Each year, volunteers contribute more than 60,000 hours to Denali National Park and Preserve. Retired couples, individuals, school groups, scouts, clubs and organizations - people just like you - donate their time and efforts to provide essential services at Denali's visitor centers, offices, kennel operations, campgrounds and even on the majestic slopes of North America's highest mountain. Our volunteers also contribute long hours constructing trails, eradicating invasive plants, gathering native seeds and assisting park researchers with a variety of projects.
More than 500 people annually make the time to give something back to this American treasure in Alaska. Depending on the opportunity, volunteers may donate several months at a time or perhaps a few hours. If this sounds like something you may be interested in, please read further.
During the summer months, housing within the park is limited. We have dedicated trailer pads with hook-ups in the headquarters area, and one trailer pad at Wonder Lake Campground.
If experiencing Denali in the winter interests you, we have lots of housing and projects to keep a person busy. The "off" season is a great time for us to organize and prepare for the busy summer.
Native Seed Collection: Need for Seed 2021
Sunday, August 8, 9 am-1 pm
Help harvest and dry native seeds while learning about Denali’s native plants and restoration projects in the park.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a day in the park while learning about native plants and seeds and their role in preserving the park’s ecosystem.
Park staff will set up several work areas so volunteers can choose where they would like to work in the park's "front country." Volunteers should expect to walk anywhere from a few hundred feet to up one or two miles over mostly flat terrain collecting native seeds.
No special skills or tools are required; volunteers will receive instructions how to identify the plants from which they will collect seeds. Volunteers who do not mind getting their hands dirty and who want to help maintain a part of this special place are encouraged to participate in Need for Seed.
Who: You and your friends/family. Children must be accompanied by an adult. What: Hands-on conservation work. Bring: Water, snacks, lunch, hiking boots, rain gear and clothing layers. Safety gear and tools will be provided. When: Sunday, August 8, at 9 a.m. The workday will conclude by 1 pm. Where: Meet behind the Denali National Park Headquarters Building at Mile 3.1 on the Denali Park Road, look for park staff in uniform.
Every volunteer will receive a thank-you gift.
For more information or to reserve overnight accommodations contact the Volunteer Office at 907-683-9504.
Volunteer Positions
When full or part-time volunteer positions are available, they will appear below.
(907) 683-9532 A ranger is available 9 am—4 pm daily (except on major holidays). If you get to the voicemail, please leave a message and we'll call you back as soon as we finish with the previous caller.
