Volunteer ranger assistants needed for city, county programs

Did you ever think you would grow up to be a park ranger? It’s not too late! You can become a Volunteer Ranger Assistant and help park and natural area rangers accomplish much of their important work.

The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Program and Larimer County’s Department of Natural Resources are now accepting Volunteer Ranger Assistant applications. The training will begin in late February. Volunteers attend 20 hours of training, and are asked to contribute 20 hours of service in return.

As a Volunteer Ranger Assistant, you will be an ambassador for local natural areas and open spaces. Volunteer Ranger Assistants are a friendly face on the trail who can answer visitors’ questions. Volunteers 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. You might meet new friends too!

The Volunteer Ranger Assistant program is the perfect volunteer position if you need a flexible schedule. Volunteers are especially needed on weekends. This opportunity is family friendly — your whole family can join the fun! Volunteer with a group, with a friend or by yourself. Get exercise, fresh air and quiet time all while giving back to your community. Benefits include continuing education classes such as first aid and CPR, winter ecology, special behind the scenes tours, recognition events and more.

2012 VRA Training: Feb. 21 and 23 from 6-9 p.m. and Feb. 25 all day.
For more information or to apply: www.fcgov.com/naturalareas
Applications due Jan. 27, 2012.
Questions? Contact Rhonda Peckham, 970-631-2933, [email protected]

The Volunteer Ranger Assistant Program is made possible by you — your citizen-initiated sales tax dollars conserve natural areas and open spaces and provide visitor services like the Volunteer Ranger Assistant Program.

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