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The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission

VSO – Trail Volunteers

new trail

*Recruitment for our Volunteer Trail Programs are currently on hold as we search for a new Trail Volunteer Coordinator.  We will post updates on this page when we are recruiting again!*

Thank you for your interest in volunteering to maintain and improve natural surface trails in Montgomery Parks. Trails are one of the most popular facilities in Montgomery Parks. Your participation with inspecting, maintaining and helping improve trails increases Montgomery Parks commitment to providing high quality trails.

How to become a Trail Volunteer

Trail Ranger Program

Trail Rangers are long term volunteers who provide quarterly trail inspections and light maintenance work on an assigned natural surface trail. Trail Rangers inspect and report trail issues that need attention to Park staff. This is a great way to make an impact on the trail(s) you may already regularly use. Minimum age to participate is 18 years old.

Trail Workday Projects

Weekend Trail Workdays are 1/2-day (9am – 12:30pm) volunteer group trail work projects open to the public with a minimum age 15 years old to participate, additionally youths 13 & 14 years old may participate if participating with an adult family member. Trail Workdays run year around and typically take place between April-June and September-November. Trail workday projects involve repairing various trail tread, drainage issues, and helping build new trails. Trail Workdays are Student Service Learning (SSL) approved.

trail volunteers

Trail Crew Leader Program

Trail Crew Leaders are long term volunteers who lead and supervise one to three 1/2 day volunteer group natural surface trail work projects per year on a specific trail in coordination with Parks Staff. Trail Crew Leaders provide an enormous benefit to Parks by engaging and leading volunteers in helping maintain and improve trails.

trail volunteers

Organized Groups

If you are an organized group interested in volunteering on a rewarding outdoor community service project to help improve park trails.

What else can I do?

  • Report safety issues and other serious trail concerns to: email Customer Service
    Make note of the nature of the issue as well as the location in terms of which park, trail name, and relation to major trail landmarks (nearest road or trail intersection, stream crossing, etc.).
  • Pick up as you go by clearing small, downed branches or trash they encounter on trail outings.