New Volunteer Opportunities!

Check out these new opportunities to serve your national park!

Facility Maintenance Administrative Clerk

Use your administrative talents to help the National Park Service! The C&O Canal National Historical Park is looking for a volunteer or student intern to serve as the Administrative Clerk for the Chief of Maintenance. This experience working in an office setting allows you to utilize your skills while gaining valuable experience and exploring career options within government service:

- Types occasional correspondence; i.e., memos, letters, forms, reports; - Must be proficient in MS Office, especially Excel and Word; - Establishes, updates, and maintains office records; i.e., filing, copying, etc. - Distributes and controls incoming and outgoing mail

This position is located at the park headquarters at 1850 Dual Highway in Hagerstown, Maryland. The position requires 10-15 hours per week (preferably Tuesdays and one other day per week). Volunteer uniform will be provided.

Park Headquarters Administrative Clerk

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is seeking a volunteer to complete the re-organization of files for the Division of Partnerships and Volunteers. Volunteer will be assisting park staff in organizing project files and paperwork which are integral to park operations.

This is a great opportunity to serve your local national park, gain credit for a school internship, and gain experience with a federal agency. Uniform will be provided. No housing available.

Individual must be in the Hagerstown, MD area and able to commit 10 hours per week.

Contact Danny Filer at danny_filer@nps.gov or 301-714-2218 for more information.

Palisades VIP Seminar - Paleontology

On Saturday, February 18th we will be offering a Paleontology seminar for volunteers.  It will be hosted by the park’s Guest Scientist/Paleontologist, Katie Loughney.

Paleontology Seminar - Fossil Record in the Park
Saturday, February 18, 2012
11:00am to 12:00pm
Great Falls Tavern - Second Floor Conference Room
Presenter: Katie Loughney, Guest Scientist/Paleontologist

Please RSVP to Rebecca Jameson, rebecca_jameson@nps.gov or 301-767-3709.

Palisades VIP Seminar - Winter Birds

Join Ranger Kelly Fox in this birding seminar on Sunday, January 22nd.  She will talk about birds you can find here at the canal during the winter months and then will lead a field walk afterwards.  Kelly is a great naturalist and will be happy to answer any of the bird or wildlife questions you have if you are able to attend.

Birds of the Canal - Winter
Sunday, January 22nd
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center
10:00am to 12:00pm

RSVP to Rebecca Jameson at rebecca_jameson@nps.gov or 301-767-3709

All Aboard for a Unique Volunteer Opportunity!

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Harpers Ferry National Historical Park will be starting an exciting new program onboard Amtrak’s Capitol Limited between Cumberland, Maryland, and Washington, DC, in May, 2012.  A new addition to the National Park Service Trails & Rails Program, this route runs through the Potomac River valley parallel to the historic C & O Canal and through the town of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. 

Volunteers will work in teams of two, boarding the train in Cumberland in the morning around 9 a.m. and returning there about 7:30 p.m. at night. While on the train, volunteers will provide narration and information to passengers about the history of the canal, the railroad, the Civil War, nearby towns, and natural features along the route.  Training will be provided by Trails & Rails, NPS, and Amtrak staff in March, 2012. 

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or would like to sign up as a volunteer, please contact Park Ranger Rita Knox at the Cumberland Visitor Center by calling 301-722-8226, or via e-mail at rita_knox@nps.gov.

Become a Volunteer Group Leader at the C&O!

Are you interested in serving your community while also utilizing your leadership skills?

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is seeking volunteers that are willing to lead volunteer groups both during the week and on weekends.  Projects will include invasive plant removal, vegetation clearing, towpath resurfacing, painting historic structures, and much more!  The projects will be ready to go and the volunteers will have been recruited – we just need you to lead the group!  On-site training will be provided, as well as tools, supplies, and safety equipment.

Projects will last from 3 to 4 hours and will typically take place on Saturday mornings before noon.  Periodically, we will need volunteer group leaders during the week and on Sundays.  The park will provide uniform items and all training required of the position. The park will provide notice of a project at least 7-10 days prior.

If you are interested in becoming a Volunteer Group Leader, please fill out an application online here.

Bicycle Mechanic Needed in Williamsport

The C&O Canal is looking for a skilled bicycle mechanic to donate time at the Cushwa Basin Visitor Center in Williamsport, MD. The mechanic volunteer will perform maintenance on bikes used by our summer program participants, volunteers, and staff. The bikes currently utilized include K-2, trek, and some have disk brakes. This is an ideal position for a high school student looking to earn community service hours, or a retired person looking to share their skills.

