Volunteers Needed to Staff Information Center at Clingmans Dome

Volunteers Needed to Staff Information Center at Clingmans Dome

Saturday, March 1, 2014

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Great Smoky Mountain National Park is recruiting volunteers to staff the Information Center at Clingmans Dome, from April 1 through November 30, 2014. The center sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is a source of information for the national park. Volunteers are needed to provide educational, recreational and trip planning information.

Until recent years, visitors to this popular destination did not have a chance to regularly obtain information about the park. With the help of volunteers staffing the center and walking along the Tower Trail, visitors can inquire and learn about the trails and interesting facets of the high elevation spruce-fir ecosystem.

Other helpful services provided include the ability to purchase guides, maps, outdoor apparel, and other products sold by the Great Smoky Mountain s Association (GSMA). GSMA is a primary park partner and is involved in a number of projects to improve the visitors’ experience.

Volunteers will be working alongside GSMA employees and each volunteer is asked to work at least one four-hour shift per week, either 9:30 am until 1:30 pm or 1:00 pm until 5:00 pm. Volunteers are needed to fill all days of the week, but especially Friday through Sunday. Interested persons will be provided orientation and training before their tour of duty.

Volunteers will be needed during peak season, from April 1 through November 30. Training will be held at the Oconaluftee Administration Building north of Cherokee, North Carolina on Thursday, March 13, 2014. To sign up for this volunteer program or for more information, please contact Florie Takaki at 828/497-1906 or by email Monday through Friday.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Volunteers Needed to Staff Information Center at Clingmans Dome

Volunteers Needed to Staff Information Center at Clingmans Dome

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to help staff the visitor information center at Clingmans Dome through November 30th.

The visitor information center at Clingmans Dome sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and is a point source of information for the national park and the high elevation spruce fir ecosystem, in particular. Volunteers are needed to assist in educating visitors about the Park while also providing recreational, trip planning, and directional information. The information center, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, originally served as a comfort station, but was converted into a seasonal information center in 2010. It also includes a bookstore area managed by the Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA).

"In the past, visitors to this popular destination did not have a chance to obtain information on their high elevation visit or have questions answered," said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. "Now with the help of volunteers staffing the center, visitors can inquire and learn about the spruce fir ecosystem and the impacts of invasive insects, such as the balsam woolly adelgid, and air quality."

Many other helpful services are available, including the ability to purchase guides and maps, outdoor apparel, and other products sold by GSMA. Volunteers will be working alongside GSMA employees and each volunteer is asked to work at least one four-hour shift per week. About twelve new volunteers are needed to fill all days of the week, but especially from Friday through Sunday. The hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested persons will be provided orientation and training before beginning at the contact station. The period that volunteers will be needed is during the peak season, April through November. Training will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Friday, May 17th.

To sign up for training or for more information, contact Florie Takaki at 828-497-1906 or by email, Monday through Fridays.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Park Volunteers Needed for Roving Oconaluftee Area

Park Volunteers Needed for Roving Oconaluftee Area

Thursday, April 11, 2013

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to assist park visitors by roving the Oconaluftee River Trail, Mountain Farm Museum and fields along Highway 441 (Newfound Gap Road). The volunteer positions will be available from now through November 9, 2013.

These volunteers will provide information regarding various park regulations including littering, disturbing wildlife, approaching wildlife, historical information, wildflowers and recommend the best areas for viewing fall leaf colors in the Park. In the presence of elk in the fields along Newfound Gap Road, volunteers assist Rangers and other park staff in traffic management, and provide visitors with information on viewing the elk and their role in Great Smoky Mountain National Park.

Interested persons are required to attend one orientation and training session which will be given on Friday, April 26 from 10:00 am until 3:00 pm at the Oconaluftee Multi-purpose Room in the old park visitor center near Cherokee, NC. To register for the training, or for more information, contact the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at 828/497-1904.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Long-time Smokies Volunteer Wins Hartzog Award

Long-time Smokies Volunteer Wins Hartzog Award

Saturday, February 23, 2013

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This past Thursday night seven Park Rangers and Volunteers were honored in Washington, DC for their outstanding service to the National Park Service. The seven received the 2012 Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award and the Hartzog Awards for Outstanding Volunteer Service.

The National Park Service and the National Park Foundation presented Ranger Brandon Torres from the Grand Canyon with the 2012 Harry Yount National Park Ranger Award for excellence in the art of rangering. Named after the first known park ranger, the award is the agency’s most prestigious ranger honor.

