Volunteers have been the backbone of the Green Mountain Club for more than a century. Without their service the trail would not have been built nor managed as it is today. GMC volunteers donate their time, energy, and knowledge to support the club and share the Long Trail system with the public. They serve on committees, blaze the trail, monitor land boundaries, assist with membership mailings, and act as trail ambassadors at outings and events. There are dozens of ways to get involved both on and off the trail.
Volunteer on the Trail
Northeast Alpine Flower Watch
The Northeast Alpine Flower Watch (NEAFW) tracks the effects of climate change by gathering flowering time data with the help of hikers in alpine areas. Going hiking in Vermont’s alpine zones this summer? If Mt. Mansfield, Camels Hump, or Mt. Abraham are on your list, please consider joining NEAFW as a citizen scientist. By taking photos of plants on your hikes this summer and submitting them to the Northeast Alpine Flower Watch project in the iNaturalist app, you’ll be contributing to a large regional data set used to better understand the effects of climate change on particularly sensitive alpine species. To join and get more information, visit AMC’s NEAFW website.
Adopt a Trail or Shelter
Help enhance the hiking experience for everyone by becoming a Long Trail adopter. We can help you get started on basic maintenance of a trail or shelter. Whether you want to volunteer on your own, with your family, or with your outing group, maintaining a section of the Long Trail or a GMC shelter is a great way to give back to the Green Mountains. You can view a current listing of available trails and shelters.
Become a Trailhead Steward
The GMC’s Trailhead Stewards will provide visitor information to the general public. They will be stationed at popular trailheads on the Long Trail System during times of peak hiking traffic. Trailhead stewards will encourage hiking etiquette, safe hiking practices, Leave No Trace Outdoor Ethics, and general trail and hiking advice, all in a friendly, welcoming and patient manner. Trailhead stewards are the first line of education, conservation and stewardship for the many hikers that use the Long Trail System. Apply to become a Trailhead Steward.
Be a Corridor Monitor
The GMC Stewardship Program needs your help to monitor conservation lands in Vermont. Volunteer Corridor Monitors regularly walk protected lands to ensure that conservation restrictions are being upheld and the Long Trail system is protected. Monitors wander off the beaten path into the woods of Vermont to help maintain boundaries, gather natural history information, map property features, and keep an eye out for illegal encroachments and violations. You can contact Mollie Flanigan, Land Stewardship Coordinator, if you are interested in learning more.
Volunteer Long Trail Patrol (Cancelled for 2020)
Run away and join the trail crew for a week! Meet new people – all ages, backgrounds, and from all over the U.S. and the world. Camp out in the Vermont mountains. Learn how to build and maintain hiking trails – or, if you’re already an experienced trail maintainer, practice your skills on some neat projects. The crew is made up of 8 – 10 volunteers each week led by experienced paid staff. A minimum of one week commitment is required, although people can choose to stay longer! Learn more about the Volunteer Long Trail Patrol.
Bark Mulch Packers
Mulch Packers carry 40-50 lb. bags of bark mulch into backcountry shelters over rugged terrain for use at composting privy sites. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare for backpacking trips. Scheduling is flexible to meet your needs. Contact us for more information.
Volunteer with Hikers
Barnes Camp Visitor Center
GMC, in partnership with Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Lamoille County Planning Commission, is seeking volunteers to staff the historical Barnes Camp at Smugglers’ Notch this summer and fall. Volunteers who love to meet new people and share their knowledge of the cultural and historical significance of the area are needed. Barnes Camp will be open as a visitor center each weekend from Friday, May 22, 2020 – Monday, October 12, 2020. For more information on the Barnes Camp renovation and the visitation to Smuggler’s Notch, check out these media releases:
Crush of Visitors Boosts Barnes Camp’s popularity
Barnes Camp Reopens as Smuggler’s Notch Visitor Center
Vermont’s New Favorite Loop Hike: Barnes Camp Loop
Contact us to become an information volunteer at Barnes Camp!
Shuttle Drivers
With limited public transportation in Vermont, long-distance hikers often need a hand to get to trailheads. Volunteer shuttle drivers help hikers gain access to the trail or make it home after their journey. You may charge for gas. Contact our Visitor Center for more information. (Please note: due to COVID-19, GMC is currently not updating the list of shuttle drivers.)
GMC Outreach Ambassadors
Volunteers are needed to represent the GMC at various festivals, events, and gatherings throughout the state. No experience necessary – just a love for the Long Trail and willingness to share information with the public! Contact us if you are interested!
Volunteer Your Creative Skills
Long Trail News Writers
If you enjoy writing about the outdoors, issues facing the hiking community, or like the challenge of writing assignments, become a contributor to GMC’s magazine. Please contact GMC Staff to propose story ideas.
Designers, Illustrators, Artists, & Photographers
Help keep GMC print and digital materials looking fresh by contributing your creative works to the GMC. A variety of mediums are welcome. Contact GMC Staff for more information.
Other Opportunities
Corporate & Organized Group Volunteering:
The Green Mountain Club hosts summer camps, corporate outings and college orientation trips for work projects on the Long Trail. Please visit Service Learnings & Group Outings for more information and contact us to learn more about the program.
Volunteer with your Section:
Check our Calendar of Events for work hikes organized and led by your local GMC section. Joining section work hikes is a great way to meet other GMC volunteers and give back to your section of trail! The Section Leaders’ Handbook and Trip Leader’s Handbook are valuable resources for information about volunteering with your GMC section.
