Volunteer

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.

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.

If you or your group would like more information on volunteer opportunities, reach out to trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org.

Volunteer Information Sessions

ROC holds information sessions every other month to gauge interest and spread information about the many volunteering opportunities with our organization. Learn about becoming a trail boss, a river steward, or joining one-day events. Check the calendar to join the next session! 

Trail Boss & River Steward Programs

Our Trail Boss and River Steward programs are teams of dedicated volunteer leaders that take special interest and ownership of our trail and river systems, protecting and preserving them for generations to come. 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 at trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org.

Trails Coordinator

Rutherford Outdoor Coalition partners with the Town of Lake Lure and Rutherford County to host a position with AmeriCorps 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 at trails@rutherfordoutdoor.org.

Meet Our AmeriCorps Member!

Maddie Bartosh is our AmeriCorps Trails and Education Coordinator for 2023-2024. She is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and she has always loved spending time outdoors and learning about the world around her. She recently graduated from Coastal Carolina University, earning a degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology. She is excited to explore her passion for conservation and outdoor recreation with ROC while serving her term!

As Trails and Education Coordinator, Maddie will be heavily involved with the maintenance, expansion, and increasing recreational use of Rutherford County trails, as well as providing environmental education opportunities locally. She will work alongside Rutherford Outdoor Coalition and the Town of Lake Lure to complete her duties and serve the county.

TIPS & TRICKS

Pack a Kit

Make sure you have the supplies to deal with major injuries, and make sure you have the knowledge to use it.