There are many ways to assist the C&O Canal National Historical Parks. Please scroll down for information on both ongoing volunteer programs and specific positions that are currently available.

Become a Level Walker

Level Walkers are C&O Canal Association members who are assigned one or more sections of the canal to walk on a regular basis, removing trash, checking facilities, and reporting any problems to the NPS. This is a wonderful way to enjoy the canal while helping to maintain it. For more information, contact Steve Dean at 301-904-9068 or levelwalker@candocanal.org

(By the way, the Level Walkers have set up a photo pool on Flickr to share their images from the canal park - check it out!)

Volunteers-In-Parks (VIP) Work Sessions

The C&O Canal Association organizes work parties as part of the National Park Service’s VIP program. Groups of volunteers provide direct, hand-on assistance to the canal park through such tasks as painting, repair work, painting fences, installing interpretive signs, and trail maintenance. You need not be a C&OCA member to participate. For information about the VIP program, contact Jim Heins (301-949-3518 or vip@candocanal.org).

Join the Bike Patrol

Members of this NPS program are volunteers who ride the towpath, assisting rangers and visitors by providing: information on the Park resources and safety; regulation reminders; first aid; and emergency bicycle repairs. If you love cycling and the outdoors, this may be for you. For information: in the Great Falls area: Norman Liebow, liebow@comcast.net; in the Williamsport area: Leslie_Brodhead@nps.gov; in the Cumberland area, Rita_Knox@nps.gov.

Become a Canal Boat Crew Member

...at both Georgetown and Great Falls. These NPS volunteers will operate historic lift locks, handle and steer canal boats, and help visitors understand the canal’s history. This is a wonderful opportunity to get involved in making the past come alive. Training is provided. For more information or to volunteer, contact Alyssa Baltrus or Becca Jameson at 301-767-3714 or alyssa_baltrus@nps.gov.

Wanted: Outgoing People Interested in Sharing C&O Canal history

The C&O Canal National Historical Park is looking for volunteers to help staff buildings at Williamsport, Hancock, Cumberland, Ferry Hill, and the Lander Lockhouse. Volunteers engage visitors, answer questions, provide park and area information, and help with bookstore sales. Costumed interpretation positions are also available at Williamsport and Cumberland.

Volunteers are asked to work one four-hour shift per week, or two per month, but schedules are flexible. Lander Lock House is looking for volunteers to give tours as well as provide park information.

For more information please contact Ranger Rita Knox at Cumberland (301-722-8226), Ranger Lisa Dittman at Williamsport (301-582-0813), or Ranger Hollie Lynch at Hancock (301-491-0149 or hollie_lynch@nps.gov.

Back to news