Fill out the volunteer.gov application here, or contact Danny Filer at 301-714-2218.

Palisades VIP Seminar - Weed Warrior Training

Training in invasive plant removal techniques for volunteers interested in working as a Weed Warrior. Will focus on species that are easily identified in the fall months. Seminar will include a classroom session and field identification session.

Presenter: National Park Service

Saturday, October 8

10am – 1pm

Great Falls Tavern - 2nd Floor Meeting Room

RSVP to Rebecca Jameson at: rebecca_jameson@nps.gov or 301-767-3709

Porch Pickin' Bluegrass Event

C&O Canal National Historical Park News Release
Release Date: 09/29/2011
For Immediate Release
Hollie Lynch, Park Ranger, (301) 491-0149

Porch Pickin’ Bluegrass Event October 22, 2011
in Hancock, Maryland

Please join us for the Porch Pickin’ Bluegrass Event on Saturday, October 22nd from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.  at the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Hancock Visitor Center, located at 439 E. Main Street in Hancock, Maryland 21750.

Friends and families bring a chair and come enjoy local musicians playing bluegrass favorites. The event is free and open to the public.

The C&O Canal’s Hancock Visitor Center, also known as the Bowles House, is open Memorial Day weekend through October 30th, Friday to Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The historic house features a variety of videos, photographs and exhibits that interpret the stories of families who lived and worked along the C&O Canal near Hancock, Maryland. Nature and history programs and activities for youth and families are available upon request.

For more information please contact the C&O Canal’s Hancock Visitor Center at (301) 745-5877 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/choh .

Palisades VIP Seminar - Lockhouse 10 and the CCC

Have you noticed work being done on Lockhouse 10?  This seminar will focus on the preservation efforts, the Lockhouse’s new place in the Canal Quarters Program and will give you information on its ties to the Civilian Conservation Corp in the 1930’s.

Presenters: Kelly Fox and Becky Curtis

Lockhouse 10 and the Civilian Conservation Corp

Saturday, October 1

10:00am - 12:00pm

Great Falls Tavern, 2nd Floor Meeting Room

RSVP to Rebecca Jameson at:   rebecca_jameson@nps.gov  or  301-767-3709

Palisades VIP Seminar - Gold Mines at Great Falls

Join us this Sunday, September 25 to learn the history of the mining efforts that took place here in the Great Falls area.  History presentation will be followed by a hike up the Gold Mine Loop trail.              Presenter: Harold Sakayan

Gold Mines at Great Falls

September 25

10:00am - 12:00pm

Great Falls Tavern, 2nd Floor Meeting Room

RSVP to Rebecca Jameson at:   rebecca_jameson@nps.gov  or  301-767-3709

Hancock Apple Festival - September 17 & 18th, 2011

C&O Canal during Hancock Apple Festival - September 17 & 18th, 2011

Hancock, MD – The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park will feature a variety of programs during the Hancock Apple Festival, September 17 – 18, 2011, in Hancock, Maryland. On Saturday, September 17th at 11:00 a.m. C&O Canal Bike Patrol Volunteers will participate in the Hancock Apple Festival Parade along with a float featuring the new C&O Canal Launch Boat. The launch boat will remain on display at the festival throughout the afternoon.

During the 2-day festival, be sure to stop by the C&O Canal tent between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., located on the festival grounds. In addition to park history the tent will feature C&O Canal Association information.

Saturday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. join us on the front porch of the Bowles House Visitor Center and enjoy local musicians performing bluegrass music.

Sunday, September 18 from 10:00 a.m. until noon, join a park ranger to ‘Bike through History’, a 9 mile loop ride on the C&O Canal towpath from the Bowles House Visitor Center to the Round Top Cement Mill Ruins. The 2-hour program provides a great opportunity to learn about canal operations near Hancock and see historic structures. Children 15 years of age and under are required to wear helmets by Maryland State Law. Please bring plenty of water to keep hydrated.

In addition to festival programming, the C&O Canal’s Hancock Visitor Center, the Bowles House, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday to Tuesday, Memorial Day Weekend through late October. The visitor center is located at 439 E. Main Street, Hancock, Maryland 21750.
For more information on hours of operation, programming or to schedule a tour please contact the C&O Canal Hancock Visitor Center at 301-745-5817.

www.nps.gov/choh

Bike Maintenance Seminar - Saturday September 17

Here is your chance to learn how to fix a flat from a C&O Canal renowned Bike Patrol member. Norman Liebow has offered his time and knowledge to teach his fellow volunteers the basic repair skills that will come in handy while you are working on the towpath. This weekend looks like fantastic weather so you can bring your bike and go for a ride afterwards! I’m sure there will be lots of visitors out.

