Welcome to our Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities Page!
Check out our 2023 Project Map
Projects will be added to our calendar regularly throughout the year!
2023 is shaping up to be full of changes, the most pertinent being our NEW SIGNUP PROCESS!
STEP 1: Scroll through our list of projects. Click any of the photos or titles associated with the project to access its page. Read carefully about the dates, location, scope of work, degree of difficulty, vehicle requirements, and camping logistics.
STEP 2: If you are interested in volunteering, click the link that says “CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!” You will be re-directed to the project’s registration form. (If you are re-directed to a HistoriClub Early Access Page, this means the project is locked until the advance access window for HistoriClub members is complete.)
STEP 3: If you are a new volunteer, please fill out the required information on pages 1 and 2 of the registration form. (This will be standard for every registration form.) Returning volunteers will have the option to update their personal information and project preferences or skip ahead to registering for the project if no changes are desired.
STEP 4: Submit the form and look for a confirmation email of your submission. Next, sit tight! We’ll email you if you are accepted to the project!
HAVING DIFFICULTIES REGISTERING?: Contact our Workforce Manager – Kyle Ward at kward@historicorps.org
Below is our active project list for the 2023 season. PLEASE CLICK ON A PROJECT TO LEARN MORE.
*Projects will be added throughout the season*
SUMMER PROJECTS
Buckhorn Work Center, CO
Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests & Pawnee National Grassland
June 4-9, June 11-16, June 18-23, June 25-30, July 2-7, and July 9-14
The Buckhorn Work Center is a pivotal property of the Buckhorn Ranger District located in the Roosevelt National Forest west of Fort Collins. Built between 1933-1941 for the Forest Service by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and later added to by locally revered carpenter Guy Fowler, the property consists of a primary Ranger Dwelling, Assistant Ranger Dwelling, office, and garage. The functions of these individual buildings have changed roles over the decades, serving the ranger district through the many stylistic and policy changes that have occurred throughout the past century. Tents, truck campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs are welcome. Hookups and showers will not be available and the ground may not be perfectly level. Dogs are allowed!
Crandall Ranger Station is eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as it is both associated with the early administration of this forest while also representing early attempts to “provide a non-intrusive yet standard, recognizable Forest Service presence in remote areas of the Forest” as described by our partner. Early stations like these tended to mimic their surrounding environments; modern stations, like those you may have encountered, have a more uniform architectural style. We invite you to join us to preserve and learn from early USFS history! Oh, and did we mention the views here will be jaw dropping?! Tents and truck campers can access our campground. There are no RV spaces available and showers are not provided. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed. Bears are active in the area and we ask that you be extremely mindful of your trash and food storage.
Forest Lodge, WI
Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest
June 4-9, June 11-16, June 18-23, and June 25-30
Forest Lodge was built in the early 1900s by the Livingston family of St. Paul, MN, as a private getaway. The Adirondack-style camp boasts several buildings, many of which are in need of rehabilitation. For the past decade, HistoriCorps has been invited to be a workforce for saving this place – and ensuring it can continue to serve generations to come. Join us in 2023 for one of our longest standing projects, where lakeside views and quick dip are only moments away. Tent and truck-campers will have access to our campground. Showers are available and dogs are accepted on a case by case basis.
