Hike with a Purpose!

Volunteers are needed to hike popular trails in the park, such as trails to Comet Falls, Summerland, and Spray Park (3-4 hour round trip hikes); this is to support research on trail conditions and crowding in the park.

Along the trail, volunteers would record the number and time they passed each park visitor. Volunteers would be required to spend a set amount of time at the destination (likely around 20 - 30 minutes) and then asked to record the number and time they pass visitors on their return to the trailhead.

We need approximately 12 - 15 people for this project. Due to a desire for consistent data, preference will be given to folks that can commit to hiking 6 or more surveys (trails to destination and back) on a variety of days.

Required skills:

Diligence in accurately recording encounters
Faithful and timely return of clearly recorded data
The ability to hike in the manner of an "average visitor" (sorry, no trail running)
You will be able to pre-select dates
The ability to fulfill the hiking project in sub-optimal weather (days deemed unsafe for travel will be re-scheduled)
Ability to begin survey at a set time and location (trailhead)

If you are able to fulfill the above description and are interested in Hiking with a Purpose! We would love to talk to you. Please send an email and describe your interest, schedule flexibility and contact information to: shannon_hagen@nps.gov

Meadow Rover Review

Quick notes on a variety of topics!

Meadow Rover Training

Awesome success!  I enjoyed seeing all of you again and greeting the 50+ new rovers. We are going to have a terrific season.  Please check with the Sunrise or Paradise supervisors regarding the 1 Mile Solo restrictions...we are working on the waiver and should have details soon.

Left after training, the following items - let me know if they sound familiar!
   Ladies pull-over fleece L.L Bean
   Blue hard plastic coffee cup with lid
   Red neckerchief
   Spiral notebook with pen attached - lots of notes written but no name

Hike with a Purpose

Several rovers have inquired about combining Meadow Roving with "Hike with a Purpose".  This particular project involves back country trails and is not part of the Meadow Rovers duties.  However, it is another opportunity to help spread your love of this special place.  If you are interested, there is a previous blog on the topic or contact Shannon_Hagen@nps.gov. or myself.

Volunteer Agreements

If you were not at training, and have not as yet done so, you will need to complete a new volunteer agreement.  I can send you an electronic copy, or you may fill one out the first time you come to rove.

As always, keep on roving and thank you for all the help that is offered.

Maureen McLean
Coordinator MORA Meadow Rovers

Seeking volunteers to hike backcountry trails for social science research!

To support ongoing social science research (on trail conditions and crowding) in Mount Rainier National Park, we are soliciting volunteers to Hike With a Purpose!

Volunteers would be asked to hike 3 popular trails in the park to destinations like Comet Falls, Summerland, and Spray Park (3-4 hour round trip hikes). Along the trail, volunteers would record the number and time they passed each park visitor. Volunteers would be required to spend a set amount of time at the destination (likely around 20 - 30 minutes) and then asked to record the number and time they pass visitors on their return to the trailhead.

We need approximately 12 - 15 people for this project. Due to a desire for consistent data, preference will be given to folks that can commit to hiking 6 or more surveys (trails to destination and back) on a variety of days.

Required skills:

• Diligence in accurately recording encounters
• Faithful and timely return of clearly recorded data
• The ability to hike in the manner of a "average visitor" (sorry, no trail running)
• You will be able to pre-select dates
• The ability to fulfill the hiking project in sub-optimal weather (days deemed unsafe for travel will be re-scheduled)
• Ability to begin survey at a set time and location (trailhead)
• Ability to coordinate with Natural and Cultural Resources staff to sign the needed Volunteer paperwork

Entrance to Mount Rainier is free for working Volunteers. Camping may be arranged for Volunteers that will be working for multiple days in a row.

If you are able to fulfill the above description and are interested in Hiking with a Purpose! we would love to talk to you. Please send an email and describe your interest, schedule flexibility and contact information to: shannon_hagen@nps.gov. Thanks for your help!

[Is this the perfect volunteer job or what? - editor]