Bike Maintenance VIP Seminar
Saturday, September 17th
10:00am until 12:00pm
Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center - 2nd Floor Conference room

His November class may fill up, so please do not put it off if you are able to attend this weekend! 

RSVP to Norman at:  liebow@comcast.net

National Public Lands Day

Join us on Saturday, September 24, 2011 at Carderock for the annual National Public Lands Day Adopt-A-Crag Event with the Mid-Atlantic Climbers!

Projects this year will include mulching the heavily used portions of trail and the bases of climbing areas and other erosion control measures throughout the trail network of Carderock.

After a morning of work, volunteers will be treated to a free BBQ sponsored by Earthtreks, door prizes and of course rock climbing!

Check-in 8:30am
Service Projects 9-12noon
BBQ and Raffle 12:30pm

Sign up on Facebook

Any questions, contact Nate Finney, Trails Coordinator, nathan_finney@partner.nps.gov

Major Flooding Expected: C & O Canal National Historical Park Prepares

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park News Release
Release Date: September 6, 2011
Contact:  Peggie Gaul, 301-739-6072
                
Major Flooding Expected: C & O Canal National Historical Park Prepares

HAGERSTOWN, MD – Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park declared a flood emergency as of 9:30 A.M., Tuesday, September 6, 2011.  Park staff is preparing for what could be one of the top ten major floods in our area, according to the National Weather Service forecasts.

Areas of the park are being closed, including hiker/biker campgrounds, drive up campgrounds, boat ramps, visitor centers, and day use areas.  Portable toilets throughout the park are being emptied and closed. The Great Falls entrance road, Billy Goat A Trail, and the Great Falls Overlook will be closed beginning Wednesday, September 7.  The Canal Quarters program which provides overnight accommodations in some of the historic lockhouses has been temporarily suspended.  A section of the towpath has been closed between Offutt Street and Brehm Road in Allegany County because of a weakened culvert.  Additional closures are likely through the week.

Visitors are asked to refrain from entering the park and respect all safety barriers. There is a risk of being swept away by swift water or becoming stranded along the towpath as the waters rise. The rising water will be carrying extremely hazardous debris, trees, and man-made objects.  In addition to the rising water, water logged soils can lead to other hazards, including uprooting of trees and falling branches. Visitors are advised to observe the rising water from a safe distance

An internal incident command team was established to manage information, coordinate resources, and ensure the orderly implementation and completion of the Park’s Flood Emergency Response Plan.  The team’s top priorities are protection of life and the physical well-being of employees and visitors, and protection of park resources and government property.

Temporary Closure of Sycamore Island Pedestrian Bridge

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park News Release
Release Date: August 30, 2011
Contact:  Peggie Gaul, 301-739-6072
                
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park Announces Temporary Closure of Sycamore Island Pedestrian Bridge.


CABIN JOHN, MD – Beginning Tuesday, September 6, the National Park Service will temporarily close the Sycamore Island Bridge for repairs.   The pedestrian bridge which crosses the C&O Canal provides access from MacArthur Boulevard to Sycamore Island.  Repairs are expected to take approximately one month and will include deck replacement, structural maintenance and painting.  The steel truss bridge dates back to the early 1900’s.
    

www.nps.gov/choh

Canal Days at Williamsport - August 27-28, 2011

Join us for Canal Days at Williamsport, August 27-28, 2011!

Cushwa Basin Programs and Events

Saturday, August 27, 2011

9:00-4:30 Visitor Center open with exhibits, films, and gift shop

10:00-4:00 Trolley Barn
                   Life on the C&O Canal exhibit
                   On the Canal power point presentation (11:00 & 1:00)

10:00-4:00 Canal Launch Boat Viewing

10:00-4:00 Lock House 44 open for tours and lock demonstrations

10:30 & 1:30 Ranger led Bike Ride

Sunday, August 28, 2011

9:00-4:30 Visitor Center open with exhibits, films, and gift shop

10:00-4:00 Trolley Barn
                   Life on the C&O Canal exhibit

10:00-4:00 Canal Launch Boat Viewing

10:00-4:00 Lock House 44 open for tours and lock demonstrations

12:00-3:00 Matthew Dodd - Songs and Stories of the Canal

3:00 Canal Family Reunion at the Trolley Barn

Ride the free Trolley from Byron Memorial Park to Cushwa Basin to Lock 44 and back
Williamsport Canal Days August 27-28, 2011.

