Protecting the Park for Future Generations

Join a dedicated community of Yosemite enthusiasts as you work together to preserve and protect the park. Our work crews are led by National Park Service rangers, in cooperation with Yosemite Conservancy, to improve habitats and trails throughout the park.

Work Crews

Projects have varying fitness levels, often requiring physically demanding work. Crews of up to 20 volunteers camp in the park and receive three hearty meals a day, as well as a commemorative gift. Participants generally work four days per week and are off on Friday to explore and enjoy the park. Our crews complete a variety of projects in Yosemite alongside teams from various National Park Service branches, including Trails, Vegetation and Ecological Restoration, Climbing Rangers, and Fire and Aviation. Please read the recently updated FAQs and find more information about this year’s priority projects below.

 

Work Week Fee

Unless otherwise specified, the work week participation fee, covering the cost of camping and catering for one week, is $365. A limited number of scholarships will be available in 2023 to those in need of financial assistance. Please indicate on your application if you are interested in applying for a scholarship.

 

How To Become A Volunteer

STEP 1 – Review the following resources:

STEP 2– Create your volunteer profile by registering here yosemite.volunteermatters.org. Every applicant will need to create their own profile to be considered.

STEP 3– Browse the project catalog yosemite.volunteermatters.org/project-catalog to apply for specific projects.

STEP 4– Your application will be reviewed by YC program staff. Note: this is an application only and does not guarantee your place in a project. Please direct questions to [email protected].

 

Yosemite is a dynamic place with unpredictable weather and natural conditions. While work week projects are planned with specific goals in mind, they could be modified or canceled by the National Park Service at any time.

COVID-19 update: Yosemite Conservancy is STRONGLY recommending that everyone be vaccinated for COVID19 and current with COVID-19 boosters for their health and safety as well as that of our community. Working in Yosemite National Park comes with a lot of exposure to many people from around the world. The Conservancy sees vaccines as a crucial part of keeping our staff and volunteers healthy and our operations open.

by Yosemite Conservancy/Mark Marschall.
by Russell Morimoto.
by Photo: Steven Matros.

OTHER WAYS TO VOLUNTEER

Volunteer Art Instructor

Use your creative talents to lead Yosemite-focused art classes that inspire and educate visitors.

Corporate Work Projects

Build camaraderie with coworkers while supporting the park during a weekend of restoration work.

Visitor Information Assistants

Spend a month sharing your Yosemite knowledge to help visitors navigate and enjoy the park.

Youth Art Teacher Volunteer

Help Yosemite’s youngest visitors connect with the park through art during the summer season.