Volunteer Opportunities From: Forest Park Conservancy

This is a sign-up for trained Volunteer Crew Leaders only. 

This registration includes separate shifts for each work party FPC will be leading in December, at both Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park. Please refer to the Get Connected volunteer calendar or the FPC Events Calendar to checkout the locations and work descriptions for each work party, then you can register for the corresponding shift date here. If there is no volunteer event on the calendar for a VCL shift, then it is a private event. Reach out to kyla@forestparkconservancy.org for event details. Keep an eye out for an email from Kyla ~ 1 week before the shift with more information.

Thank you so much for your help making our events safe, fun, and successful!

Join us for a raking volunteer event to help protect our trails through the winter! We'll be clearing fallen leaves from the trail surface to reduce erosion and support natural water flow. Removing this moisture-trapping organic matter helps prevent trail damage during the wet and freezing months ahead. Your efforts will make a big difference in keeping the trails safe and sustainable all season long.

When: Thursday, December 18th, 9am to 12pm.

Where: Lower Saltzman, (Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged!).

What: Raking. We will be working on the trails, which requires hiking (up to 3 miles) and physical labor in the forest (up to 2.5 hours).

Long pants, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toe tennis shoes or hiking boots with good traction are required for your safety. Long-sleeved shirts and weather appropriate layers for sun/wind/rain are also recommended. Make sure to bring a water bottle - many folks find it beneficial to bring a small backpack as well. If you have any allergies, please bring medications in case of emergency! Training, tools, snacks, coffee, and work gloves will be provided.

For Volunteer Crew Leaders: Raking course FP 16&18

To receive weekly updates about additional work parties, sign-up for our newsletter!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. If you want to help support our operations, consider becoming a monthly donor, or check to see if your employer offers a workplace giving program!

If you have any questions, please email us!

Join us for a raking volunteer event to help protect our trails through the winter! We'll be clearing fallen leaves from the trail surface to reduce erosion and support natural water flow. Removing this moisture-trapping organic matter helps prevent trail damage during the wet and freezing months ahead. Your efforts will make a big difference in keeping the trails safe and sustainable all season long.

When: Saturday, January 10th, 9am to 12pm.

Where:  Thundercrest / Firelane 3, (There is no parking at the trail head at Thundercrest as it is a private drive, you will need to park across the street along NW Mears Dr. and NW Devoto Ln.)

What: Raking. We will be working on the trails, which requires hiking (up to 3 miles) and physical labor in the forest (up to 2.5 hours).

Long pants, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toe tennis shoes or hiking boots with good traction are required for your safety. Long-sleeved shirts and weather appropriate layers for sun/wind/rain are also recommended. Make sure to bring a water bottle - many folks find it beneficial to bring a small backpack as well. If you have any allergies, please bring medications in case of emergency! Training, tools, snacks, coffee, and work gloves will be provided.

For Volunteer Crew Leaders: Raking course FP 13

To receive weekly updates about additional work parties, sign-up for our newsletter!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. If you want to help support our operations, consider becoming a monthly donor, or check to see if your employer offers a workplace giving program!

If you have any questions, please email us!

Join us for a raking volunteer event to help protect our trails through the winter! We'll be clearing fallen leaves from the trail surface to reduce erosion and support natural water flow. Removing this moisture-trapping organic matter helps prevent trail damage during the wet and freezing months ahead. Your efforts will make a big difference in keeping the trails safe and sustainable all season long.

When: Thursday, January 15th, 9am to 12pm.

Where:   Upper Saltzman TH, (There is no parking at the trail head at Thundercrest as it is a private drive, you will need to park across the street along NW Mears Dr. and NW Devoto Ln.)

What: Raking. We will be working on the trails, which requires hiking (up to 3 miles) and physical labor in the forest (up to 2.5 hours).

Long pants, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toe tennis shoes or hiking boots with good traction are required for your safety. Long-sleeved shirts and weather appropriate layers for sun/wind/rain are also recommended. Make sure to bring a water bottle - many folks find it beneficial to bring a small backpack as well. If you have any allergies, please bring medications in case of emergency! Training, tools, snacks, coffee, and work gloves will be provided.

