

Volunteering is a great way to build skills, meet people, and give back to the community all while having fun. We invite and encourage individuals and groups of all backgrounds and ages to get involved and help grow a stronger community.
ROC offers many types of volunteer opportunities throughout the year with varying levels of involvement and physical activity. Our volunteer opportunities include trail projects, fundraising events, festivals, group outings, clean-ups and more. We also have Trail Boss and River Steward programs for those who would like to take special interest in a certain section of trail or river.
If you or your group would like more information on volunteer opportunities you can contact our Outdoor Programs Director or our Trails Coordinator.
ROC in partnership with Town of Lake Lure and Rutherford County host an AmeriCorps position with CMLC’s Project Conserve. This is a National Service program in which members come from across the nation to dedicate themselves to serving western North Carolina for an 11 month service term. The program focuses on collaboration with nonprofit organizations, community groups and local governments to provide service throughout the region.
The Trails Coordinator is the main contact for volunteers to help with trail projects and group hikes. To get involved contact the Trails Coordinator . She can also be contacted by phone at 828-202-9811.
Sam Brooks is our Trails Coordinator. She will be helping to expand and improve Rutherford County’s growing trail system and community connection to public lands. She is a native of Kansas City, Missouri and received her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Central Missouri. She is looking forward to creating opportunities for others to get outside and explore the awe-inspiring offerings the local landscape provides. She is also especially excited for opportunities to hike the beautiful Western North Carolina mountains!
The goal of our Trail Boss and River Steward programs is to create a team of dedicated volunteer leaders that take special interest and ownership of our tail systems, protecting and preserving them for generations to come.
Our Trail Bosses and River Stewards get out on the trails and river on a regular basis and are asked to report any issues, assist with minor maintenance, and help to keep their sections clean.
If you are interested in becoming a Trail Boss or River Steward please contact our Trails Coordinator.
Hopefully you won’t ever need to use it, but what happens if the batteries in your GPS are dead?