© Photo John Chao Mount Rainier National Park Volunteer Survey 2008 Based on responses submitted by 157 volunteers in March 2008

© Photo John Chao

Mount Rainier National ParkVolunteer Survey 2008

Based on responses submitted by 157 volunteers in March 2008


Key InsightsCommunication

• Current communication methods are very helpful, including blogs, e-mails, discussion groups, and newsletters. Several individuals asked for more e-mail updates, especially about volunteer opportunities. One suggested monthly e-mails or short newsletters year-round to keep volunteers engaged in the off-season.

• One individual said that we need to keep the park’s “outposts” (Sunrise, Carbon River, and Ohanapecosh) better informed.

• Action Item: Send regular e-mail updates year-round, and ask “outpost” supervisors to share them with volunteers.

“You can’t communicate too much, especially about significant decisionsand actions affecting the park.”


Key InsightsPublic Information

• Several volunteers urged us to “keep the success stories out there” in the media and to keep getting our message out to the public.

• One person suggested seeking private funding for special projects: “Involve the wealthy of Seattle.”

• Action Items: Keep key media contacts informed about special events and major program updates. Work through park partners to advertise and raise funds for specific projects.


Key InsightsWork Opportunities

When asked what they liked best about their volunteer experience:

• Many volunteers said they appreciated that their work could be done on a flexible schedule or at their own pace.

• Having diverse opportunities is a major plus. Survey respondents urged us to offer a variety of choices, including options for senior citizens and families.

• Two volunteers suggested offering more year-round opportunities, or at least “ways to keep volunteers engaged in the off-season.”

• Action Item: Brainstorm ways to keep volunteers engaged through the winter months.

“Just make it fun, that’s what brings me back.”


Key InsightsRecruitment

• Several volunteers encouraged us to engage more kids, perhaps through schools or youth programs. Two suggested outreach to under-represented minority groups. Two urged us to keep pursuing “corporate” volunteer groups like REI.

• Respondents had many ideas for raising awareness of volunteer projects, including asking area newspapers and radio stations to advertise them; distributing fliers at the park entrance; or creating a display for the visitor centers.

• Three people suggested pre-screening volunteers to identify potential problems including health concerns.

• Action Items: Work with the education and outreach programs to encourage volunteer participation by youth and minorities. Talk with local newspapers about advertising volunteer projects, and create a display or brochure for visitor centers. Pre-screen volunteers better through specific questions during the registration or hiring process.


Key InsightsProject Scheduling

• When asked, “If you did not volunteer as often as you would have liked, what prevented you from doing so?” 52% of respondents said “schedule conflicts,” and 43% said “lack of time.” The most common factor, by far, in determining when volunteering is possible: work/school schedule.

• Three quarters of respondents said that summer was their best time of year to volunteer. 28% said winter was their first choice.

Best days to volunteer

25%

50%

75%

100%

Weekdays Weekends Holidays Single Days Multiple Days

Possible

Best


Key InsightsProject Scheduling, continued

• The most common comment by volunteers was that they wanted more advance notice of work dates. One asked if we could include WTA-sponsored projects on our own calendar too.

• Numerous respondents encouraged scheduling multiple-day projects (or a series of projects) to save on commuting costs.

• Action Item: Try to schedule projects longer in advance, and feature multiple-day project series.


Key InsightsTransportation

• Volunteers listed their round-trip commute to the park as a major concern. They praised the summer shuttles (though one suggested biofuels) and said we could use more of them—and better public transportation to the park as well.

• Several suggested arranging a meeting place for carpooling, perhaps at a park-and-ride.

• Action Item: Organize options for carpooling.

“It’s a bloody crime that national parks like Mount Rainier

aren’t better connected to public transportation fromcommunities like Tacoma, Puyallup, Enumclaw, etc. Ifpublic transportation WERE available to the park, morevisitors and volunteers would be enticed to come.”

51-100 miles

53%

11-50miles20%

>100 miles

28%

53%

50-100 miles

20%11-50miles

28%

More than 100 miles

How far do you livefrom the park?

Would you be interested in carpooling?

Yes (70%) No (30%)


Key InsightsCamping

When asked what they liked best about their volunteer experience:

• 58% of volunteers generally camp overnight when volunteering.

• 15 respondents commented that their camping experience worked great. An equal number, however, said that arranging to camp was difficult, confusing, or undependable. Several said to let volunteers know camping is available.