For Volunteer Crew Leaders: Raking course FP 17

To receive weekly updates about additional work parties, sign-up for our newsletter!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. If you want to help support our operations, consider becoming a monthly donor, or check to see if your employer offers a workplace giving program!

If you have any questions, please email us!

Join us for an introductory trail maintenance volunteer event to help care for Marquam Nature Park. We’ll focus on essential tasks like clearing drains and repairing trail surfaces to prevent erosion and keep trails safe and accessible. Your work helps protect the surrounding forest by encouraging visitors to stay on designated paths, reducing environmental impact and preserving this special place for all.

When: Saturday, January 24th, 9am to 12pm.

Where: Marquam Nature Park - Towhee TH. Parking is very limited. Carpooling is encouraged! There is additional parking here - you will need to carefully walk down the road to the trailhead if you park on Fairmont Blvd.

What:  Trail maintenance. We will be working on the trails, which requires hiking (up to 3 miles) on uneven terrain and physical labor in the forest (up to 2.5 hours).

Long pants, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toe tennis shoes or hiking boots with good traction are required for your safety. Long-sleeved shirts and weather appropriate layers for sun/wind/rain are also recommended. Make sure to bring a water bottle - many folks find it beneficial to bring a small backpack as well. If you have any allergies, please bring medications in case of emergency! Training, tools, snacks, coffee, and work gloves will be provided.

To receive weekly updates about additional work parties, sign-up for our newsletter!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. If you want to help support our operations, consider becoming a monthly donor, or check to see if your employer offers a workplace giving program!

If you have any questions, please email us!

This is a sign-up for a trail work party.

When: Saturday, January 24th, 2026 from 9am-12pm.

Where: Meet at Marquam Nature Park Shelter (Parking is limited, carpooling is encouraged!) 

Work: Benching, drain clearage, and brushing on Connor Trail.

What: This is basic trail maintenance and no previous experience is necessary. All tools, training, and guidance provided.

Preparation: Please wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, long-sleeved shirt, and dress appropriately for the weather. Please also bring a water bottle (we will have a jug for refills). If you usually pack emergency medications such as Epi-Pens to outdoor activities, bring those along just as you normally would.

We provide: Light snacks, water, gloves, tools, training, and fun! If you have any food allergies, please let us know. 

Activity info: This activity takes place outdoors. We'll be mending the trails, which will require hiking and physical labor in the forest. You will be walking up to 1 miles away from the meeting location and restrooms, so please be ready to hike. Be sure to arrive on time, or you may miss the group. If you are running late, please contact volunteer@forestparkconservancy.org. 

To receive monthly updates about additional work parties and trainings, join our email list!
FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. To become a member and support our work, visit our donation page!  (Note many corporations have a matching gift program)

If you have questions, please email us!

Join us for an invasive species removal volunteer event to help restore native habitat! We'll be removing invasive plants to make space for native species to thrive and support future revegetation efforts. This important work helps improve the health and resilience of the forest ecosystem for years to come.

When: Saturday, January 31st, 9am to 12pm.

Where: Leif Erikson @ Thurman. Parking is limited. Carpooling is encouraged!

What: Removing and cutting up invasive species. We will be working on the trails, which requires hiking (up to 3 miles) on uneven terrain and physical labor in the forest (up to 2.5 hours).

Long pants, long socks, and sturdy, closed-toe tennis shoes or hiking boots with good traction are required for your safety. Long-sleeved shirts and weather appropriate layers for sun/wind/rain are also recommended. Make sure to bring a water bottle - many folks find it beneficial to bring a small backpack as well. If you have any allergies, please bring medications in case of emergency! Training, tools, snacks, coffee, and work gloves will be provided.

To receive weekly updates about additional work parties, sign-up for our newsletter!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. If you want to help support our operations, consider becoming a monthly donor, or check to see if your employer offers a workplace giving program!

If you have any questions, please email us!

