Volunteer Info

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with Friends of Nevada Wilderness. Together we can keep our public lands and wilderness areas safe and clean. We would love to see you at our next stewardship project. Below is some information to make sure you are prepared to become a rockstar volunteer.

If you are interested, please RSVP for a specific trip in our Calendar of Events.

RSVP & CANCELLATIONS

Do I need to RSVP for volunteer projects, or can I just show up?

You must RSVP so that we can effectively plan for the number of volunteers expected with regard to tools, volunteer leaders, food, etc.

What if I can’t make it to a project that I’m registered for?

Friends of Nevada Wilderness and our partners put a great deal of time and resources into organizing volunteer projects. When you RSVP, you are committing to join us on that project. We understand circumstances may arise where you need to cancel. So, if you’re no longer able to attend, please cancel your RSVP as soon as possible so another volunteer can join the project. You can do this by contacting the project leader.

Are projects ever canceled due to inclement weather?

Projects are generally not canceled because of rain or light snow showers — weather conditions must be dangerous or severe before we cancel or reschedule a project. If this happens, we will inform all registered volunteers as soon as possible.

What happens after I RSVP for a volunteer project?

You will receive an automated response email for RSVPing to the specific project - if you have not received this email (check your spam folder, too), you have not RSVP’d correctly. Please read the email for important post-registration instructions and save it for future reference.
The project lead will send out a detailed email with all of the information you will need to participate in the upcoming project at least one week before the start of an overnight project and at least 3 days before the start of a single-day project.
- This email will include directions to the worksite or campsite, the schedule of events, what to bring, what meals will be provided, where to park/camp, and an overview of the work.
Sometimes, project details may change. The project lead will keep you informed of any changes via email. Please let us know if you will be out of reach in the days leading up to the project or if your contact information changes.

Why do some trips have waiting lists?

We are fortunate to have a strong interest in our volunteer trips. As a result, trips fill up quickly. For some projects, participation is limited due to the land designation of the area where the trip takes place or due to the project design. Certain land designations such as Wilderness and Wilderness Study Area (WSA) limit group size to 12 people. By being on the waitlist, you will be next in line if someone cancels their RSVP and a spot opens up.

THE VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

What if I don’t know anyone?

FNW volunteer projects are a great way to meet people! Our project leaders make the experience easy and welcoming.
We will introduce the group and make sure all participants are comfortable.

What type of work is done on FNW volunteer projects?

The work we do on volunteer projects can vary depending on the area's needs and our partners' priorities. Some trips focus solely on one objective, while others may have multiple objectives. Each project page details the work you can expect on a project.
Our most common project types include:
- Trail maintenance: cutting back vegetation(brushing), removing fallen trees, and building or repairing water drainage features and tread (the actual travel surface of the trail).
- Invasive weed removal
- Restoration: This includes removing obsolete barbed wire fence, removing graffiti, installing fence to protect a sensitive area, spreading native seeds, and removing trash.
- Inventory/Monitoring: including spring monitoring, inventorying trails, dark sky quality monitoring, and more
- Public-use area improvements: public-use cabin maintenance, campground improvements, installing signs, trailhead kiosks, and cairns.

Here’s what a typical day in the field looks like:

Overnight Project:
- Early morning: Breakfast. Sip coffee, chow down, pack a lunch, fill water bottles, and pack for the day.
- Morning: Safety talk and stretch circle, hike to the worksite, project-specific training, and begin work
- Mid-day: Lunchtime
- Afternoon: continue with work
- Mid-afternoon: Return to camp. Hang out, relax, and enjoy the scenery.
- Evening: Dinner, dishes, watch the sunset, read, chat around the campfire, look at the stars, and catch some ZZZs.
Single-Day Project:
- Early Morning: Meet at the project site. If you need a ride to the project site, coordinate with your project leader.
- Morning: Safety talk and stretch circle, hike to the worksite, project-specific training, and begin work
- Mid-day: Lunchtime
- Afternoon: Return to our vehicles and head home

What safety measures are in place?

Our professional project leads are Wilderness First Responder and CPR/AED certified and carry first aid kits, satellite communication devices, and an emergency response plan on all projects.
On each project, a reliable homebase coordinator is selected who is aware of the project details and is ready to respond if something arises.
Depending on the location, local Agencies are informed of the project details.
Each field vehicle has the necessary equipment to deal with most situations that could happen on the road.

Is food provided?

Food is not provided for single-day projects. Volunteers should bring their own snacks, lunch, and enough water for the duration of the project.
Some meals are provided for overnight projects. For most projects, all breakfasts will be provided. Dinner is provided on work days. Volunteers must bring their own lunches. Water will be available for refilling bottles throughout the duration of the project.
Details will be included in the pre-project email.