In 1994 the Blue Bend Recreation Area, historically known as the “Blue Bend Forest Camp,” was added to the National Register of Historic Places, honoring the legacy of forest recreation planner Herbert T. Stoddard, whose campsite seclusion design is monumental to the popularity of the site. Adding to the attraction of Blue Bend is the calming aqua fords of the Anthony creek, known for its “Blue Hole” swimming area.HistoriCorps invites you to lounge under the sun soaked canopies of the Monogahela National Forest while we replace the roofs on both the administrative and smaller pavilion, perform minor log repairs, a floor replacement, and potentially more. You won’t want to miss these two weeks of pure bliss amongst the serene hills of West Virginia. Tents, truck-campers, campervans, and potentially trailers will have access to our campground. RV spaces are not available at this location. Showers will be available and dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Located on the southern rim of the Grand Canyon, the cabin at the Grandview Lookout Tower serves as a popular recreational stop for folks embarking on the Arizona Trail (AZT) and is just 4 miles from the breathtaking Grandview Point, a spectacular spot to see one the America’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders! Built in 1936, the cabin was constructed as as residence for seasonal fire lookouts who manned the adjacent lookout tower. We’re sure this will be a popular project for folks, so please act quickly and secure your spot at the Grandview Lookout Cabin as we gear up to restore and replace exterior elements of the cabin, rehabilitate wood windows sashes, wood screens, and more! Tents, truck-campers, campervans, trailers and RVs will have access to our campground. There is an unlimited amount of dispersed camping around the compound. Showers will not be available and dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Alder Ridge Lookout Cabin, CA
June 18-23, June 25-30, July 30 – August 4, and August 6-11
*Volunteers will work alongside members of the Nevada Conservation Corps!*
Tucked in the high country of Eldorado National Forest lies the Alder Ridge Lookout Facility, a remnant of the past that has survived generations along with the many symbolic changes of the U.S. Forest Service. Originally constructed in 1937 by the Placerville Ranger District with assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the facility is located in El Dorado County at an elevation of 6,225′ and includes a 60ft observation-only lookout tower, single car garage, and a ranger cabin. In 1990 the facility became eligible for the National Register of Historic Places after a nation-wide study on historic fire lookout facilities was completed. We hope you’ll join us as we rehabilitate and restore the aging ranger cabin that has seen better years and as been an unfortunate victim of vandalism. Due to unprecedented snowfall in the region, we anticipate one of the more scenic seasons on record! Tents, truck campers, campervans are welcome. Hi clearance vehicles required. There is no space for RVs and showers are not available. Dogs are welcomed!
In 1924, The Pioneer’s Cabin at San Juan Island was constructed a commemorative gesture by the County Fairgrounds who wanted to acknowledge the early families of settlers on the island. The Faire Committee issued an appeal for a “peeled log” from each of the 59 pioneer families, and between late July through October, the building was erected. We’re excited to partner with the San Juan Historical Society in conjunction with the San Juan County Fair Grounds to give our volunteers what is sure to be a memorable project in a truly unforgettable location rich with history and a thriving culture. Tents, truck-campers, and campervans will have access to our campground. We have limited space for a few trailers and RVs. Showers are available but dogs are not permitted at this location.
Nestled along the gentle shores of Seneca Lake sits Queen’s Castle, the only remaining building erected as part of the Fossenvue Camp of 1899. This summer getaway served the local Miller family for decades, including such esteemed guests like Susan B. Anthony, and was acquired by the Forest Service in 1966. Queen’s Castle is located at the iconic Caywood Point and is the only part of the Finger Lakes National Forest that borders Seneca Lake. Typically, visitors are not allowed to enter the building, so this will be a treat for those who want to get an in-depth look at this rare hut-like structure. Volunteers can expect an easy-going project yielding plenty of time to connect, relax, and enjoy the beauty only experienced in the Finger Lakes National Forest. Tents, truck-campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs will have access to our campground. Showers will not be available and dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Just north of Grand Rapids, MN is you’ll find Joyce Estate, an Adirondack-style lodge built by David Joyce, heir to a major lumber supplier. During its hay-day of the roaring twenties, the 4,500-acre summer vacation spot boasted a private golf course, telephone line, and even an airplane hanger. One can image a lifestyle similarly depicted in the Great Gatsby with historical undertones from prohibition and women’s suffrage playing out among the rich and famous who frequented the estate. Tents, truck-campers, and campervans will have access to our campground. Low overhead clearance due to trees. Trailer and RV spaces are not available at this location. Showers are not available and dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
High in the sierra mountains of California, in the backdrop of Eldorado National Forests’ western slope, is the Robbs Peak Fire Lookout Compound. Built during the Great Depression, the multi-structure compound consists of a primary fire observation cab and functional garage referred to as the “hut.” The two buildings at Robbs Peak were rebuilt by members of the Civilian Conservation Corps under orders from the USDA’s Region 5 planners who sought to expand the functional capabilities while improving the comforts for forestry workers spending fire seasons at the compounds. Tents, truck-campers, campervans, will have access to our campground. Hi-clearance is required – trailers and RV spaces are not available at this location. Showers will be not be available but dogs are allowed.
