How to Find Volunteer Events at Your Local and National Forests
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Time to read 2 min
Spanning more than 190 million acres, America’s national forests and grasslands provide recreation, clean air, fresh water, and vital habitats. Without active stewardship, these forests and grasslands become vulnerable to wildfire or the effects of overuse. That’s why we partner with the National Forest Foundation to celebrate these beautiful places and help keep them wild for generations to come.
Truckee Dig Day
This year, we collaborated with the National Forest Foundation and hosted a Dig Day with the Truckee Dirt Union in the Tahoe National Forest. Together with the Truckee Dirt Union and more than fifty volunteers from across the country, we got our hands dirty hauling dirt and restoring trails to their rugged beginnings.
It was hard work that left us dusty and worn out, but we loved every minute of it. There’s nothing quite like getting outside with the sole purpose of working hard in a place loved by so many.
"What makes events like this so special is the people. There’s something about working side by side in the dirt, giving back to the land, that brings folks together in a way nothing else does."
Volunteering in our National Forests is one of the most meaningful ways we can give back. If you’ve wanted to volunteer at your local or national forests, but aren’t sure how to get started, these are our favorite ways to find events across the country.
Find Your Forest
There are 154 National Forests and 20 National Grasslands across the U.S. Chances are, there’s a volunteer event at a forest near you. The U.S. Forest Service and its nonprofit partners host events throughout the year. The best ways to find events are to:
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Search on Volunteer.gov
Filter by state, activity, or availability to find seasonal and annual events. -
Contact your local ranger.
Call the visitor center at your favorite forest. Staff can connect you to ongoing projects or seasonal needs. -
Follow partner organizations on social media.
Groups like the National Forest Foundation, American Hiking Society, and Student Conservation Association host events and service trips throughout the year. Follow their social media accounts or subscribe to their newsletters for the most up-to-date information. -
Lead a volunteer event.
The U.S. Forest Service needs volunteer managers to lead events. You can contact the Forest Service directly to ask about their current openings and upcoming events.
Every trail we hike, lake we paddle, and forest we explore is a shared legacy that connects us to the wild and to one another. Volunteering in our national forests isn’t just about picking up trash or maintaining trails—it’s about hard work in the places that work hard for us. So grab your work gloves, a National Forest product that gives back, and get ready to get dusty in your favorite forest!
