Volunteers have been the backbone of the Green Mountain Club since its beginning in 1910. In fact, there is no way the club could manage the trails, shelters, conservation lands, and office operations without them. Volunteering is a great way to meet active GMC members, be a part of the hiker community, and support the valuable work of the club. From swinging a hammer to making phone calls—there are plenty of ways to help!
GMC manages over 30,000 acres of conserved land. Volunteer corridor monitors visit this land along the Long Trail at least twice a year to ensure conservation restrictions are being upheld and property boundaries are clearly marked. This is a great way to learn map and compass skills, gain conservation experience, and observe wildlife. Parcels in need of new monitors are available along the Long Trail in northern Vermont between Lowell and Bolton. Contact Land Stewardship Coordinator Mollie Flanigan for more information.
Bark Mulch Packers
Why join a gym when you can pack bark mulch? Help us manage GMC’s composting privies by carrying mulch to designated campsites and shelters along the Long Trail. This could be a good solo or group project. Bark mulch loads are heavy so you must be in good physical condition to help with this one!
Barnes Camp Volunteers
Built in 1927 and restored in 2014, historic Barnes Camp Visitor Center serves as the gateway to Smugglers’ Notch and surrounding mountains. Staffed by volunteers from June to October, this is a fun way to meet new people and share your knowledge and passion for hiking. Barnes Camp will be open each weekend from Friday, May 26, 2017 to Monday, October 9, 2017.
Headquarters Handy-Person
Managing GMC’s 40-acre campus in Waterbury Center is a big job, and keeping our buildings and equipment in top shape, a never-ending process. We’ll match your skills, interest, and availability to our project needs.
Run away and join the trail crew for a week! Meet new people of all ages and backgrounds while working and living on the trail. Learn how to build and maintain hiking trails – or, if you’re already an experienced trail maintainer, practice your skills on some neat projects. Weekly Volunteer Long Trail Patrol crews are made up of 8-10 volunteers and are led by experienced staff. GMC provides food, group camping gear, tools, and appropriate tools and trail training. Check out available 2017 dates and apply now.
Section Work Days and Projects
Ever encountered a mud puddle the size of Lake Champlain on your favorite hike? Been smacked by a low-hanging branch? Join GMC’s section volunteers as they work to maintain trails in their region and help others have an enjoyable hiking experience.
Shuttle Drivers
With limited public transportation available in Vermont, hikers often need help getting to or from trailheads. Enjoy a ride with a hiker this summer, listen to some great stories, and become a GMC Trail Angel! (You may need to open a window.)
Join the fun at GMC’s office in Waterbury Center. Work includes preparing and sending bulk mailings, filing, often eating baked goods, and interacting with a tight-knit team.
Summit Caretakers
We need a few volunteer summit caretakers on Mount Mansfield and Camel’s Hump to help educate hikers about minimizing their impact on the sensitive alpine ecosystem, keep an accurate tally of visitor traffic, and perform basic trail maintenance. This is a great way to motivate you to spend time on one of Vermont’s iconic peaks.
For more details about how you can help this season and even more available opportunities, please visit our Volunteer Opportunities page, give us a call at (802) 244-7037, or email [email protected].
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