• 8 people said we needed showers. Two suggested clustering volunteer campsites; 3 more urged us to finish the Longmire Campground. One suggested having work party leaders camp with the volunteers. Another suggested providing window stickers for overnight volunteers.

• Action Item: Finish the Longmire Campground for volunteers, including showers. Meanwhile, develop clearer camping procedures.


Key InsightsFood and Lodging

• Many volunteers urged us to provide overnight housing for individuals or groups, and said they could volunteer more if it were available. A few people noted that some local motels and cabins provide discounts for volunteers.

• Several people recommended providing meals for volunteers, or a means of buying trail lunches. A few people commented on the “great snacks” provided by their crew leaders, though one noted that they were inappropriate for diabetics.

• Action Items: Look into options for overnight housing, including guest rooms, platform tents, and partnerships with local businesses. Promote “trail lunch” options through GSI or other local businesses.


StatisticsFrequency of volunteering

1,724 volunteers contributed 84,038 hours of service in 2007.

43%

32%

12%

6% 6%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

50%

<20 20-100 100-300 300-600 >600

How many hours did you volunteerlast year?

31%

23%

12% 12%

6%

16%

0%

10%

20%

30%

40%

Per

cen

tag

e o

f vo

lun

teer

s

0-1 2-3 4-5 6-10 11-20 >20

How many times did you volunteerlast year?


Key InsightsProjects

What is your favorite volunteer task?

Trail Maintenance47%

Meadow Roving20%

Backcountry Patrol13%

Native Plant Propagation

5%

Campground Maintenance

5%

Visitor Outreach/ Interpretation

5%

Other5%


Key InsightsProjects, continued

Volunteers suggested:

• Mark the meeting spot clearly with a sign.

• Make sure the work is useful. Make sure there’s enough work to do and enough people to do it. Clearly advertise what the job will accomplish.

• Cache tools at backcountry cabins rather than carrying them in.

• Provide clear guidance about what (and how much) to bring into the backcountry. Prescreen participants.

• Action Items: Make a sign to mark meeting spots. Plan projects carefully and advertise their goals. Provide guidance before backcountry trips and, if possible, cache supplies ahead of time.

“Pulling up vine maples and chopping things down was a lot more funthan I expected!”


The coming seasonTop 10 things volunteers are looking forward to:

10. Replanting the plants from the bedding area to the new visitor center and remodeled Paradise Inn

9. Being needed

8. Training opportunities

7. The opening of the Paradise Inn

6. Catching up with old friends

5. Backcountry projects at Indian Henrys or Mystic Lake

4. Week-long trail maintenance projects with WTA at Carbon River

3. National Public Lands Day

2. Completing the Glacier Basin reroute, the Longmire Campground, and the Wonderland Trail reroute

1. Getting back to favorite projects


Suggested projects(number of mentions in parentheses)

• Scientific research, including glacier studies, species inventory, visitor use studies, and data entry (8)

• Interpretation and guided hikes, including on the Trail of the Shadows, at scenic vistas, and on shuttle buses; or providing an introduction to hiking and trail etiquette for park visitors (5)

• Snowshoe patrol and other winter opportunities (4)

• Photodocumentation (2)

• Backcountry cabin restoration (including Ipsut Creek Cabin) (2)

• Trail bridge construction (2)

• Receptionist/office work (2)

© John Chao


Suggested projects, continued(number of mentions in parentheses)

• Earth Day activities

• Prepare the new visitor center for opening

• Rebuild damaged fire lookouts

• More projects at high elevation

• Develop a guide for disabled visitors

• Build up and organize the park’s historic files

• Assist with weather monitoring and records

• Organize educational lunch gatherings for volunteers and staff

• Fee collection

• Develop cross stitch designs for the park


• CPR & First Aid instructor (3); EMT (2); Wilderness First Responder (2); First Aid (2); Mountain-Oriented First Aid (2); Doctor; Registered Nurse; First Responder

• Interpretation and public speaking (9)

• Gardening and planting (3), Landscaping (2), Revegetation (2), and Invasive species removal

• Field biology, research, and data collection (8)

• Photography (7)

• Trail maintenance (6)

Unutilized skillsWhat skills do you have that aren’t currently being used?

