Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Jefferson Memorial Forest & Natural Areas Division!

Jefferson Memorial Forest is the home of the Natural Areas Division which is responsible for managing over 7,000 acres and nearly 60 miles of hiking and equestrian trails spread over six properties! Needless to say, we rely heavily on the support of hundreds of volunteers to meet our mission. We invite you to learn more about how you can help us.

Individual volunteers must be 18 or older. Those younger than 18 are encouraged to volunteer with supervision and consent for special project days or with groups. All volunteers must be willing to commit to 10 service hours per calendar year to remain active. All volunteers working with children will be required to submit to and pass a background check (18 & up).

After submitting a Volunteer Application, you will receive information regarding Volunteer Orientation dates and times. We require all new volunteers to attend a session. You will learn about the Natural Areas Division and Jefferson Memorial Forest and how to get started on your volunteer journey.

Not ready to jump into a commitment, want to try something new or need just a few service hours for school? Join us on one of our upcoming project days. Volunteers work on land management and trail support efforts such as invasive plant removal, clean-ups, mulching, trail maintenance and repair, or clipping back overhanging/encroaching vegetation.

Service projects are a great way for your employees, clubs or groups to experience nature while giving back to the community. Get the satisfaction of a job well done by offering your group’s enthusiasm on a service project. Projects are available for groups of all sizes, and generally last three to four hours. Tools, gloves and other supplies are provided; just bring your desire to help! Please contact us for more information.

Scouts have a long history of involvement with Jefferson Memorial Forest. For 25 years, until 1989, the Boy Scouts of America managed the Horine Reservation as a Boy Scout Camp before it was incorporated into Jefferson Memorial Forest. Today, boy and girl scouts help the Forest and other Natural Areas through troop projects such as mulching, gardening and litter patrols, as well as Life Scouts in pursuit of specialized Eagle Scout projects. Please contact us today to discuss potential opportunities for your troop or Eagle project!