Skip Navigation LinksKitsap Parks Volunteer

Volunteer

​​​​​​​​​​Our Mission: 
The Kitsap County Parks Volunteer Program is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and restoring natural and cultural resources and park and recreation facilities for present and future generations.

Phone: 360.337-5350 • Email: parkvolunteers@kitsap.gov • Click Here for a list of our Parks

Parks list button


​

Important note: all volunteer minors must be accompanied by a parent/guardian when volunteering in Kitsap County Parks, unless a "cooperating association volunteer service agreement" is active. Please contact Kitsap County Parks Natural Resources if you are volunteering through another organization in a Kitsap County Park.

VOLUNTEER PROGRAM PURPOSE:

The Kitsap County Parks Volunteer Program engages community members in hands-on projects that help keep our parks healthy, safe, and beautiful for all to enjoy. Volunteer opportunities support both the stewardship of our natural resources and the enjoyment of public spaces.

Our proje​cts are designed to meet the unique needs of each park and the surrounding community. Activities may include habitat restoration (such as invasive weed removal, mulching, and seasonal tree and shrub planting), trail maintenance, litter pickup, and other projects that strengthen the long-term sustainability and resilience of our park system.

By volunteering, community members of all ages gain the opportunity to: 

  • Contribute to healthier ecosystems and vibrant public spaces. 
  • Learn about the environment and the role of stewardship in maintaining parks. 
  • Connect with others while supporting projects that enhance community well-being. 

We welcome individuals, families, schools, and groups to participate in public volunteer days or request custom group projects, depending on staff capacity and seasonal needs. Volunteers are provided with the tools, training, and support necessary to make a meaningful impact. 

The purpose of this program is to foster a strong culture of volunteerism in Kitsap County, build community partnerships, and promote environmental education while ensuring our parks remain places of beauty, recreation, and resilience for generations to come. ​


  Park Volunteers  

Definition:

Park volunteers are community members of all ages who generously give their time, skills, and energy to enhance and care for Kitsap County Parks. Volunteers understand the value and benefit that parks bring to individuals, families, and the community, and they share a common goal of working with Kitsap County Parks to keep parks clean, green, safe, and welcoming for all.  Park volunteers may have short-term participation such as dropping-in to a monthly work party for a single visit event. 
 
The purpose of the Park Volunteer Program is to: 

  • Build community goodwill by engaging residents in the stewardship of their parks. 
  • Support the maintenance and improvement of natural areas, trails, and park facilities. 
  • Provide opportunities for individuals and groups to contribute to the health, beauty, and sustainability of Kitsap County Parks. 
  • Strengthen connections between people, parks, and the natural environment through meaningful volunteer service. 

Park Volunteer Events: 

These events are open to the public, facilitated for drop-in participation, and managed as a one-time event.  These events are typically pre-planned for an entire calendar year and occur on weekends for a few hours.  Event planning and oversight is performed by the Volunteer Coordinator and/or a Lead Steward.  These events are generally not complicated tasks so that they can be performed by a wide spectrum of participants – examples include invasive weed pulls, trail brushing, planting trees, etc. 

  Park Stewards

Definition:

Park Stewards are dedicated community members who take on a leadership role in caring for Kitsap County Parks. They organize and guide volunteer activities, provide a consistent presence in the parks, and help ensure trails and natural areas remain safe, accessible, and healthy. Stewards serve as a bridge between the community and the Parks D​epartment by bringing together volunteers, materials, technical knowledge, and other resources to support on-the-ground restoration and maintenance efforts.  Park stewards are dedicated, have long-term participation, and may carry out tasks with other stewards as a group or individually.  Park stewards have permission to perform pre-approved tasks on their own time. 

Stewards: 

An individual who is at least 18 years old and shows a strong commitment to the Parks Department. A volunteer is expected to attend at least one training event annually, commit to a minimum of four volunteer events per year or log 40 hours of independent service, and maintain positive relationships with staff, fellow volunteers, and community members. Stewards are dependable, exercise good judgment, and consistently model appropriate conduct. 

