Opportunities From: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources

Volunteers help keep Swatara State Park clean and welcoming by removing litter and refuse from 34 miles of park trails, along boundary roadways, and in creekside areas. This work improves visitor safety, protects wildlife, and helps maintain the park’s natural beauty. Volunteers should contact the park in advance to ensure they have proper equipment, including trash pickers, bags, gloves, and reflective vests, before beginning litter pickup activities.

Volunteers assist with hands-on wildlife and habitat stewardship projects throughout the park. Activities may include building, installing, monitoring, reporting on, and repairing wildlife structures such as bat boxes, bluebird and wood duck nest boxes, turtle basking platforms, and other habitat features. Volunteers may also help collect basic monitoring data, observe wildlife use, and report maintenance needs to park staff. All manmade structures require park approval prior to installation on park property. This opportunity supports the protection and enhancement of wildlife habitat while contributing to long-term conservation and education efforts.

Volunteers staff the entrance or exit of the Bear Hole Trail Drive-Thru program at Swatara State Park. Responsibilities include greeting visitors, reviewing program rules, explaining park attributes and points of interest along the trail, managing traffic flow, and helping ensure a smooth and safe experience for all participants. Volunteers will also keep attendance records of program participants. The program operates from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on the second Friday and Saturday of each month, and on the fourth Friday and Saturday during March, April, September, and October. The Drive-Thru does not operate from December through February.

Swatara State Park has approximately 34 miles of trails and there may be an opportunity for you to assist with keeping them clean, clear, and accessible to park visitors. If you sign up for this opportunity, please contact the park office for more details on when trail maintenance days will take place.