C&O Canal Active Trails Event

An Active Trails event will be hosted by the C&O Canal on Saturday August, 27th at Fletcher’s.  The event will run from 10:00am until 3:00pm.  We hope to reach out to the current park users and promote a “share the trail” mentality with the various types of trail users the towpath and Capital Crescent Trail see on a daily basis.

If anyone has time to help make the event as successful as possible and reach as many park visitors as we can we would certainly appreciate it.  

We would like to have stations that offer:

• Water - talk about the importance of hydration

• Bike Bell installations - bells are the universal warning system for bikers to alert other trail users of their approach

• Bike Maintenance Tips - overview of the basics of what every biker should have and how to use it when you need it

• Trail Etiquette and Safe Trail Use

• General Park Information

• Info about Great Falls Bike Loaner Program - set to kick off this Fall, more details to come

Volunteers can sign up for 2 hours shifts or for the entire day if you are available for that long. Set-up begins at 9:30am, Tear down/Clean up at 3:00-3:30pm.

If you are available for any amount of time between those hours, please contact Rebecca Jameson, 301-767-3709.  We would love to have you come out to help support this event!

Interpretive Training Opportunity for Volunteers

September 15th - 10AM-12PM

The C&O Canal National Historical Park will be offering a free training at the Historic Bowles House Visitor Center in Hancock, MD.

Interpretation is a key part of communication for any park unit. The information that we share with visitors is important , but how we deliver that information is equally valuable. In this 2-hour workshop, participants will learn about the basics of an interpretation formula,how we identify the pieces of interpretation, and practice some ofthe skills in our interpretive portfolio.

Space is limited - please RSVP by September 5th to Hollie Lynch 301-745-5877

Ranger Led Programs at Hancock

C&O Canal National Historical Park News Release

Release Date: August 10, 2011
For Immediate Release
Hollie Lynch, Park Ranger, (301) 491-0149

C & O Canal features Ranger Led Programs August 14 in Hancock, Maryland

Hancock, MD. – The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park will feature ranger led programs for youth and adults on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the park’s historic Bowles House Visitor Center located at 439 E. Main Street, Hancock, Maryland.
Starting at 10:00 a.m. youth and families can join a park ranger to ‘Bike through History’, a 2 hour ride along the C & O Canal towpath. Visitors will learn about canal operations near Hancock and see historic structures along the old canal, including Lock 52 remains, Tonoloway Aqueduct, Round Top Cement Mill ruins and the unique geological feature known as Devil’s Eyebrow. The program will begin at the Bowles House Visitor Center and will include a 9 mile loop ride. Children 15 years of age and under are required to wear helmets by Maryland State Law. Please bring plenty of water to keep hydrated.

Following the bike tour, a Junior Ranger Explorers program will be offered from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the visitor center. Youth ages 15 and under are welcome to participate. The program will feature a variety of activities encouraging youth to explore the park through nature, history and recreation. Youth participating in activities will receive a National Park Service Junior Ranger badge or patch and a certificate.

In addition to programs, the C & O Canal’s Bowles House Visitor Center is free and open to the public Friday to Tuesday, Memorial Day weekend through October, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The historic home is free to tour and features a variety of videos, photographs and exhibits that interpret the stories of families who occupied the home and canal operations in Hancock, Maryland. For more information on events and programs or to schedule a group tour please contact the visitor center at (301) 745 – 5877 or visit the website at www.nps.gov/choh .

Palisades Administrative Volunteer

Use your administrative talents to help the National Park Service! The C&O Canal National Historical Park is looking for a volunteer to serve as Administrative Clerk for the maintenance division. If you have previous experience working in an office setting you can put your skills to use while spending time at the beautiful Great Falls location of the park.

Major duties of this position include:

- Receives and directs telephone calls and/or visitors;
- Types occasional correspondence; i.e., memos, letters, forms, reports;
- Assures proper operation of office equipment (fax machine, copier, printers);
- Requisitions office supplies, printing support & related material;- Establishes, updates & maintains office records;
- Distributes and controls incoming and outgoing mail

This position is located in the Maintenance Shop at Great Falls in Potomac, Maryland, and requires a commitment of at least 6 months. Volunteer uniform will be provided.

Apply here, or contact Danny Filer for more information: danny_filer@nps.gov 301-714-2218.