Lead Stewards:

A Lead Steward is an experienced individual who may serve as the on-site leader for volunteer activities, in addition to fulfilling all standard steward responsibilities, such as being at least 18 years old, showing a strong commitment to the Parks Department, completing required training, logging 40 hours of independent service per year, and maintaining positive relationships. Lead Stewards assume additional leadership responsibilities. These include welcoming and supporting volunteers, ensuring projects are completed safely and effectively, and serving as the primary point of contact with the Kitsap County Parks Volunteer Coordinator. Lead Stewards demonstrate strong judgment and reliability and model exemplary conduct for others. 

The purpose of the Park Stewards Program is to: 

  • Promote community goodwill by engaging residents in park stewardship. 
  • Provide a regular presence in parks, acting as the “eyes and ears" of the Parks Department. 
  • Support the maintenance and restoration of trails, natural areas, and facilities. 
  • Monitor and report safety concerns, vandalism, or illegal activity to Parks staff or law enforcement. 
  • Assist with park planning projects and implementation of restoration or maintenance plans.
     

Park Steward Events: 

Stewards have the autonomy to carry out pre-approved activities on their own or in concert with other park stewards as a group.  These events are not typically open to the public for drop-in participation, but maybe, if advanced approval is granted by the Volunteer Coordinator.  These events may be conducted at any time that is convenient for the steward(s).  Stewards may also perform work and projects that are beyond the list of pre-approved activities with department approval.  Depending on the scope and complexity of the project, department staff (Volunteer Coordinator, M&O, Natural Resources, etc.) may provide oversight and/or lead the project. ​​


  Park Organizational Events 

Definition:  

Organizational Events are coordinated volunteer projects conducted in partnership with community groups, businesses, schools, or service organizations to improve, maintain, or enhance Kitsap County Parks. These events strengthen community goodwill, provide maintenance support, and connect groups with stewardship opportunities in parks and natural areas. 

Purpose:  

  • To foster community goodwill and partnerships with civic groups, nonprofits, businesses, and institutions. 
  • To support maintenance, natural resource, and park operations projects that benefit the public. 
  • To provide struct​ured, safe, and meaningful volunteer opportunities for organizations. 
  • To supplement county resources through coordinated volunteer labor. 

Park Organization Events: 

These events are organized and scheduled through the Volunteer Coordinator.  Events may be supervised by the Volunteer Coordinator, Lead Stewards, M&O, Natural Resources, or other staff, depending on the organization and project.  Events vary in scope and length of time.  Projects that require a contract beyond the scope of the Volunteer Cooperating Agreement will be managed by the appropriate department staff. 


  Park Stewards

Stewardship Pre-Approved Tasks 
(Tasks can be performed at will after orientation) ​

Cleaning and Upkeep ​
Litter Picking Collecting trash and debris along trails, picnic areas, and parking lots to maintain a clean and welcoming park environment. 
Cleaning Site Amenities (benches, tables, restrooms, etc.) Washing or wiping down public facilities such as picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and trash receptacles to ensure sanitation and visitor comfort. 
Cleaning Park Signs with Soap and Water Gently cleaning informational and regulatory signs using mild soap and water to improve visibility and appearance without damaging surfaces. 
Backpack Blowing Using a backpack leaf blower to clear trails, pathways, and parking areas of leaves, dust, and small debris. 
Vegetation Management ​
Weeding Removing unwanted or overgrown vegetation around landscaped areas, fences, and pathways by hand or with small tools. 
Weed Eating Trimming grass, weeds, and brush along trail edges or around obstacles using a string trimmer (“weed eater"). 
Invasive Species Removal -Trail System Identification and removal of non-native or invasive plant species that threaten native ecosystems, habitat health, or trail integrity. Work shall be limited to areas within 15 feet of the trail system. Any removal extending beyond 15 feet from the trail system must be coordinated with and approved by the Parks Department prior to work being completed. 
Trail Maintenance ​
Trail Tread Work Repairing, leveling, or compacting the surface of a trail to improve safety, drainage, and accessibility. May include filling ruts, fixing erosion, or reestablishing trail grade. 
Trail Brushing Trimming or cutting back vegetation (branches, shrubs, or grasses) that encroaches on the trail corridor to maintain clear passage. 
Trail Organics Removal Removing organic materials like fallen leaves, pine needles, or branches that accumulate on the trail and can cause slippery or muddy conditions. 
Logistics and Operations ​
Driving Vehicles Operating authorized personal vehicles in parks in compliance with county regulations and safety standards. 
Maintaining Tool Cache and Laydown Yard Organizing and maintaining the designated area where tools, materials, and equipment are stored to ensure efficiency, safety, and cleanliness. ​




