Wanted: Volunteers for the California Trail Interpretive Center
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ELKO, Nev. – Meet visitors from throughout the world. Demonstrate traditional Native American skills, or perform old fiddle tunes in the pioneer camp. Teach young students about the unique plants that grow in the Great Basin.
The California Trail Interpretive Center is recruiting volunteers to serve in the following areas:
Information Desk
Volunteer staff serve as front line representatives of the Trail Center. Welcoming visitors and providing basic information is a vital part of Trail Center operations. Information desk volunteers have the opportunity to meet and assist visitors from around the world.
Park Ranger and Volunteer Coordinator Greg Feathers said that it isn’t necessary to be an expert on the California Trail or history. “All that’s required is a love of people, good communication skills, and a warm smile,” Feathers said.
Native American History Volunteers
The California Trail Center seeks volunteers to demonstrate traditional Great Basin Indian lifeways, both indoors and outdoors. Examples include Indian beadwork, traditional Native foods and basket making.
Pioneer and Mountain Man Reenactors
The Trail Center also seeks volunteers to share their unique pioneer or mountain man skill. Just a few examples include: Operating a spinning wheel, performing traditional music in the pioneer camp, or cooking fresh biscuits over a campfire. During California Trail Days, reenactors have the opportunity to interact with hundreds of visitors in the span of one weekend.
“Reenactors provide visitors with an authentic experience of life on the trail. Encouraging visitors to see, touch, smell, hear, and taste history greatly enriches their experience,” Feathers said.
Education Program Volunteers
The education program at the Trail Center is wide and varied. Some volunteer educators teach students about pioneers and the California Trail. Others utilize our 40 acre site to focus on outdoor environmental education programs, and teach students about Great Basin biology and geology.
“Volunteers bring their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to the Trail Center to enhance the educational experience of Nevada students,” Feathers said.
For more information about volunteer opportunities at the California Trail Interpretive Center, contact Greg Feathers at 775-738-1849.
For more information about the California Trail Interpretive Center call (775) 738-1849. Visit the California Trail Interpretive Center online at www.californiatrailcenter.org or on Facebook.
The California Trail Interpretive Center is located eight miles west of Elko on I-80, Hunter exit 292. The Center is open Wednesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.