3rd Annual Keep Wildlife Wild - Volunteers Needed!

Mount Rainier National Park will host its third annual Keep Wildlife Wild event on August 6th in an effort to educate visitors on their impacts on wildlife. The day will focus on wildlife protection and education to keep Mount Rainier’s wildlife wild.

Volunteers are needed to hand out information on wildlife feeding and patrol areas of high visitor use. Volunteers will be asked to man kiosks in groups while talking to visitors and providing information on park wildlife and the dangers of wildlife feeding. Additionally, volunteers will be asked to haze animals that are approaching visitors to beg for food. Active hazing will keep wildlife from obtaining food and set an example for those people who may be tempted to feed.

An orientation will be provided the morning of the event and a review of the day will follow with pizza. Volunteers will be provided a T-shirt and hat to wear, and camping may be available for either Friday or Saturday nights with prior notice.

If you have questions or would like to volunteer, please contact Sarah Yates at 360-569-6774, Sarah_Yates@nps.gov.


More information on the “Keep Wildlife Wild” program can be found at http://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/keep-wildlife-wild.htm.

Backcountry Patrol

Type: Long-term and intermittent individuals
Dates: Year-round
Status: Not currently recruiting, but open to inquiries; may hire interns this summer through the Student Conservation Association if funding permits

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's wilderness backcountry is extensive. A small team of volunteers supplements seasonal park staff to patrol the park's hundreds of miles of trails, assisting visitors, checking backcountry permits, and performing minor trail and campsite maintenance. These additional eyes and ears are especially helpful during the busy summer, and in remote parts of the park like Carbon River.

For more information: While the park is not currently recruiting additional volunteers in this area, inquiries are welcome. Direct them to West District Ranger Daniel Camiccia at 360-569-2211 ext. 3419; East District Ranger Geoff Walker at 360-569-6031; or Carbon River Ranger Jim Hull at 360-829-9639.
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Japan Volunteers-in-Parks Association Hosts

Type: Local individuals or families
Dates: late August to early September
Status: Now seeking volunteer hosts near Ashford or Eatonville

Quick summary: Every year since 1994, the Japan Volunteers-in-Parks Association (J-VIPA) has brought a team of students to Mount Rainier from Waseda University in Japan to conduct volunteer work through the park's maintenance program. To reduce costs and facilitate visas, the students stay with host families in the community.
 
For more information, or to participate in this great international exchange opportunity by hosting a student or assisting with the group, contact J-VIPA Coordinator Mika Moore at 360-569-2211 ext. 2379
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Public Outreach Volunteers

Type: Short-term or intermittent individuals
Dates: June through September
Status: Recruiting interested individuals

Quick summary: Mount Rainier's Outreach program works both with members of communities surrounding the park, and with programs that bring community members to the park. Every year, volunteers are needed to represent the park in the Eatonville 4th of July Parade, and at a booth throughout the duration of the Puyallup Fair. Volunteers may also help with five overnight "Camping Adventures with My Parents" programs during the summer. In the future, volunteers may also be trained to represent the park at meetings with community groups throughout the region.

For more information or to participate: Contact Volunteer and Outreach Program Manager Kevin Bacher at 360-569-2211 ext. 3385.
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