways to do just that as a volunteer in a Virginia State Park!

Volunteerism develops life skills as well as friendships.

There are several designated service days throughout the year - Martin Luther King Day of Service, National Service Recognition Day in April, and September 11 Day of Service and Remembrance.  Many parks host special volunteer projects on these days or community events that utilize volunteers. Service days are a great time to get involved if you are new to volunteering. Preplanned activities are designed to be fun and rewarding and park staff are on hand to assist with each activity.  

Building Owl Boxes is a unique and fun Day of Service project.

Volunteering with family and friends builds camaraderie and lifelong memories. People who regularly volunteer in their communities report happier and healthier lives. Children and teens who engage in volunteerism learn new skills, collaborate as a team, meet new people and make friends, gain a feeling of accomplishment, feel invested in their community and develop a sense of pride by helping others. Volunteering is also good for developing job skills, building a resume, networking, gaining real world experience and exploring new interests.  

Volunteers maintain trails and waterways.

Looking for long-term or organized volunteer opportunities? We’ve got that too! Virginia Service and Conservation Corps is an official AmeriCorps program where members fulfill critical needs in Virginia State Parks through civic engagement and service. AmeriCorps members serve approximately 37 hours per week in a Virginia State Park. They learn to be stewards of the environment, maintain trails and waterways, work to improve public lands and provide educational opportunities while interacting with park visitors.

AmeriCorps members are eligible for a living stipend and educational award for their service. Members gain valuable skills and many go on to pursue careers in environmental or conservation fields. Youth Conservation Corps is a similar program designed specifically for high school students who serve three weeks in the summer and earn a stipend while engaging in environmental stewardship and community service. More information about the Virginia Service and Conservation Corps can be found here.

AmeriCorps members install the new bench they built on the pond
at Westmoreland State Park.

Many state parks have “Friends Groups” that serve a vital role in offering services, events and maintained facilities for guest use and enjoyment. Friends Groups consist of local supporters who organize projects, fundraise, host events and engage in advocacy opportunities. More information about Friends Groups can be found here.

Additionally, the Virginia Association for Parks is a statewide organization that supports all of the Virginia State Parks as well as National Parks and regional parks. They offer volunteer resources and serve as the advocacy voice on local, state and national levels. Learn more about the Virginia Association for Parks here.

Friends Groups support the parks by organizing projects and
events, fundraising and advocating.