  ​Stewardship Pre-Approved Tasks ​

Stewardship Pre-Approved Tasks 
(Tasks can be performed at will after orientation) ​

Cleaning and Upkeep ​
Litter Picking Collecting trash and debris along trails, picnic areas, and parking lots to maintain a clean and welcoming park environment. 
Cleaning Site Amenities (benches, tables, restrooms, etc.) Washing or wiping down public facilities such as picnic tables, benches, restrooms, and trash receptacles to ensure sanitation and visitor comfort. 
Cleaning Park Signs with Soap and Water Gently cleaning informational and regulatory signs using mild soap and water to improve visibility and appearance without damaging surfaces. 
Backpack Blowing Using a backpack leaf blower to clear trails, pathways, and parking areas of leaves, dust, and small debris. 
Vegetation Management ​
Weeding Removing unwanted or overgrown vegetation around landscaped areas, fences, and pathways by hand or with small tools. 
Weed Eating Trimming grass, weeds, and brush along trail edges or around obstacles using a string trimmer (“weed eater"). 
Invasive Species Removal -Trail System Identification and removal of non-native or invasive plant species that threaten native ecosystems, habitat health, or trail integrity. Work shall be limited to areas within 15 feet of the trail system. Any removal extending beyond 15 feet from the trail system must be coordinated with and approved by the Parks Department prior to work being completed. 
Trail Maintenance ​
Trail Tread Work Repairing, leveling, or compacting the surface of a trail to improve safety, drainage, and accessibility. May include filling ruts, fixing erosion, or reestablishing trail grade. 
Trail Brushing Trimming or cutting back vegetation (branches, shrubs, or grasses) that encroaches on the trail corridor to maintain clear passage. 
Trail Organics Removal Removing organic materials like fallen leaves, pine needles, or branches that accumulate on the trail and can cause slippery or muddy conditions. 
Logistics and Operations ​
Driving Vehicles Operating authorized personal vehicles in parks in compliance with county regulations and safety standards. 
Maintaining Tool Cache and Laydown Yard Organizing and maintaining the designated area where tools, materials, and equipment are stored to ensure efficiency, safety, and cleanliness. 

  ​Stewardship Special Projects ​​

Stewardship Special Projects ​
(Requires initial coordination with Parks Department via Volunteer Coordinator or Special Request Form) 

