Anderson Lodge, WY 2024 (HardCorps)
Adventure seekers needed for a trip of a lifetime to restore the Anderson Lodge!
PROJECT PARTNER: Shoshone National Forest
SESSION DATES: August 10-16
PROJECT SUPERVISOR: Sean Smyth!
CREW LEADER: TBD!
*This is a HardCorps Project at the highest difficulty.*
Project Site Description & History
The Shoshone National Forest was originally called the Yellowstone Timberland Reserve when it was set aside in 1891 (under the management of Mr. Anderson). It was the first national forest in the United States. Encompassing approximately 2.4 million acres, the forest consists of a dramatic landscape: from huge swaths of exposed rock, to snow-capped mountains even in July, to expansive meadows and forests.
Anderson Lodge is named for its original dweller, the artist, rancher and philanthropist Abraham Archibald Anderson. During America’s Gilded Age in the late 19th century, Mr. Anderson crossed paths with many places and people we know and celebrate today. As an artist, he painted many portraits, including one of Thomas Edison; he also personally designed William “Buffalo Bill” Cody’s guest ranch Pahaska Tepee, and his own home – the site of this HistoriCorps project. As a rancher, his love of the outdoors and commitment to its proper management led to him becoming the first Special Superintendent of Yellowstone region, and his home served as its first administrative headquarters. You can read a beautifully laid out and described history of the lodge as told by the Park County Historic Preservation Commission here!
HistoriCorps is beyond excited to engage volunteers in what will be the toughest project of our 2024 season. For those craving adventure and yearning for a backcountry trip they will not soon forget, we encourage you to register for the Anderson Lodge!
Location and Logistics
SESSION DATES: August 10-16
*Volunteers are required to arrive Saturday Evening between 5pm and 7pm and be prepare to hike 7.25 miles on the morning of Sunday August 11th. *
Please plan to arrive at the campsite no earlier than 5pm and no later than 7pm on the first day of your session.
LOCATION: Located about 45 miles Southwest of Cody, Wyoming!
MAP to ANDERSON LODGE WORKSITE
MAP to JACK CREEK CAMPGROUND
ACCESS: 
Volunteers will be required to tent camp and stage their cars at the trailhead for the duration of the project. Volunteers will need to complete a 7.25 mile hike one-way to the project location with 2,500ft along with the return hike the same distance. There are no restrooms or showers and unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this project. Pack mules will be used to carry gear to and from the project location.
*This project is located in active Grizzly Bear habitat and volunteers must comply with local requirements for the storage of toiletries, food, waste, and trash.*
WEATHER: Anticipate highs in the 90s and lows in the 60s. Weather conditions may be rainy, cloudy, or sunny. Volunteers are responsible for checking weather conditions before their session begins, and packing appropriately. This site is exposed and has no shade.
ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: HistoriCorps projects are free for volunteers! HistoriCorps will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite. Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation to the campsite, sleeping equipment, work gloves, clothes and boots, and other personal gear.
Scope of Work
SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY: 
HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff, volunteers and applying the traditional skills necessary to restore the Anderson Lodge:
- Investigate potential rock, sand, and gravel quarry sites.
- Quarry rock from potential sites
- Harvest timber for shoring materials
- Reestablish site’s historic drainage features
- Reestablish and improve historic drainage trenches and spring box
- Install French drains
*HardCorps Details – Please Be Prepared Before Registering For This Project*
- Due to the position of the worksite, cars and other vehicles can not access the area, Volunteers must hike in to the project location.
- Because this is a backcountry project, restrooms and showers are not available.
PLEASE ONLY REGISTER IF YOU ARE ABLE TO COMPLETE THE HIKE TO THE PROJECT LOCATION – THERE IS NO VEHICLE ACCESS!
Please note: Tasks vary by day and by week, depending on a variety of factors including: weather, project priorities, previous groups’ work, and more. Though it is likely you will get to learn and practice most or all of the above tasks, it is not guaranteed. The higher percentage of the scope a particular task is, the more likely you will get to practice it.
Sign Up!
We’re thrilled this project has inspired you to volunteer!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!
Visit our Job Calendar to see if spaces are available!
*All registrations submitted to projects at capacity will be automatically added to our waitlist.*
CANCELLATIONS effect our ability to complete projects. Please register only if you are certain about your ability to participate.
You will know your registration was successful when you receive a confirmation email. Contact volunteer@historicorps.org for assistance.
HistoriCorps does not charge for its volunteering projects. HistoriCorps relies on donations to continue engaging volunteers to save significant historical sites across America for generations to come. Your donation of any amount will make an incredible difference! Increase your impact – make a generous gift today.
Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice
We’re so glad you’re interested in joining this project! If you’re new to our community, review the Volunteer FAQ first! Please note the following logistics and policies:
- Volunteering with HistoriCorps is free! We will provide all meals, tools, training, equipment, and a campsite or shared indoor lodging. Dinner is not provided on the first night.
- Volunteers are responsible for bringing their own gear, work gloves, sturdy work clothes and boots, and appropriate sleeping equipment. Check the average temperatures before you start packing – the nights and mornings may be colder than you anticipate! Then, read this advice about how to stay warm when tent camping in colder places.
- Campsite accessibility varies by project. Some projects can accommodate tents only; others can accommodate small RVs. Please review the project site description above for more information, and if you’re still not sure, email volunteer@historicorps.org for help.
- If this project does not offer showers, you might want to consider bringing a solar shower or research other methods to clean up after the work day.
- Volunteer crew sizes generally range from 4-8 volunteers, with two HistoriCorps staff that lead and train volunteers in the work.
- Safety is one of HistoriCorps’ top priorities, and volunteers can contribute to a safe working environment by ensuring their physical fitness is adequate for the work. See above for this project’s scope of work and difficulty level. Please, call us if you are not quite sure if a project is a good fit for your skills or fitness level. We may be able to suggest a project more suitable and enjoyable for you.
- Hard hats, eye protection, ear protection, gloves are standard personal protection equipment (PPE) required on all projects. Hard hats must be worn at all times on the project site, unless working in a designated safe space. Field staff will train volunteers on correct use of PPE.
- Dogs are generally allowed to accompany their humans in project campsites (actually, we love having dogs join us around the campfire!). Dogs are not permitted on the job site for everyone's safety. HOWEVER: HistoriCorps also follows the rules and regulations of our project partner. If the project partner does not permit dogs onsite then HistoriCorps is no exception. Please ask HistoriCorps or the project partner directly if you have any questions about whether Fido is welcome.