Volunteer ProgramJoin our team! Volunteers-In-Parks (VIPs) are Very Important People! Explore, learn, and share your time and talent while helping us protect this special place! From assisting with visitor services to helping maintain the grounds of this special place... and everything in between, the work our volunteers do makes a difference! Volunteering is an American tradition that has made immeasurable contributions to communities, organizations, and individuals throughout the country. Every year, thousands of individuals contribute their enthusiasm and skills to help the National Park Service preserve and protect the natural and cultural resources and to serve and educate visitors. Booker T. Washington National Monument offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for individuals of all abilities to serve alongside park employees. Explore each of our opportunities below to learn more.
NPS/Linda Coldiron Visitor CenterDo you like helping others and providing useful information? Do you want to share your love for Booker T. Washington National Monument? Consider volunteering at the Visitor Center! Visitor Center volunteers help park guests by providing directions and sharing information about park activities and amenities. They also answer questions about Washington’s story and the park's history. By showing the park film to visitors, engaging children in the Junior Ranger program, and assisting with sales at the park bookstore, these volunteers support the park’s mission.Visitor Center volunteer shifts are 3 hours long and take place from 10:00am-1:00pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm, Wednesday through Sunday. Customer service experience is useful, but not required to volunteer. Email us and apply to become a Visitor Center volunteer today! 
NPS/Linda Coldiron Animal CareHave you ever wanted to work on a farm? Do you enjoy caring for animals? At Booker T. Washington National Monument, our Animal Care volunteers keep our livestock happy and healthy. Animal Care volunteers help the park’s farm animals by feeding them and providing the clean water and medicine they need. These volunteers also help groom our animals and help keep their enclosures safe and clean.This work helps visitors connect with Washington’s story by replicating the farm life of the Burroughs plantation. Shifts for Animal Care volunteers last approximately one hour and take place at 9:00am and 4:00pm daily. If you want to lend a helping hand by caring for our park animals, email us and apply to become an Animal Care volunteer today! 
NPS/Photo Heirloom GardenAre you new to gardening and seeking to grow your skills? Are you an experienced gardener looking for a way your skills can make an impact? Join our Heirloom Garden volunteer team! Heirloom Garden volunteers at Booker T. Washington National Monument cultivate agricultural plants from the 1800s. As a small subsistence and tobacco plantation, agriculture was key to the Burroughs plantation and Washington’s life here. By cultivating our Heirloom Garden, you will help that story come alive for visitors as they encounter authentic examples of historic vegetables, herbs, and flowers.Each year, the Heirloom Garden volunteer team begins working in March and typically concludes in October. The group meets on Tuesdays, generally between 8:00am and 11:00am, as determined by the Lead Gardner. While many of these volunteers are members of Virginia Master Naturalists, membership with this group is not required and volunteering in the Heirloom Garden is open to all. Share your love for gardening in a way that makes an impact. Email us and apply to become an Heirloom Garden volunteer today! 
NPS/Photo Bark Ranger Trail AmbassadorDo you love walking your dog at Booker T. Washington National Monument? Are you looking for a fun way to support the park? Volunteers and their canine companions can become BARK Ranger Trail Ambassadors, who inform the public on how to properly enjoy the park with their pets. As BARK Rangers, dogs and their owners promote rules for safely and responsibly enjoying the park.Each volunteer is trained on how to approach visitors and explain the importance of the BARK Ranger rules. Responsibilities vary from assisting with BARK Ranger hikes to having one-on-one interactions with visitors. When you volunteer as a BARK Ranger Trail Ambassador to promote responsible dog-walking in the park you receive volunteer accessories for you and your dog! Email us and apply to become a Bark Ranger Trail Ambassador today! 
NPS/Photo FacilitiesDo you enjoy working outdoors? Help to maintain the historic grounds of Booker T. Washington National Monument by serving as a Facilities volunteer! Although we may be a small park, it takes a lot of work to maintain this beautiful landscape! Facilities volunteers at Booker T. Washington National Monument assist NPS staff by:
NPS/Photo Trail CrewDo you love hiking at Booker T. Washington National Monument? Looking for a hands-on way to serve outdoors? Booker T. Washington National Monument is seeking volunteers to assist maintaining the trail system at the park.Trail Crew volunteers will attend 1-2 work days per month and will maintain park trails by filling in holes, removing fallen branches and logs, using a woodchipper to clear away fallen trees, and ensure the trails remain safe for all who hike at the park. Training and personal-protective-equipment (PPE) will be provided by the park. Email us and apply to become a Trail Crew volunteer today! 
NPS/Linda Coldiron Education and OutreachDo you have a desire to share Booker T. Washington’s story with others? Help us expand the impact of Booker T. Washington National Monument by serving as an Education and Outreach volunteer! As an Education and Outreach volunteer you will work closely with staff in the Interpretation Division to lead field trip programs for visiting school groups. The park will provide training for interpreting the historic resources of the park and implementing our field trip lesson plans. Education and Outreach volunteers will also represent the park at local events such as fairs and festivals by staffing booths equipped with interactive crafts, interpretive resources, and park brochures.These activities support the park’s mission by expanding our involvement in the local community. The schedule for this position varies and is dependent upon the dates of scheduled field trips and local events. Volunteers will coordinate with Interpretation Division staff to cover these programs. Email us and apply to become an Education and Outreach volunteer today! For information or applications: E-mail the VIP Coordinator.Mail: Telephone: (540) 682-0173
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Last updated: March 3, 2026