Water Management & Drainage ​
Culvert Cleaning Removing sediment, debris, and vegetation from drainage culverts to ensure proper water flow and prevent flooding or erosion. 
Ditch Maintenance Clearing and shaping drainage ditches to promote effective runoff and reduce water pooling along trails or roads. 
Trail Drainage (Contours/Water Bars/Grade Reversals) Installing or maintaining drainage structures along trails, such as water bars, grade reversals, or contouring, to direct water off the trail and prevent erosion. 
Build or Repair Water Bars/Velocity Dissipators Constructing or fixing water bars or velocity dissipators (structures that slow down water flow) to improve trail drainage and reduce erosion. 
Public Health & Safety ​
Homeless Encampment Clean-up Safely cleaning and restoring areas previously occupied by homeless encampments in coordination with social services and safety protocols. Coordinating with the County's Homeless Engagement and Response Team (HEART) and Solid Waste Division. 
Derelict Vehicle Removal-Cut up and drag out Safely dismantling and removing abandoned or inoperable vehicles from park or trail property. 
Illegal Dump Removal (Remnants of the Past, e.g., Fridges, Washers, Dryers Removing large, illegal dump items (such as appliances, mattresses, etc.) that were abandoned on park or trail property. 
Repairs & Replacements (Like-for-Like, No Permits Required) ​
Signposts  Replacing damaged or missing sign supports. 
Fence Posts/Rails Repairing or replacing wooden or metal fencing components. 
Guard Rails Maintaining or replacing safety barriers along trails or roads. 
Curb Stops Replacing concrete or rubber wheel stops in parking areas. 
Decking  Repairing or replacing boards on decks, boardwalks, or viewing platforms. 
Hardware Cloth  Replacing mesh or wire screens used in structures or under decking. 
Small Structures Performing maintenance on non-permitted minor structures (e.g., benches, kiosks, gates, puncheons, or viewing platforms). 
Facility Maintenance ​
Vandalism  Removing graffiti, repairing damage, or restoring facilities affected by vandalism. 
Painting Applying protective or aesthetic coatings to park infrastructure, signs, or small structures. 
Tree and Vegetation Work ​
Bucking Trees (Trained Only)  Cutting fallen trees into manageable sections for removal or use, performed only by trained personnel with chainsaw certification. 
Limbing  Removing lower or damaged branches from standing trees to maintain safety and clearance. 
Salvage and Transplant of Vegetation Carefully relocating native plants from impacted areas to new locations for restoration purposes. 
Hedging and Brushing Trimming hedges and clearing overgrown vegetation along trails or roadsides to maintain sightlines and access. 
Mowing  Cutting grass and low vegetation in open areas, trail edges, or fields using push or riding mowers. 
Rototilling Loosening or aerating soil for planting, restoration, or surface preparation. 
Vegetation Planting Planting native or ornamental vegetation as part of restoration, landscaping, or park beautification. 
Invasive Species Removal -Outside of Trail System Identification and removal of non-native or invasive plant species that threaten native ecosystems, habitat health, or trail integrity in areas extending beyond 15 feet from the trail system.  
Signage & Construction ​
Sign Installation Installing or replacing trail, regulatory, or informational signs using approved materials and placement standards. 
Operations and Logistics ​
Hauling Materials Transporting materials (e.g., soil, gravel, mulch, debris) to or from work sites using authorized vehicles or equipment. 
Trail Building or Rerouting ​
Trail Building or Reroutes Creating new trail sections or re-routing existing trails to improve access, safety, or reduce environmental impact. 

  ​Parks Department Responsibility ​

Parks Department Responsibility 
(Parks Department to take lead on project, but volunteer assistance may be approved) ​

Any Project Requiring a Permit Any project or maintenance task within park, trail, or public space areas that involves alterations to the environment, structures, or infrastructure that require legal approval or authorization from local, state, or federal regulatory bodies. 
Herbicide Application Application of chemical solutions to control, reduce, or eliminate unwanted vegetation (e.g., invasive plant species or weeds) in park or trail areas. 
Sign Design and Printing Creating and producing park or trail signs, which may include informational signs, directional markers, rules and regulations, or educational displays. 

  Tool and Equipment Use 

Tool and Equipment Use ​
Hand Tools ​
Shovels, rakes, loppers, etc. Approval at orientation with the Volunteer Coordinator 
Construction Tools ​
Drills, Circular Saw, Sawzall, etc. Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator based on the skill set of the volunteer. 
Power Landscape Equipment ​
Power Pole Saws Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Powered Hedge Trimmers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Weed Eaters Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Backpack Blowers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Push Mower Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Large & Heavy Equipment ​
Rototillers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Chainsaw Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
DR Mowers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Plate Compactors Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Bobcat Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Tractors Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Excavators Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Power Augers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Generators Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Pressure Washers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Riding Mowers Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
ATV Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
Other ​
Anything not listed above. Requires approval by the Volunteer Coordinator 
​

​

​





​