Volunteer Newsletter - June 2015

Interpretive Training June 1-12

Most sessions are already full to capacity, but you can be added to a waiting list in case there are cancellations. See the volunteer blog for schedule details.

Part-time Campground Hosts Needed!

We're still looking for people to host volunteers at the Longmire Campground this summer. If you can help even for a few weekends, contact Kevin_Bacher (at) nps.gov

MRNPA Work Party June 13

The next Mount Rainier National Park Associates trails work party will be on Saturday, June 13th.  The crew will be repairing the section of the Wonderland Trail in Stevens Canyon which was damaged during the winter.

If you plan to attend this June 13th trails work party, please reply to volunteer (at) mrnpa.org. Additional details can be found on our blog at rainiervolunteers.blogspot.com.

Future MRNPA Projects

If you miss out on the June 13th work party, MRNPA offers plenty more opportunities to "get down and dirty." They will be doing trails projects in the Park every weekend throughout the summer. Visit their website at mrnpa.org and click on the "Volunteer" tab for their listings.

Meadow Rover and MeadoWatch Training June 13-14

Meadow Rover/Meadow Watch training dates and locations have been finalized, and are different than the tentative dates advertised last month. On Saturday, June 13th, MeadoWatch training will start at 10:30 AM to be followed by Meadow Rover training at 12:30 PM. Advanced Meadow Rover training will be held on Sunday June 14th from 9 AM - 3:30 PM. These trainings will all be conducted in the Longmire Community Building. Please join us there!

Returning Rovers and Spring Opening

Want to get an early start roving? We need you on the Mountain! Lack of snow means greater accessibility to trails and (unfortunately) meadows. Rovers are needed now at both Paradise and Sunrise. Contact MORA_Meadow_Rovers (at) nps.gov to RSVP. Use the same contact information if you'd like to help with Spring Opening.

Butterfly Surveys Begin Earlier

With the snow disappearing and wildflowers emerging at the higher elevations, the Cascades Butterfly Survey project will be starting earlier than expected this year. Training is scheduled for Tuesday, June 30 at Sunrise. Volunteers who are interested in participating should meet in the parking lot in front of the Visitor Center (near the water fountain) at 10 AM. The session will include an introduction to the program by Regina Rochefort, followed by identification practice during a short hike to the walk-in campground. Bring your lunch!

Amphibian Surveys

Want to count frogs, newts and salamanders? Amphibian Surveys begin next month. If you've signed up to participate in this citizen science project, you should be hearing from the coordinator early in July.

All-Park Orientation and Annual Safety Meeting

Volunteers are encouraged to attend the annual All-Park Orientation and Safety Meeting on June 24. Please watch rainiervolunteers.blogspot.com for more details.

Fourth of July Parade

As in past years, paid staff and volunteers are invited to represent the Park in Eatonville's Fourth of July parade. Details to be announced later.

Volunteer Picnics

Our annual Volunteer Picnics (Longmire and Sunrise) will be held on August 14 and 15 this year. Food will be provided at both events. Watch the blog for more details.