Fort Collins, Larimer County looking for volunteer ranger assistants

What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you dream of being outdoors, chatting with visitors, enjoying wildlife, and helping the environment? Did you think you would grow up to be a park ranger? It’s not too late! You can become a Volunteer Ranger Assistant and help open space and natural area rangers accomplish much of their important work.

VRAs are the friendly faces on the trail who can answer visitor questions. They have an important role in caring for trails, kiosks, and other amenities. You can volunteer on foot, ride your bike, ride your horse, or even monitor trails in a wheelchair. In training you’ll learn about local and regional trails, how to approach visitors, ecology, safety and stewardship. You’ll meet rangers from Larimer County Department of Natural Resources and the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program.

If you need a flexible schedule, this is the perfect volunteer position. Volunteers are especially needed on weekends. Volunteer with a group, with a friend or by yourself. Get exercise, fresh air and quiet time — all while giving back to your community. VRAs will attend 20 hours of training and are asked to contribute 20 hours of service in return. Benefits include continuing education classes such as first aid and CPR, winter ecology, special behind-the-scenes tours, free County Volunteer Annual Pass and more.

If you have a spirit of service, a gift for observation and love of nature, call 970-679-4552, email ccullins@larimer.org, or visit www.fcgov.com/rangers/volunteers.php

February VRA training: February 19 and 21, 2013, 6 – 9 p.m., and February 23, 2013, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Applications open November 5 and close December 17. Apply early!