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
Log Your Volunteer Hours
Volunteer Resources

Our Mission

The Mission of the VIP program at the C&O Canal National Historical Park is to involve individuals and groups in the stewardship and enhancement of the park’s resources in an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. The program will provide opportunities for increasing knowledge while fostering commitment to National Park Service goals and recognizing the contributions of all park volunteers. We will accomplish these goals by:

  • Fortifying park programs through the use of volunteers in a manner that compliments basic park resources to better accomplish the park’s mission; and
  • Providing an enriching and diverse work experience for participating volunteers.