HistoriCorps and the Stanislaus National Forest are seeking volunteers of all skill levels to help gather critical data essential for the future preservation of the Stanislaus National Forest, with eight week-long volunteer opportunities running this summer, from June 21 through Aug. 28. Those interested in volunteering can visit www.historicorps.org to register for the project and learn more about other HistoriCorps volunteer opportunities. HistoriCorps is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to engaging volunteer workforces to preserve historic places and provide free mentorship in the preservation trades.

HistoriCorps’ Architectural History Program is an exciting endeavor that engages volunteers in surveying tracts for its National Forest partners. Volunteers will collect the necessary data that will help the Forests determine how they manage these lands for future generations, traveling from site to site photographing, measuring, and investigating the numerous structures on each tract. Volunteers and field staff will commute together to a given tract location daily. Those volunteering will spend much of their time walking and standing, with eight- to nine-hour days anticipated during their volunteer period.

The data collected with the team will be used to build a report that guides forest service recreation and reservation managers. They will make permit decisions that impact changes made to the summer homes moving forward. This will maintain the historic integrity of the lots individually and the district (tract) as a whole. Recreation residences are privately owned buildings authorized on National Forest System lands through a special use permit. Surveys by HistoriCorps assist the U.S. Forest Service and the public with compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act. Work will entail on-site field visits to update resource documentation. Volunteers should know how to use a digital camera and tablet (e.g. an iPad), be able to stand and walk for several hours per day in varying terrain and weather conditions and be comfortable car camping or tent camping.

More volunteers are still needed to ensure the success of this project. HistoriCorps welcomes but does not require any experience in architectural history; mentorship and all necessary training are provided. Volunteer sessions are scheduled Sunday evening through Friday afternoon, and volunteers can expect all meals to be provided by expert field staff during the work week. Tents, car campers, truck campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs 25 feet and under are welcome (though no hookups are available). Lodging is also available at the ranger station. Hi-clearance and 4WD are not necessary but are suggested.

Volunteers can expect to cover a lot of ground, so all are asked to come prepared to be on your feet most of the day and to use your personal vehicle to travel to various survey tracts.

The project location is approximately 80 miles north of Yosemite National Park.

Volunteer Dates:

Session 1: Sunday, June 21 – Friday, June 26

Session 2: Sunday, June 28 – Friday, July 3

Session 3: Sunday, July 5 – Friday, July 10

Session 4: Sunday, July 12 – Friday, July 17

Session 5: Sunday, Aug. 2 – Friday, Aug. 7

Session 6: Sunday, Aug. 9 – Friday, Aug. 14

Session 7: Sunday, Aug. 16 – Friday, Aug. 21

Session 8: Sunday, Aug. 23 – Friday, Aug. 28

For more information or to register for a volunteer session, visit www.historicorps.org, or contact project leaders at info@historicorps.org