With spring and summer around the corner, the White Mountain National Forest is looking for volunteers to help hikers and other visitors feel safe and welcome. An information session for prospective volunteers will take place from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 21, at the Lebanon Public Library, 9 E. Park St.
John Marunowski, the backcountry/wilderness manager for the Pemigewasset Ranger District — the district closest to the Upper Valley — said volunteers help advance the U.S. Forest Service’s mission of conservation and engagement.
“What we’re trying to do is sustain the health and diversity of our forests and meet the needs of present and future generations,” Marunowski said.
To do that, the White Mountain National Forest relies on volunteers. In the Pemigewasset Ranger District there are 200 volunteers, and Marunowski estimates that there are double that number throughout the three ranger districts that make up the forest.
Volunteers help with everything from administrative tasks to greeting visitors and helping prepare trails. They even help recruit others: The Lebanon information night and others like it around the state will be hosted by volunteers.
In particular, White Mountain National Forest is looking for trail adopters and trailhead stewards. Trail adopters help look after a length of the trail, clearing fallen trees and brush and ensuring that it is well-maintained. Trailhead stewards greet hikers at the beginning of popular trails, provide information and make sure that the visitors are properly prepared for the day in the woods.
“That really plays a big role in keeping people safe,” Marunowski said. “It prevents unneeded search and rescue.”
Backcountry stewards are volunteers who hike the trails, providing information and support to hikers they come across while helping keep the trails clear. At ranger stations, which act as the front door to the forest, volunteers provide information to visitors.
Most of the positions have a daylong training session as well as some on-the-job training. While knowledge of the outdoors and the White Mountain National Forest is beneficial, Marunowski said even people who aren’t outdoorsy are welcome to volunteer. There are administrative roles available for people of all physical abilities to become involved with the national forest. The schedule for volunteers is flexible and can accommodate most requests.
Marunowski said that in addition to being in a beautiful setting, volunteering with the White Mountain National Forest allows people to be involved hands-on with an iconic New Hampshire wilderness.
“You have a direct impact on what you’re doing,” he said. “If you maintain a trail you get to see your work at the end of the day. If you’re talking to the public, you might be talking to someone who is brand new. You may be preventing a search and rescue because you’re providing information.”
Ensuring safety — of visitors and the environment — is an important part of the volunteer opportunity.
“There’s a huge safety aspect to it,” he said. “In my eyes it’s a twofold: there’s the personal safety aspect and protecting the land.”
People who volunteer with the White Mountain National Forest help millions of visitors enjoy the White Mountains each year, while also making sure that the wilderness will be preserved well into the future.
“We are always indebted to volunteers because they provide so much time and energy,” Marunowski said. “There’s really something for everyone.”