Volunteer Story: The Renaissance Couple

For more than a decade Greg and Annette Brahms have applied their wide-ranging expertise at Lassen Volcanic National Park to everything from exhibit maintenance to library digitization. Combined, the renaissance couple has donated nearly 6,000 volunteer hours to their national park and have become essential members of the Lassen Volcanic team. Greg and Annette were awarded the park's Volunteer of the Year Award in 2013 for their significant contributions to the park.

Why We Volunteer

First off, we have always had an appreciation for national parks (and monuments) since childhood. Like many of our Baby boomer generation, we enjoyed multiple family trips visiting and camping in the parks with the legendary station wagon.

In more recent years, Annette and I made several trips to Lassen for camping and hiking. Besides being only a three-and-a-half hour drive from home, the scenery, solitude and geology have made this park a favorite.

When the change of time commitment came with retirement, volunteering in various ways became more of a consideration. On the way home from one of our visits to the park we decided to find out how we could become involved. We were immediately connected with the volunteer coordinator and shared our talents and skills. The following winter we were contacted with a specific project in the Interpretation and Education division for the following summer. The joy of working at the park was immediate. Close friendships with staff quickly formed and our attachment with the park grew as we became more familiar with staff, operations, and the park itself. It is also a privilege to work with a community of employees with whom there is such a good synergy and dedication.

We return each summer, not only because of these connections, but also because of the satisfaction we enjoy from using our skills to accomplish a variety of projects, getting closer to many members of the staff, and making a contribution to the park we love so much.

Learn more about volunteering at Lassen Volcanic National Park or any federal public land site.