Map and Compass, Crosscut Saw training to be offered in early September

Two new volunteer training opportunities are coming up in the next few weeks!

Map and Compass Workshop
On September 5 from 9am to 4pm, volunteers Flash Parlini and Carol and Jim Miltimore will offer training in "orienteering"--the use of a map and compass--at the Carbon River Ranger Station. Sign up online for this free course!

Crosscut Saw Workshop
On September 16 from 8am to 5pm, join us at the Longmire Community Building for training in how to use that most dependable of historic trail construction tools, a crosscut saw. The training will be presented by U.S. Forest Service instructors through a grant from Boeing and a partnership with the Carhartt Center. Topics will include everything you ever wanted to know about cross-cut saws, saw-related tools, identifying binds and bucking techniques. Participants are expected to include Forest and Park Service personnel as well as volunteers and Student Conservation Association interns.

A second day of training, offered on September 17, is limited to 14 participants and will be entirely field-based. Successfully completing both days, including evaluations, will earn you a certification card. Previous crosscut or chainsaw experience is desirable. Please register online for the classroom training day, and contact Jill Baum at jbaum@thesca.org or 360-569-2211 ext. 3414 if you're also interested in attending the second day.

Other volunteer opportunities coming up
Check out our calendar at the top of the page for more volunteer opportunities, including:

Glacier Basin Trail Reroute
Join the Washington Trails Association to help rebuild the Glacier Basin Trail! Teams will be working August 29, 30, and 31; or, participate in one of WTA's "Volunteer Vacations" from September 20-27. Check out their website for details.

Stevens Canyon Reroute
The Student Conservation Association will be leading a four-day backcountry project in Stevens Canyon to continue repairs from the floods of November 2006. Details and registration are available online.

Puyallup Fair Information
Volunteers are needed to help staff the National Park Service's information booth at the Puyallup Fair. See our earlier posting for more information.

Revegetation and Planting
Join the Mount Rainier National Park Associates on September 6 for a revegetation project; details are available on their website. Or, sign up online to join one of the park service crews on September 6, September 13, or September 20 to help with planting projects at Paradise.

National Public Lands Day
Don't forget the Mother of All Volunteer Days: National Public Lands Day! Projects will be happening all over the country on this date, including several at Mount Rainier. We're still putting together a suite of projects to choose from in the Longmire area of the park, which will be followed by a barbecue or picnic open to all volunteers; and the Washington Trails Association will be continuing their work on the Glacier Basin Trail in the northeast corner of the park.