Can you accommodate food preferences? What about people who have food allergies?

We request that volunteers email us their food preferences and allergies before the event. With this information, we can plan our meals around these preferences and minor allergies.
Most meals are vegetarian, with meat on the side as an option. Examples of our most popular meals include: taco bowls, greek bowls, curries, chili, and stir fries.
We do try our best to accommodate allergies but certain allergens and cross contamination might still arise. Please let the project lead know about any allergies and the severity of them as soon as possible and they’ll work on a meal plan to accommodate it.

How long do FNW volunteer projects last?

We have all types of projects ranging from day projects close to Reno or Las Vegas as well as overnight projects in some very remote locations across the state. Our day projects are between 6-8 hours long depending on the location and the work. For our overnight projects, we will be out for a few days at a time, and the project days can range from 8-10 hours, depending on the project and location.

How much does it cost to join a volunteer project?

FNW volunteer projects are free! FNW provides tools, safety gear, and any necessary training for all projects. For overnight projects, FNW will provide drinking water and some meals. See the project description for specific details about which meals are provided.
FNW is one of the few organizations that is able to provide volunteer opportunities such as these without charging fees. Of course, we welcome and rely upon your donations to help pay for our programs. Please consider donating and supporting our work. Donations can be made using this link.

What do I need to bring?

For all types of projects (both day and overnight projects) we require at a minimum, volunteers bring:
- Long sleeves and long pants
- Sun Protection: Hat, Sunglasses, Sunscreen
- Comfortable but sturdy hiking shoes or boots. No sandals, please.
- Extra warm layers
- A Backpack to store:
  - Food,
  - Your extra warm layers,
  - Sunscreen,
  - Any medications you require,
  - and water (at least 2 liters)
Packing lists for day and overnight projects can be found here.
FNW has gear to lend. If you need any camping gear for an overnight project, please contact the project lead.

How do I get to the project?

This will depend on the location of the project and your vehicle. Some projects will require 4WD and high clearance.
For most projects, we have a limited number of spots in our vehicles available for volunteers. Please email the project lead ASAP if you will need a ride.
We are also able to help set up carpools with other volunteers if needed.

How do I decide if a project is right for me?

Each project has a difficulty rating, and you can reference the difficulty rating scale to understand the general requirements for the project and what the project might entail.

Prohibited Activities

The following activities are not permitted during FNW volunteer projects:
Violating any instructions given by the project leader
Possession or use of firearms except with prior authorization
Consumption of alcoholic beverages in excess
Possession or use of any illegal drugs
Fighting, use of derogatory language, intimidating behavior, discrimination, sexual harassment, or violent or threatening behavior
Violation of any state game and fish regulation
Violation of any federal, state, or local law (this includes marijuana use)
Disclosing others’ confidential information
Violation of any of the above prohibitions may constitute grounds for dismissal from the project.

What is the alcohol and marijuana policy?

FNW does not provide alcohol on projects. If a volunteer decides to bring and consume alcohol, they need to do so in moderation and after designated work hours.
Possession or use of marijuana is prohibited at all times on FNW volunteer projects. Although Nevada has legalized the recreational use of marijuana, it remains illegal to possess marijuana on all federal lands – even within states that allow it; the federal government can prosecute people who are otherwise protected under state laws.

WHO CAN VOLUNTEER

What are the age requirements?

Anyone under 18 years old must volunteer with a parent or legal guardian. Age requirements for our volunteer projects vary depending on the nature and complexity of the work. See the specific project description or contact the project leader for more clarification.

Can I bring my dog or other pet?

Southern Nevada
- Dogs/pets are not allowed on any volunteer project in southern Nevada
Northern Nevada
- The policy differs depending on the type of work and location of the project - please contact the project lead for project-specific information.
Not sure? Confirm with your project lead.

Do I need prior experience?

Nope! Most FNW projects do not require prior experience, and we encourage all levels of experience to get involved. You will receive training from the project leaders before you begin working on a project, including proper techniques and appropriate tool use. If for some reason, prior experience is required, this will be listed in the project description.

Can I complete my community service hours through FNW?

Yes! Whether you’re a student in need of community service hours or need to complete court-ordered community service for a non-violent offense, you can earn your hours on an FNW project.
*Anyone wishing to complete community service hours with FNW must coordinate with the project leader via email or phone before the project to make sure we can accommodate. Project leaders will not sign any paperwork unless approved before the project.
Register for any project on our volunteer calendar and bring any paperwork you need to be signed to your project; an FNW project leader will sign off on your hours at the end of the project.
Please note: Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entirety of the project.