Volunteer Opportunities

Become a Level Walker

Level Walkers are C&O Canal Association members who are assigned one or more sections of the canal to walk on a regular basis, removing trash, checking facilities, and reporting any problems to the NPS. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the canal while helping to maintain it. For more information, contact Bill McAllister at levelwalker@candocanal.org

Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Work Sessions

The C&O Canal Association organizes work parties as part of the National Park Service’s VIP program. Groups of volunteers provide direct, hand-on assistance to the canal park through such tasks as painting, repair work, painting fences, installing interpretive signs, and trail maintenance. You need not be a C&OCA member to participate. Please check the Calendar for information on upcoming VIP sessions.

Join the Bike Patrol

Members of this NPS program are volunteers who ride the towpath, assisting rangers and visitors by providing: information on the Park resources and safety; regulation reminders; first aid; and emergency bicycle repairs. If you love cycling and the outdoors, this may be for you. For information: in the Great Falls area: Norman Liebow, liebow@comcast.net; in the Williamsport area: Leslie_Brodhead@nps.gov; in the Cumberland area, Rita_Knox@nps.gov.

Become a Canal Boat Crew Member

for the coming season at both Georgetown and Great Falls. These NPS volunteers will operate historic lift locks, handle and steer canal boats, and help visitors understand the canal’s history. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in making the past come alive. Training is provided. For more information or to volunteer, contact Alyssa Baltrus or Harry Hagen at 301-767-3714 or alyssa_baltrus@nps.gov.

Help Staff a New Exhibit at Williamsport

On loan from the National Canal Museum, this fascinating exhibit will be displayed in Williamsport’s Trolley Barn. NPS is seeking support from individual volunteers for from one to four days per month during April 17 through October 12. The contact is Leslie Brodhead (301-582-0813 or Leslie_Brodhead@nps.gov). To prepare for the exhibit, NPS also needs help with a clean-up day in Williamsport on March 30 at the Trolley Barn and the Cushwa Warehouse. For details, please contact Curt Gaul (301-582-0813 or curt_gaul@nps.gov).

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