Trail Blazer

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Do you love spending time in the great outdoors? Want to get out more and explore the islands and overlooks of the Missouri National Recreational River? Are you passionate about keeping trails well-maintained and welcoming for hikers, campers, and more?

Then, volunteer with us for the summer of 2025 as a Trail Blazer!

When: Field days will be scheduled once a week from June to August/September .

• Field days can be up to 8 hours long.
• They will be scheduled on weekdays, from Monday to Thursday. Schedules for trail maintenance will account for volunteer availability, weather conditions, and site needs.
• Volunteers should participate in at least 4 field days during a full summer season.
• Attendance at volunteer orientation and training is required and is tentatively planned for mid-May.

Where: Trail Blazers will be working on Goat Island, Green Island, and Mulberry Bend Overlook . These areas are located on the 59-mile district of the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) near the towns of Yankton and Vermillion, SD.

What: Volunteers will be working alongside Natural Resources and Facilities staff to maintain trails at park properties along the MNRR.

Specific duties include :

• Riding in a motorized boat to access Goat and Green Island
• Hiking on and off-trail to work sites
• Utilizing string and/or blade trimmers to clear trails of annual vegetation growth
• Clearing trails of brush and fallen trees/branches using hand tools such as loppers and handsaws

Trail maintenance can be strenuous and physically demanding. Prospective volunteers should be comfortable:

• Riding in a motorized boat
• Hiking several miles on a variety of terrain
• Lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds (i.e. their tools and personal supplies)
• Working in the field for up to 8 hours

Why volunteer: Keeping trails clear from overgrowing vegetation and debris is key to visitor safety and responsible recreational use! Having the additional help of volunteers will expedite the work of maintaining park trails, allowing staff to tackle additional conservation projects like invasive plant removal, wildlife monitoring, and more.

Additionally, volunteers can:

• Gain resource management and field work experience, which can be great for career development
• Gain access to remote park areas while learning from park staff
• Spend time outdoors, getting lots of exercise!

Have questions? Please reach out to Caroline Ver Mulm at caroline_vermulm@partner.nps.gov or call 605-665-0209x21.

Start Date - 2025-05-12

End Date - 2025-09-20