Among the six volunteers receiving Hartzog Awards was Robin Goddard from Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Goddard, who received the Hartzog Enduring Volunteer Service Award, was recognized as an excellent interpreter, teacher, storyteller, and trainer that has provided more than 12,000 hours of outstanding volunteer service over the last 43 years.

"Robin has developed material for curriculum-based programs, taught countless outdoor classes, assisted scientists with collecting data, developed first person historical programs, and served as a formal Great Smoky Mountains Ambassador through outreach programs in the community. Because of Robin’s passion, knowledge, and professionalism, she often represents the park by conducting special programs for dignitaries, politicians, and other special park guests. She performs these duties while also faithfully conducting her weekly interpretive program for visitors April through October, rain or shine. Through her highly attended weekly program at Little Greenbrier Schoolhouse, Robin continually engages and educates the public, young and old alike, while also creating future park advocates."

The Hartzog Awards are named for former National Park Service Director George B. Hartzog, Jr., who started the extremely successful Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Program in 1970.

For more information on the awards and the other recipients, please click here.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies

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Volunteers Needed for Bike Patrol in Cataloochee Valley

Volunteers Needed for Bike Patrol in Cataloochee Valley

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is seeking volunteers to assist rangers during the increased fall visitation period in Cataloochee Valley, N.C. from mid-September until October 31st. Volunteers will work as a part of a bike patrol program within the Valley and will assist the park by providing traffic control, and visitor information and other assistance as needed.

Cataloochee Valley is a remote mountain valley on the eastern edge of the Park where remnants of early settlements are preserved. It is surrounded by picturesque mountains and natural beauty, and is a popular destination during the fall season due to the beautiful array of tree color and ability to view elk in rut. The increased vehicle traffic to this area makes bike travel an ideal way for park volunteers to assist visitors during this time.

The bike patrol volunteers will rove along the floor of the Valley which is mostly flat with very little change in elevation. The surface of the road is a mix of chip-and-seal and dirt sections. Volunteers will be required to bring their own bicycle and protective riding gear. Interested individuals need to have a reasonable level of fitness and riding experience, and may be offered an opportunity to be trained in CPR/First Aid.

Rovers are needed during the hours of highest visitation on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays for 4 hour shifts. Typical hours will be from 4:00 pm until just before dark.

If you're interested in volunteering or would like more information about the program, please contact Park Ranger Pete Walker, at (828) 506-1739.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Peaks of Otter Maintenance staff looking for volunteers

Peaks of Otter Maintenance staff looking for volunteers

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

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Friends of the Blue Ridge Parkway posted this information yesterday:

Donnie Parker and the Peaks of Otter Maintenance staff are looking for volunteers to assist them in re-pouring the cement observation platform on the summit of Sharp Top Mountain.

The project is scheduled for August 13th and 14th, but could be completed on the 13th depending on staffing availability.

Meeting time is 8:00 AM at the foot of the Motor Road / Sharp Top Trailhead on Monday, Aug 13th, near Milepost 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Donnie Parker is the team leader / project coordinator and will make both personnel transportation arrangements and assignments to the bus turn around below the mountain
summit.

The plan is to pump water to the mixing and pouring point adjacent to the observation platform.

Volunteers will need sturdy foot wear, gloves, insect repellent, sunscreen, lunch and plenty of drinking water.

Please direct vip coordination efforts to Donnie at 540-586-4358 or better by email at Donald_Parker@nps.gov.


Jeff
Hiking Trails in Great Smoky Mountains National Park

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Volunteers needed for research on effects of high altitude

Volunteers needed for research on effects of high altitude

Thursday, January 26, 2012

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Here's pretty cool way to become a human guinea pig, while at the same time helping mountaineers, climbers and the advancement of science.

As most adventurers are already aware, traveling to high altitude can result in a variety of symptoms, collectively called acute mountain sickness. The Neural Systems Group at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) is currently seeking volunteers for a brain imaging research study to help learn why this occurs. The study will involve 5 visits, spread over approximately 4-7 weeks, at both MGH in Charlestown, MA and the testing chambers at the U.S. Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine in Natick, MA.

To be eligible, volunteers must be in good general health and currently exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 times/week. They must be between the ages of 18 and 50 years. Must be willing to have 5 modest blood draws over the course of the study, and must be able to have an MRI.

The total time commitment will be up to about 35 hours. Volunteers will be compensated for your participation.

More than likely you'll never get a chance to climb Everest or K2, but you might be able to help others attain lofty goals some day down the road by participating in this research. For more information on the trials, please click here.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Smokies seeks volunteers for Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station

Smokies seeks volunteers for Clingmans Dome Visitor Contact Station

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to help staff the visitor contact station at Clingmans Dome when it opens on Friday, April 1.