The Clay Butte Fire Lookout spans more than 80 years of history with the Shoshone National Forest, marking a crossroads between the prolific Civilian Conservation Corps and the redistribution of resources with the onset of World War II. Built in 1942 by CCC crews who were disbanded and reallocated toward war effort, the lookout was later completed by members of the Shoshone National Forest. Tents, truck-campers, campervans, and potentially trailers will have access to our campground. RV spaces are not available at this location. Showers are not available and dogs are allowed but must be leashed. We’ll be working at an elevation close to 10,000 ft so please come prepared for high altitude conditions.
The pavilion at Twin Lakes Recreation Area is a rustic wood structure built by, you guessed it, the Civilian Conservation Corps. Originally, the Twin Lakes Recreation area was owned by the McKean Chemical Company who produced wood alcohol using a splash dam to augment water levels. The damn was converted by the CCC into a popular swimming impoundment fed by the Hoffman Run – a trout filled stream popular to local fisherman. The pavilion, bathhouse, lower campground, and original picnic area were all constructed by crews from the CCC in 1936 as part of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal that expanded conservation efforts in the United States while putting young men to work toward preserving our country’s natural resources. Tents, truck-campers, campervans, trailers and RVs will have access to our campground. Showers are unavailable and dogs are allowed but must be leashed.
Lemley Mill and Miners Delight Cabin, WY
July 23-28, July 30 – August 4, August 13-18, August 20-25, and August 27 – September 1
Located just 40 minutes from the outdoor-lovers’ destination of Lander, WY, gateway to the unforgettable Wind River Range, Lemley Mill is part of the 30-square-miles South Pass Historic Mining Area. The Lemley Mill was constructed during a failed attempt to revive mining here during the Great Depression, but was abandoned just a decade later due to its unprofitability. It was acquired by the BLM in the 1960s. There’s still a lot of work to be done here, so please read through our Scope of Work on the project webpage for more details. The majority of our volunteers will camp at the Lemley Mill just on the outskirts of the main strip in Atlantic City. A few RV spaces are available just down the road at the Dexter Mill RV Park with hookups. Coin operated showers are located at the Dexter Mill RV Park as well! Our primary campsite at the Lemley Mill is accessible for tent campers, truck campers/campervans, and small RVs/trailers.
Red Mountain Open Space Historic Horse Barn, CO
Larimer County Department of Natural Resources
September 17-22, September 24-29, October 1-6, and October 8-13
SPECIAL OFFER: *All volunteers will receive a commemorative T-shirt and be entered in a drawing to receive a Larimer County Parks Pass*
The Roberts-Goodwin buildings at Red Mountain Open Space serve as physical historic remnants of the area’s pioneer agricultural and ranching heritage. The focus of our work is on a 100+ year old horse barn that shares the history of farmers and ranchers who settled here between the 1870s and 1920. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to camp up at an open space that doesn’t normally allow this type of use. We hope our volunteers are as thrilled as we are to continue this project surrounded by the beauty of Red Mountain Open Space! We will be making camp just outside of the job site. Volunteers must adhere to the rules and regulations at Red Mountain Open Space. Tents are permitted and there is room for a few truck or van campers in designated spaces. No RV spaces will be provided. Showers will not be available so please come prepared to dry camp. No campfires are allowed, cooking stoves are permitted. The project partners are committed to diverse wildlife in this important conservation region and therefore no dogs are permitted at this site. We appreciate your understanding, and our project partners will too!
