NPS Photo / Community Volunteer Ambassador Aaron Bussey The Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) program at Salinas was established over 20 years ago. The program is structured as a pyramid, with our volunteers at the top. Why? Because they are the focus of the program and the most important members of our team. Volunteers receive support from their supervisors, the VIP program manager, and the park’s Community Volunteer Ambassador (CVA). At Salinas, every member of the staff supports the work of our volunteers! Donna has been a volunteer at our park since 2010. When she was presented with the opportunity to become an Interpretive Park Guide, she seized it. She spent over 6 years as a Park Guide before returning as a volunteer! Donna's work organizing and cataloging library and research collections makes a large impact on how smoothly research can be conducted by park staff and outside researchers. The types of collections that Donna catalogues on a day-to-day include collection files, library books, and nearly 10,000 research references, or blue cards. Typically volunteers at our park help with Information Technology (IT), natural and cultural resources, and interpretation. Donna is doing work that has not been done previously here at Salinas by volunteers. Her work is an important part of preserving our park’s history! 
NPS Photo / Nikki Berkebile Donna’s volunteer service to Salinas often goes unseen by the public, as her work is completed behind the scenes. Her work though not glamorous has a monumental impact! Donna’s passion for our cultural and natural resources is evident in her work and the attitude she brings to our team. She is a part of the SAPU Family. I did not understand how important volunteering is until I saw the impact of volunteers like Donna, who have chosen to volunteer at our park and help us to share our park’s story with the public! If you are interested in how you can get connected with our volunteer program and do impactful work at our park, like Donna’s, check out the links below to our Volunteer Opportunities, Website, and Social Media where you can find more information about us and our upcoming events!
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Last updated: May 2, 2025