• Carpentry (6)

• Computer skills (5, including a software engineer)

• Leave No Trace (4, including 2 trainers)

• Climbing and mountaineering (4)

• Youth leadership (4)

• Degree or extensive knowledge of geology (3) and glaciology

• Teaching (4)

• Writing (4)

• Clerical skills (3)

• Plant ID and alpine ecology (4)


Unutilized skills, continuedWhat skills do you have that aren’t currently being used?

• Backpacking (3)

• Wilderness navigation (3, including one that has taught map and compass skills)

• Outdoor leadership (2)

• Electrical engineering (2)

• Outreach and public relations (2)

• Public policy (2)

• Social work (2)

• Program management (2)

• Training design and delivery

• PhD in entomology

• Chemistry

• Astronomy

• Meteorology

• Erosion control

• Stream enhancement

• Skiing

• Staffing a backcountry cabin

• Backcountry patrol

• Search and Rescue

• Radio dispatch

• Wildland fire

• Mount Rainier history

• Fire lookout history and operation


Unutilized skills, continuedWhat skills do you have that aren’t currently being used?

• Art and landscape painting

• Historic preservation

• Trail design

• Use of a crosscut saw

• Heavy machinery

• Facility maintenance

• Architectural design

• Logging

• Have pack mules

• Yoga and meditation

• Librarian

• Volunteer management

• Leading family day camps

• Budget management

• Community organizing

• Mediation

• Personnel management

• Speak German

• Blogging

• Audio recording and digital manipulation


Key InsightsSupervision

• A very large number of volunteers (27) praised the quality of their supervision. Sixteen said that their work was coordinated and supported well. On the other hand, three found their supervisors disorganized or unprepared. One thought that some of the crew leaders were too young.

• One said he appreciated the high standards set by his supervisor.

• One suggested allowing volunteers to nominate park rangers for recognition if they are supportive or mentor volunteers.

• Action Items: Develop a means for good supervisors to be recognized. Keep hiring quality crew leaders!

“Our crew leader was AWESOME! She made sure we felt comfortablewith the level of difficulty of the trail work she asked us to do, she hadus rotate jobs so we could rest our backs, arms, etc., she made sure wetook breaks. She was fun to talk with and she brought great snacks!”


Key InsightsResources

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

NPS Website Blog ProjectCalendar

Newsletter VolunteerHandbook

What volunteer resources have you used?

Use frequently Use occasionally


Key InsightsResources, continued

What volunteer resources could be improved?

• Many people said they had never seen the volunteer handbook; a few of those who had seen it said it needs to be improved and updated. One person suggested including a list of contact persons for various project areas.

• Individuals commented on the need for more work space, computers, radios, jackets, and vests.

• One person suggested improving the park library with longer hours of operation and more resources, including children’s books and copies of the books sold in the park’s book stores.

• Action Items: Improve and distribute the volunteer handbook with input from volunteers. Identify specific project and resource needs and the best ways to acquire them.


Key InsightsTraining

What volunteer resources could be improved?

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Wilderness First AidPlant ID

Meadow RestorationEcology/GeologyTrail Maintenance

Backcountry TravelInterpretive SkillsMap & Compass

Advanced Meadow RovingAvalanche Awareness

CPRLeave No Trace

Biological SurveyHistoric Preservation

Wilderness Advanced First AidBasic Meadow Roving

Risk ManagementWilderness First Responder

Crosscut SawVolunteer Management

What training would you find most useful?

Very useful Useful


Key InsightsTraining, continued

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Weekendsonly

Longweekends

Eveningsonly

Full week Any length Non-summer

For multi-day trainings, when are the best times?

Best option Possible but less preferred


Key InsightsTraining, continued

• Many people said they appreciate the training, education, and new experiences they receive while volunteering. One suggested training in the Seattle area; another recommended mentoring with an experienced volunteer.

• Suggested training ideas include an overview of park regulations, use of radios, and how to make wilderness concepts relevant to diverse audiences.

• 67% of people said they would be interested in becoming a Meadow Rover trainer. 64% said they would teach Leave No Trace. 27% offered to become a CPR instructor, and 35% said they would be interested in taking other leadership roles as a crew leader, coordinator, or recruiter.

• Action Items: Plan a wide range of training opportunities, including topics suggested by volunteers. Take advantage of offers by volunteers to take training leadership.


Key InsightsVolunteer appreciation

• Many volunteers (14) said that they feel useful and welcome at Mount Rainier—both by park staff and by the public.

• Several volunteers expressed appreciation for their Mount Rainier Recovery posters and volunteer certificates. One suggested providing hats for group volunteers; another suggested discounts on yearly passes.

