The C&O Canal Trust is the official non-profit partner of the C&O Canal National Historical Park and works in partnership with the National Park Service to protect, restore, and promote the canal. The Trust seeks to ensure the Park’s  natural, historical, and recreational potential is fully realized.

Volunteers in Action

About Us

Danny Filer

Danny, originally from Frostburg, Maryland, worked as a seasonal ranger with Ranger Rita Knox in Cumberland for four years before joining the park as a full-time Volunteer Coordinator. Danny has a bachelor’s degree in history, a Master of Education degree, and a Master of Business Administration degree. His interests include American social history, higher education administration, and public service programs. He has been in the Volunteer Coordinator position for the park since December of 2007. He can be contacted in his office at 301-714-2218 or by email.

Emily Hewitt

Emily grew up in New Orleans and graduated from Texas A&M University at Galveston. Currently she is working on a master’s degree in Recreation & Parks Management from Frostburg State University. She worked three years as a seasonal for the C&O in Williamsport and Hancock before joining the Division of Interpretation, Education & Partnerships. Emily enjoys kayaking, camping, traveling, and playing ultimate frisbee. Emily is a Volunteer Coordinator for the park. She can be reached at 301-491-7309 or by email.

Geordie Newman

Geordie Newman graduated from Gettysburg College in 1997 with a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Environmental Studies. He worked for the Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage for 14 years doing habitat restoration for wildlife. Geordie earned a Masters of Environmental Science and Policy from Johns Hopkins University’s Krieger School of Arts and Sciences while working for CWH. He recently joined the C&O Canal NHP as the Volunteer Coordinator for the Palisades District. He can be reached at 301-491-1165 or via email.

Brian Sabri

Brian, a Chambersburg, Pennsylvania native, graduated from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture and a minor in geography.  Upon graduation, he served in the Peace Corps in Honduras as a municipal development volunteer where he taught English and assisted municipalities in the planning of parks projects.  In his free time Brian enjoys backpacking, running, and gardening.  Brian became an SCA intern in July and will be assisting the park in volunteer coordination and graphic design.  He can be contacted by phone 301-745-5810 or email.