With more than 80 miles of trails, keeping Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park in top shape requires dedicated volunteers who monitor and report trail conditions year-round. FPC’s Rapid Response Team hikes, runs, and explores the trails, identifying downed trees, invasive species, erosion, and other maintenance concerns—helping us respond quickly to keep the parks safe and accessible.

We need your help, especially during the winter months when storm damage is at its worst! As a Rapid Responder, you'll receive training, be assigned a team and a route, and gain the skills to spot and report trail issues effectively.

Join us in protecting and maintaining these beloved parks—sign up today to become a member of the Rapid Response Team!

If you have any questions before the training, please let us know!

With more than 80 miles of trails, keeping Forest Park and Marquam Nature Park in top shape requires dedicated volunteers who monitor and report trail conditions year-round. FPC’s Rapid Response Team hikes, runs, and explores the trails, identifying downed trees, invasive species, erosion, and other maintenance concerns—helping us respond quickly to keep the parks safe and accessible.

We need your help, especially during the winter months when storm damage is at its worst! As a Rapid Responder, you'll receive training, be assigned a team and a route, and gain the skills to spot and report trail issues effectively.

Join us in protecting and maintaining these beloved parks—sign up today to become a member of the Rapid Response Team!

If you have any questions before the training, please let us know!

We're updating our Forest Ambassador program, and this year, with your help, we're going to cover more ground than ever!

Through this program, volunteers become trained leaders in the field, engage with park visitors and educate them on Forest Park so that everybody can better access the natural resources in their community and feel like they belong.

Forest Ambassadors will be trained on Leave No Trace principles, the history of Forest Park, the Conservancy, and the impacts of fires, winter weather, and other environmental impacts throughout the seasons. They will ensure that everyone feels welcome and inspired to be stewards of Forest Park whether it's their first time visiting or they are long-time park users.

If you have any questions regarding the training or program, please contact us!

We're updating our Forest Ambassador program, and this year, with your help, we're going to cover more ground than ever!

Through this program, volunteers become trained leaders in the field, engage with park visitors, and educate them on Forest Park so that everybody can better access the natural resources in their community and feel like they belong.

Forest Ambassadors will be trained on Leave No Trace principles, the history of Forest Park, the Conservancy, and the impacts of fires, winter weather, and other environmental impacts throughout the seasons. They will ensure that everyone feels welcome and inspired to be stewards of Forest Park, whether it's their first time visiting or they are long-time park users.

If you have any questions regarding the training or program, please contact us!

This is a sign-up for a Volunteer Crew Leader training.

When: Saturday, March 21st, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Where: TBD. The location will be shared with participants at least two weeks prior to the training.

What: This is an overview of our programs; the responsibilities of Volunteer Crew Leaders (VCLs); leadership skills; and more. We will learn through a mix of slideshow, group discussions, and activities. No previous experience is necessary to attend this training.

VCLs support our staff members at volunteer work parties in several ways. First, they arrive early to help set up event supplies and greet fellow volunteers as they arrive. During the work party, they serve as assistant leaders to FPC staff by helping everyone to feel welcome, ensuring we are meeting our standards of work quality, and helping to train fellow volunteers on the trail. After the work party, they debrief the day with FPC staff and help clean up tools and equipment.

Signing up to become a Volunteer Crew Leader is a great opportunity to hone your leadership skills, meet new people, expand your knowledge of trails maintenance best practices, and spend more time in Forest Park!

Preparation: We encourage you to bring a water bottle, a notebook, and anything else you need to feel comfortable for a two-hour training indoors.

We provide: Light snacks, water, training, and fun! If you have any food allergies, please let us know.

Activity info: Volunteer Crew Leaders are encouraged to attend various work parties and Trails Skillbuilding workshops to improve their technical skills and build a stronger relationship with our staff.

This activity takes place indoors, though participants will be in close proximity to each other in the office. With that in mind, masks and vaccination are not required for this activity. However, we require volunteers to stay home when feeling any symptoms of illness (regardless of COVID-19 test result) and fully support participants’ choice to wear a mask if desired.

