Travel Tips

Voluntourism Spotlight: Help Preserve the First National Forest

Shoshone ForestDid you know that 70 percent of all Americans live within 100 miles of a national forest? Considered America’s backyard, our national forests offer 193 million acres of undisturbed wildlands across the U.S.  To get to know the landscape, head to Cody, Wyoming, where you can volunteer at our first national forest. Check out the program below and remember to tune into Peter Greenberg Worldwide this weekend for more information. Plus, don’t forget to check out our archive for all kinds of voluntourism opportunities.

Want to get outdoors and give back? Head to the Shoshone National Forest where you can become a volunteer. Located right outside of Cody, Wyoming, the Shoshone was the first national forest established in the United States. With 2.4 million acres of terrain, there is a lot to do to maintain this gorgeous setting.

If you are looking to stop by on the way to Yellowstone National Park, you can become a day volunteer. One-time volunteers can preserve the area’s natural beauty for others by helping to pick up trash from campgrounds and keeping the trails clear. In the winter, volunteers also help out with office work.

For those staying on longer trips in the area, you can be more involved in immersive projects. Volunteer as a campground host to interact with other guests while learning more about the Shoshone history, or you can get your hands dirty restoring stream banks.

The specific projects and volunteer opportunities offered by the Shoshone National Forest vary by season and funding. But there are always ways to volunteer year-round for all ages—volunteers under 18 must have parental consent. Students can take part in the college-approved intern program to earn course credit.

To find out more about the Shoshone National Forest and their volunteer opportunities, visit the website or call 307-527-6241.