Park Watch Program

Park Watch Volunteer Dave C. with his dog Rosie at The Point

 

Introduction

The Park Watch Program seeks to meet needs and address issues on the park's trails and surrounding lands and buildings. When the program began, it focused on the Maryland Heights traill as the primary focus area for increased patrols.

In January 2016, due to the success of the program and volunteer interest in other areas, the Maryland Heights Park Watch Program shortened its name to Park Watch Program and expanded to include all areas of the park.

Program Goal and Philosophy

The Park Watch Program is a National Park Service sponsored program designed to utilize volunteers to reduce vandalism, looting and destruction of natural and cultural resources, visitor violations, and trail hazards. The volunteers are the “eyes and ears” for park law enforcement and maintenance staff. Volunteers also enhance visitor services and work closely with interpretation, education and public outreach staff. Trained Park Watch volunteers patrol the park using a randomized patrol method of their choosing at the discretion of the program managers or the on-duty ranger. Park Watch volunteers also assist park visitors with wayfinding and answering general questions.The primary operating philosophy of the Park Watch Program is for members to observe and report to the program managers or the on-duty ranger, not to confront or approach suspects or violators. Park Watch Program volunteers have no police or park authority.

Park Watch Program volunteers carry out assignments with a high degree of public trust. Respect for the park, visitors, staff, and other Park Watch Program volunteers is required, and is essential to the program’s success.

Apply to Volunteer

*The park is currently not accepting new applications for the Park Watch program.* If you are interested in volunteering with the Park Watch program, please email us.