Shenandoah’s volunteer program is a powerful force that provides vital support and creates enthusiastic advocates for the park’s mission. Each year, approximately 700 volunteers donate more than 42,000 hours of their time to the park – an effort worth an astonishing $1.2 million in services and a priceless investment in building community connections. Volunteers perform backcountry patrols, wildlife surveys, astronomy and other interpretive programs, geologic research, and archaeological work. Our funding helps cover the cost of supplies, housing, uniforms, and vehicles, as well as the staff integral to coordinating this key program.
Project Title: Volunteer and Youth Project Lead
Project Purpose: to provide knowledgeable, hands-on support to volunteer conservation crews, corporate groups, youth groups, and large volunteer organizations.
Project Goals:
- to enable the volunteer program to increase its capacity to establish new partnerships and initiatives by leveraging youth crews, interns, and other community resources
- to plan and coordinate volunteer events, including Show Your Love for Shenandoah
- to coordinate the Artist-in-Residence program, Shenandoah Youth Corps, Groundwork RVA, Art 180, SoulTrak, and other groups.
Project Impact: The Volunteer and Youth Project Lead will amplify efforts in conservation, inclusivity, and collaboration. Projects, groups, and crews coordinated and lead by the Volunteer and Youth Lead will contribute many thousands of hours of conservation work, 51,000 hours in 2023, to preserve and enhance the natural and cultural resources of the park. The Lead will continue to collaborate and build new relationships with groups to welcome youth from historically underrepresented groups in the park for education, recreation, and service events. They will emphasize involvement from all members of groups, encouraging individuals to bring their full selves to the park. The Lead will encourage communication and collaboration with many groups who contribute to the conservation of Shenandoah National Park including the Appalachian Conservation Corps (ACC) and Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC). These collaborations permit expertise exchange, efficiently utilize resources, and welcome many new perspectives to the park.
Project Funding: $75,000 in FY25 and $77,000 in FY26
In 2024…
· Leah (Volunteer & Youth Coordinator) led the Artist in Residence program through the final program of calendar year 2023, the recruitment of 2024 Artists, and coordinated interviews leading to their selection.
· She ensured that PATC volunteers had appropriate paperwork completed, passes to enter the Park, and participated in meetings to maintain a high-functioning relationship.
· Leah stewarded an ACC crew through their time in Shenandoah ensuring they had clear work plans and opportunities for their experience to be enhanced through collaboration with other divisions.
o The crew gave 1,194 hours of service to the Park in October and November 2024
· She co-led a visiting volunteer group who accomplished several trail maintenance projects throughout the Park and donated 352 hours of service.
· Leah initially lead the teams to create plans for 2024 Show Your Love for Shenandoah and various youth group visits