Last year, the building that had served as a comfort station since the Civilian Conservation Corps era was renovated and converted into a seasonal information center and bookstore/sales area managed by Great Smoky Mountains Association (GSMA). The renovation project was funded by GSMA.

The center sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and will be a point source of information on the national park, in general, and on this high elevation spruce-fir ecosystem in particular. Volunteers are needed to assist in educating visitors about the Park and providing recreational and trip planning information and directions to other destinations.

Many other helpful services will be available, including the ability to purchase guides and maps, outdoor apparel, and other quality products sold by GSMA. “The Association is a significant partner and so are our volunteers. Their volunteer assistance at this location will go a long way in helping Association staff provide essential services to the public,” said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson.

Volunteers will be working alongside GSMA employees and each volunteer is asked to work at least one 4-hour shift per week at the information desk and roving the trail to the Dome Tower. The hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April – November. Interested persons will be required to attend one of two 5-hour orientation and training sessions which will be given: March 10 at the Sugarlands Training Room near Gatlinburg, Tenn.; and March 19 at the Waynesville Library, in Waynesville, N.C. To register for the training or for more information, contact the Oconaluftee Visitor Center at (828) 497-1904.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Ash tree mapping volunteers needed

Ash tree mapping volunteers needed

Sunday, September 5, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is once again looking for Citizen Scientist volunteers to help researchers collect scientific data on ash trees by mapping the locations of these trees within the Park.

The last three volunteer mapping days for the year will occur within the next 30 days. The project, which will take several years to complete, will be used to monitor future threats from a non-native insect.

Volunteers are being invited to join park biologists and educators during field days on September 11, September 25 and October 2 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on each of those days). Volunteers will learn how to identify ash and other common trees found within the Smoky Mountains, read a topographic map, and use a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

Ash trees are at risk from the invasive, non-native Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that can travel undetected in firewood and nursery stock from quarantined areas of the country into new locations in the Park. In 2009 the park installed EAB traps as part of a detection plan.

The traps are the bright purple triangular objects hanging in trees near campgrounds and picnic areas. U.S. Department of Agriculture research indicates the beetles are attracted to the color purple and a lure that smells like a stressed ash tree. The trap exterior is coated with a sticky material which captures insects for periodic removal by park staff.

So far no EABs have been found.

For more information on the EAB, please click here.

To volunteer, contact Ranger Susan Simpson at 865-436-1200, ext. 762, to RSVP and for the meeting location.





Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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Ash tree mapping volunteers needed this Saturday

Ash tree mapping volunteers needed this Saturday

Thursday, August 26, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is once again looking for Citizen Scientist volunteers to help researchers collect scientific data on ash trees by mapping the locations of the trees within the Park.

The mapping project, which will take several years to complete, will be used to monitor future threats from a non-native insect. There are four dates left to volunteer this year, with the next being held this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Volunteers will learn how to identify ash and other common trees found in the Smoky Mountains, read a topographic map, and use a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to 5 miles on park trails and in rough terrain off the main paths. It's recommended that participants wear long pants and comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots for hiking and bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and rain gear. Reservations are necessary and participation is limited to 16 people (children 12 and under must bring an adult).

The ash trees are at risk from the invasive, non-native Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that can travel undetected in firewood and nursery stock from quarantined areas of the country into new locations in the Park. In 2009 the park installed EAB traps as part of a detection plan.

The traps are the bright purple triangular objects hanging in trees near campgrounds and picnic areas. U.S. Department of Agriculture research indicates the beetles are attracted to the color purple and a lure that smells like a stressed ash tree. The trap exterior is coated with a sticky material which captures insects for periodic removal by park staff.

So far no EABs have been found.

For more information on the EAB, please click here.

To volunteer this weekend, contact Ranger Susan Simpson at 865-436-1200, ext. 762, to RSVP and for the meeting location.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Volunteers sought for the Gatlinburg Welcome Center

Volunteers sought for the Gatlinburg Welcome Center

Saturday, July 31, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountain Association and the national park is looking for volunteers to work at the Gatlinburg Welcome Center, located between Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg on U.S. 441.

The work entails answering visitor questions and providing information on destinations and resources of the park. Even one 4-6 hour shift per week could be a big help!

If you're interested, email Alice@GSMAssoc.org or GWC@GSMAssoc.org.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com

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Citizen Science Ash Tree Mapping

Citizen Science Ash Tree Mapping

Saturday, July 17, 2010

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The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is again looking for Citizen Scientist volunteers to help researchers collect scientific data on ash trees by mapping the locations of these trees within the Park.