• One person said there was too much “patting on the back” before group projects—they’d prefer to just get to work!

• Eight people said they appreciated being trusted with leadership roles. One said they appreciated having access to places before the general public. Another said they wished for such access.

• Action Items: Consider new ideas for recognition items, possibly sponsored by park partners. Better advertise existing “perks” like the annual Volunteer Pass. Allow volunteers to take on leadership roles as a means of showing trust and appreciation.


Key InsightsBenefits of volunteering

• Fifteen people said one of their favorite aspects of volunteering was meeting other volunteers. Twelve said they enjoyed being part of a team; six said they enjoyed working with park rangers; and 22 said they enjoyed working with the public.

• One person suggested a social event at the beginning of the season so volunteers could get to know each other. One said there sometimes seemed to be a clique of people who already knew each other, and urged us to look out for new volunteers.

• Eleven said they enjoyed the “exercise” of volunteering.

• Twenty-three people said that the best aspect of volunteering was getting to work outdoors in a beautiful setting.

• Action Item: Plan a social event to kick off the volunteer season.

“Trail construction is a great antidote to a desk job!”


Key InsightsBenefits of volunteering, continued

• Twenty-one people said they appreciated the opportunity to help out or “give back” to the park. Twenty said they received a sense of accomplishment from volunteering. Thirteen appreciated that the work was meaningful and made a difference. Fourteen described a sense of mission that motivates their work.

• Five people said thatvolunteering gives them afeeling of deeper connection tothe park, a sense of ownership,and a deeper understanding ofthe park and why to protect it.

“I feel more connected to the park,more intimate than just a visitor, whenI’ve added some of my time and energyto working on projects.”

How pleased were you with your volunteer experience?

Very pleased(87%)

Somewhatpleased (9%)

Neutral (2%)

Somewhatdispleased (1%)

Very displeased(1%)


Key InsightsBenefits of volunteering, continued

“I have loved Mt. Rainier all my life and I was thrilled to be able to give something back to the mountain that means so much to me! I am anxious to get started on trail repair again this season!”

“Great to see the difference that we can make in even one day.”

“What better way to make a difference for Mt. Rainier National Park than helping preservation of the park while enjoying the park. You will wish you had started volunteering in the park years ago.”

“Thanks for all you do for us. Much as we love volunteer work, we always feel we get more than we give.”

“Your immediate reward is becoming part of the Park community; your lasting reward is not from recognition of your efforts by others, but from knowing what you give becomes legacy for family, friends, and future generations to appreciate, learn about and value.”

© John Chao


Key InsightsTop recommendations for future volunteers—by current volunteers

1. The most common advice, mentioned by 22 people: “Come prepared to work and have fun…. Just do it!” Other related comments: “You don’t have to commit to extended periods of time. Any amount of time you can give helps…. Don’t be afraid of just jumping in; support is always available…. Find a way to come back enough times to be comfortable with the job. The more you volunteer, the more you will enjoy it.”

2. “Be prepared for anything.” Specifically, bring clothing layers, rain gear, good shoes, a hat, work gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, snacks, and lots of water. “Understand how much equipment you need to carry into the backcountry,” and “expect to get dirty…. Make sure you have a change of clothes for the ride home.”

3. “Find a mentor before you begin… Spending a few days with an experienced volunteer can be helpful.” Or “go with experienced groups to start with, like WTA.” Also, “bring a friend, it makes the day go by so much faster.”


Key InsightsTop recommendations for future volunteers, continued

4. “Be prepared to be flexible with your time and interest.” Have a “friendly attitude, a smile and an open heart,” but “be persistent in pursuing opportunities you are interested in.”

5. “Take opportunities to see all parts of the park, work with different departments, and learn all you can.”

6. “Start with day trips. Get in reasonable shape first.”

7. “If you have ideas/complaints, don’t hesitate to register them with your management – they will listen!”

8. “Smile! Remember that the visitors are our guests, and should be extended every courtesy, no matter what the situation.”

9. “Keep the Park Rangers informed of your locations and duties so that there’s no duplication of duties…. Safety first!”

10. And finally: “Some of the best advice I got from the start from a long-time rover was ‘if it feels like a job, take a hike!”

© John Chao

Documents

© Photo John Chao Mount Rainier National Park Volunteer Survey 2008 Based on responses submitted by 157 volunteers in March 2008