News Release

National Park Service seeks volunteers

NPS/Rick Santich

News Release Date: February 5, 2026

Contact: Pamela Barnes, 440-241-5857

BRECKSVILLE, Ohio—Cuyahoga Valley National Park is hosting a volunteer open house on Saturday, February 28 from 1–3:30 pm at Happy Days Lodge, located at 500 W. Streetsboro Road (Route 303), Peninsula, Ohio 44264.

Attendees can find out more about the following open opportunities: 

• Citizen Science: Work with park staff to monitor and survey numerous native plant and animal species throughout CVNP.
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad: Be a part of the iconic events on the railroad. Opportunities exist for train crew: Trainmen, Concessionaires, Servers, Platform Attendants and Guest Ambassadors, Education Program Assistants, Maintenance and Mechanical Support.
• Cycling Schools: Facilitate biking experiences for youth from the Cleveland and Akron areas. Assist with fitting bikes and helmets to youth, accompanying youth on a bike ride along the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and ensure safety.
• Environmental Education Center: Seeking volunteers interested in youth environmental education programming. Assist with Junior Ranger events and outdoor education programs.
• First Ladies National Historic Site: Greet and engage with visitors of the site. Assist with youth historical interpretation.
• James A. Garfield National Historic Site: Greet and engage with visitors of the site. Assist with youth historical education programming.
• Habitat Restoration: Assist with invasive plant management at park-selected sites. Work includes seed collection of native plants under supervision, planting native plants, and working in the park greenhouse.
• Lock Demonstrations: Share the history and importance of the Ohio & Erie Canal with park visitors. Wear a historic costume and use the Lock 38 gates to show visitors how locks worked or use a working lock model to demonstrate how these elevators for boats work.
• Rail Rover: Present informal interpretation aboard Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad on regularly scheduled runs. Distribute literature, share animal pelts, and answer questions about the national park.
• Trail Maintenance: Assist in building, maintaining and improving the bike, hike and horse trails in CVNP using hand tools and power equipment.
• Retail Ambassador: Assist retail staff in the operation of stores by providing excellent customer service, greeting visitors and providing park information/orientation.
• Visitor Data Assistant: Observe and record visitor use at popular park destinations. This will help the park make data-driven decisions that provide a positive experience and protect resources.

Contact the volunteer office at [e-mail] or 440-717-3846, or visit our volunteer page for more information regarding these opportunities.
 

CVNP’s Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) Program is co-managed by the National Park Service and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Together, they accomplish park goals through mutually beneficial volunteer experiences and engage people in the park, building a community of park stewards. Currently, more than 5,000 VIPs donate more than 100,000 hours to provide the highest level of quality services to park visitors and to help protect America’s heritage. To join these volunteers in making a difference at CVNP, contact the volunteer office at [e-mail], 440-717-3846, or visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org. Many opportunities are available, and training is provided.

CVNP encompasses over 33,000 acres along the Cuyahoga River between Cleveland and Akron, Ohio. Managed by the National Park Service, CVNP combines cultural, historical, recreational, and natural resources in one setting. For more information, visit us at www.nps.gov/cuva, on Facebook, X, or Instagram, or call 440-717-3890.
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