The mapping project, which will take several years to complete, will be used to monitor future threats from a nonnative insect.

People are again being invited to join park biologists and educators during a field day on Saturday, July 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Volunteers will learn how to identify ash and other common trees found in the Smoky Mountains, read a topographic map, and use a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

The ash trees are at risk from the invasive, non-native Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that can travel undetected in firewood and nursery stock from quarantined areas of the country into new locations in the Park. In 2009 the park installed EAB traps near campgrounds and picnic areas as part of a detection plan. So far no EABs have been found.

Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to 5 miles on park trails and in rough terrain off the main paths. It is recommended that participants wear long pants and comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots for hiking and bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and rain gear. Reservations are necessary and participation is limited to 16 people (children 12 and under must bring an adult). Contact Ranger Susan Simpson at 865-436-1200, ext. 762, to RSVP and for meeting location.



Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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Volunteers Needed at Clingmans Dome

Volunteers Needed at Clingmans Dome

Saturday, May 29, 2010

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Great Smoky Mountains National Park is recruiting volunteers to help staff a new visitor contact station at Clingmans Dome when it opens on Saturday, June 19.

The building that served as a comfort station, constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps, is being renovated and converted into a seasonal information center that will also include a bookstore/sales area managed by the Great Smoky Mountains Association.

The center sits at an elevation of 6,300 feet and will be a point source of information on the national park, in general, and on this high elevation spruce-fir ecosystem in particular.

Volunteers are needed to assist in educating visitors about the Park and providing recreational and trip planning information and directions to other destinations.

“In the past, visitors to this popular destination did not have a chance to obtain information on their high elevation visit or have questions answered, including the most asked, ‘What caused the trees to die?’” said Park Superintendent Dale Ditmanson. “Now with the help of volunteers staffing the center, visitors can inquire and learn about the stands of dead trees caused by the nonnative insect, the balsam woolly adelgid.”

Many other helpful services will be available, including the ability to purchase guides and maps, outdoor apparel, and other products sold by the Great Smoky Mountains Association. “The Association is a significant partner with the Park and is involved in a number of projects to improve visitors’ experience. The funding for the renovations to the building, interpretive exhibit material, and staffing is coming from the Association through its revenue raised from merchandise sales and paid memberships,” said Ditmanson.

Volunteers will be working alongside Association employees and each volunteer is asked to work at least one four-hour shift per week. The hours will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Interested persons will be provided orientation and training before beginning at the contact station. The period that volunteers will be needed is during the peak season, June through October.

To sign up for this volunteer work or for more information, contact Florie Takaki at 828-497-1906 or by email, Wednesdays through Fridays.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, and more.

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Volunteers needed for Smokies ash tree research

Volunteers needed for Smokies ash tree research

Friday, April 9, 2010

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Last year over 50 Citizen Scientist volunteers helped researchers collect scientific data on ash trees by mapping the locations of hundreds of these trees in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The mapping project, which will take several years to complete, will be used to monitor future threats from a nonnative insect. People are again being invited to join park biologists and educators during a field day on Saturday, April 17, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Greenbrier area of the park. Volunteers will learn how to identify ash and other common trees found in the Smoky Mountains, read a topographic map, and use a GPS (Global Positioning System) unit.

The ash trees are at risk from the invasive, non-native Emerald Ash Borer (EAB), a beetle that can travel undetected in firewood and nursery stock from quarantined areas of the country into new locations in the Park. In 2009 the park installed EAB traps near campgrounds and picnic areas as part of a detection plan. So far no EABs have been found.

This is the first of seven ash tree mapping days through the summer and fall that will be held in the Tennessee and North Carolina sides of the park. Other dates planned are June 9, July 31, August 28, September 11 and 25, and October 2. These are listed in the Events Calendar on the park’s website: www.nps.gov/grsm.

Volunteers should be prepared to hike up to 5 miles on park trails and in rough terrain off the main paths. It is recommended that participants wear long pants and comfortable closed-toe shoes or boots for hiking and bring snacks, water, sunscreen, and rain gear. Reservations are necessary and participation is limited to 16 people (children 12 and under must bring an adult). Contact Ranger Susan Simpson at 865-436-1200, ext. 762, to RSVP and for meeting location.


Jeff
HikingintheSmokys.com Detailed information on trails in the Smoky Mountains; includes trail descriptions, key features, pictures, video, maps, elevation profiles, news, hiking gear store, and more.

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