To receive monthly updates about additional work parties and trainings, join our email list!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. To become a member and support our work, visit our donation page!  (Note many corporations have a matching gift program).

If you have questions, please email us!

This is a sign-up for a Volunteer Crew Leader training.

When: Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Where: TBD. The location will be shared with participants at least two weeks prior to the training.

What: This is an overview of our programs; the responsibilities of Volunteer Crew Leaders (VCLs); leadership skills; and more. We will learn through a mix of slideshow, group discussions, and activities. No previous experience is necessary to attend this training.

VCLs support our staff members at volunteer work parties in several ways. First, they arrive early to help set up event supplies and greet fellow volunteers as they arrive. During the work party, they serve as assistant leaders to FPC staff by helping everyone to feel welcome, ensuring we are meeting our standards of work quality, and helping to train fellow volunteers on the trail. After the work party, they debrief the day with FPC staff and help clean up tools and equipment.

Signing up to become a Volunteer Crew Leader is a great opportunity to hone your leadership skills, meet new people, expand your knowledge of trails maintenance best practices, and spend more time in Forest Park!

Preparation: We encourage you to bring a water bottle, a notebook, and anything else you need to feel comfortable for a two-hour training indoors.

We provide: Light snacks, water, training, and fun! If you have any food allergies, please let us know.

Activity info: Volunteer Crew Leaders are encouraged to attend various work parties and Trails Skillbuilding workshops to improve their technical skills and build a stronger relationship with our staff.

This activity takes place indoors, though participants will be in close proximity to each other in the office. With that in mind, masks and vaccination are not required for this activity. However, we require volunteers to stay home when feeling any symptoms of illness (regardless of COVID-19 test result) and fully support participants’ choice to wear a mask if desired.

To receive monthly updates about additional work parties and trainings, join our email list!

FPC is supported through the generosity of our donors. To become a member and support our work, visit our donation page!  (Note many corporations have a matching gift program).

If you have questions, please email us!

This is an in-person, field training event, where FPC and PP&R will be will be reviewing brushing best practices. Brushing is the cutting back of the excess spring growth from the sides of trails, which is needed to keep the trails safe and navigable and help manage the natural health of the forest.

When: Saturday, May 2nd, 10 am to 1 pm.

What:  Brushing training.

Where: TBD. Parking is limited. Carpooling encouraged!

Course info: TBD

Pack plenty of water and dress for all weather conditions. Long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes are required for your safety. All training, tools and work gloves will be provided. In recent years, Forest Park has seen an uptick in bee activity, if you have any allergies, please bring medications in case of emergency!

Additionally, FPC will continue to abide by the Oregon Health Authority guidelines, and we ask that all participants follow our policy guidelines found here.  FPC will make every effort to provide materials to keep participants safe and healthy!

To receive weekly updates about additional work parties, join our email list!

If you have questions, please email us!

We're updating our Forest Ambassador program, and this year, with your help, we're going to cover more ground than ever!

Through this program, volunteers become trained leaders in the field, engage with park visitors and educate them on Forest Park so that everybody can better access the natural resources in their community and feel like they belong.

Forest Ambassadors will be trained on Leave No Trace principles, the history of Forest Park, the Conservancy, and the impacts of fires, winter weather, and other environmental impacts throughout the seasons. They will ensure that everyone feels welcome and inspired to be stewards of Forest Park whether it's their first time visiting or they are long-time park users.

If you have any questions regarding the training or program, please contact us!

We're updating our Forest Ambassador program, and this year, with your help, we're going to cover more ground than ever!

Through this program, volunteers become trained leaders in the field, engage with park visitors and educate them on Forest Park so that everybody can better access the natural resources in their community and feel like they belong.

Forest Ambassadors will be trained on Leave No Trace principles, the history of Forest Park, the Conservancy, and the impacts of fires, winter weather, and other environmental impacts throughout the seasons. They will ensure that everyone feels welcome and inspired to be stewards of Forest Park whether it's their first time visiting or they are long-time park users.

If you have any questions regarding the training or program, please contact us!