The Volunteer-in-Parks program supports the National Park Service in its mission to preserve and protect our national parks. You can volunteer for a day or year-round; on your own or with friends and family; close to home or at a dream destination. As a new park with limited staff, Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument offers volunteer opportunities for operations support and volunteer service events, such as trash clean-up events and invasive weed removals. Volunteer EventsAll volunteer events and sign-ups are posted to our park calendar, although we do not offer outdoor events during the summer months (June-August) due to high temperatures. Scouting service events should be coordinated directly with Protectors of Tule Springs at: info@protectorsoftulesprings.org Clean-up eventsFor many decades, the land now within Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument was used to dump construction and landscaping debris, and oversize furniture and appliances. Massive cleanup efforts since the monument was founded in 2014 have helped restore the desert landscape in some areas to keep our land, plants, animals, and people happy and healthy. Our clean-up volunteers make a huge difference in creating a better future for Tule Springs Fossil Beds. Invasive Weed RemovalInvasive weeds, like halogeton, can spread in desert plant communities and out-compete native plants for water and room to grow. Native desert plants are vital to providing food, water, and shelter to native wildlife. Invasive weed removal event volunteers are educated on identifying invasive plants in problem areas, and team together to remove and dispose of them. Our weed removal volunteers help keep our native plants thriving and prevent the further spread of invasive plants at Tule Springs Fossil Beds. Operations SupportTule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument gets volunteer support for natural and cultural resources, law enforcement, and education and outreach programs. Due to limited staff, many of the operations support volunteer programs are managed by the Protectors of Tule Springs, the Tule Springs Fossil Beds Friends Group and official philanthropic partner. Volunteer Mounted Horse PatrolThe Volunteer Mounted Horse Patrol program (MHP) was established in 2021 with the help of Protectors of Tule Springs. MHP Volunteers serve as the "eyes and ears" of the park rangers and provide valuable support with visitor safety. This team of local volunteers manage every aspect of care and training of their personal patrol horses and provide educational outreach at special events and programs. MHP volunteers are always happy to provide additional park and trail information to visitors, the park’s natural and cultural resources, and to talk about their horse ambassadors. B.A.R.K. Ranger LiasonsThe Tule Springs Fossil Beds B.A.R.K. Ranger program was established in 2021 with the help of Protectors of Tule Springs. The National Park Service B.A.R.K. Ranger program is part of the Healthy People Healthy Parks Initiative and promotes positive and safe experiences with pets in National Parks. Tule Springs Fossil Beds B.A.R.K. Ranger liasons are people and their dogs volunteering to assist with outreach events, dog waste clean-up events, and B.A.R.K. Ranger hikes. You do not need to be a B.A.R.K. Ranger liason to participate in B.A.R.K. Ranger hikes. Education and OutreachFrom operating telescopes at Urban Astronomy programs, to dazzling visitors with life-size fossil replicas, to assisting with guided hikes, our education and outreach volunteers provide invaluable support to Tule Springs Fossil Beds park rangers. Engaging visitors during special events and programs is a fun way to promote stewardship and connect with our community. Education and outeach volunteers can also help set up and clean up on-site and off-site programming. |
Last updated: January 5, 2024