Your year-end gift is doubled to support our parks and forests in 2026.
Why your support is urgent this month
The 43-day shutdown left a $105,000 gap in our ability to fund our partners. Your matched gift helps keep education and interpretation going.
- The shutdown cut off more than $105,000 in earned revenue.
- Your gift keeps Junior Ranger and youth programs funded.
- Support stays strong for Wind Cave, Jewel Cave, Scotts Bluff, Agate Fossil Beds, and forest visitor centers.
- Your donation helps maintain the staff capacity that keeps visitor services moving.
- Every donation is doubled through the $50,000 match.
Prefer to send a check? Checks may be made out to Black Hills Parks and Forests Association and mailed to:
Black Hills Parks and Forests Association
26611 US Hwy 385
Hot Springs, SD 57747
Join us in starting 2026 strong
“Your support helps assure our partners there will be no gaps in education funding.”
– Patty Ressler, Executive Director
Volunteer Opportunities
Help us support education and conservation with our public land partners, volunteer today! There are a number of different ways to volunteer, we would like to work with you to find something that matches, your skills and availability. If you are interested in donating your time please fill out the application. Questions contact our volunteer manager: Andrea Fountain: bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
Program & Event Support
Volunteers will support BHPFA instructors at programs and events
Job Duties:
- Welcoming attendees at sign in table
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- Talking to the public about BHPFA’s mission and programs
- Taking registration/donation funds
- Helping with the waiver process
- Talking to the public about BHPFA’s mission and programs
- Supporting instructors with crowd management
- Support safety on guided hikes
- Help answer participant questions during the program
Requirements:
- Attend Volunteer Training
- Wear nametag and BHPFA logo gear while on duty
Wind Cave National Park Ambassador
Location: Wind Cave National Park
Job Duties:
- Provide a presence on select trails at Wind Cave National Park
- Gather data on trail conditions and use
- Provide information to the public that helps build awareness around responsible public land use, Wind Cave National Park’s trail rules, and the importance of wildlife habitat.
- Provide useful information to visitors about trail access, trail routes, and directions and any other questions about visiting area public lands.
Requirements:
- Attend Wind Cave National Park staff training in May (dates TBD)
- Minimum volunteer hour requirements 8 hours per month from June- September
- Uniform is provided and must be worn when on duty
Wind Cave National Park Front Desk Greeter
Location: Wind Cave National Park
Job Duties:
- Assist Wind Cave National Park staff in providing customer service to visitors at the visitor center
- Provide information to the public that helps build awareness around responsible public land use, Wind Cave National Park’s trail rules, and the importance of wildlife habitat.
- Provide information about cave tours, trail access, trail routes, and directions and any other questions about visiting area public lands.
Requirements:
- Attend Wind Cave National Park staff training in May (dates TBD)
- Minimum volunteer hour requirements 8 hours per month from June- September
- Uniform is provided and must be worn when on duty
South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Training
BHPFA serves on the executive planning committee for the South Dakota Volunteer Naturalist Program (SDVN). SDVN is an adult conservation and environmental education program that combines indoor presentations and hands-on field experiences to teach conservation volunteers about South Dakota’s natural resources. Volunteer Naturalists are dedicated natural resource conservation volunteers who provide service through a variety of skill sets.
- Applications for the 2026 cohort open 12/1/25 (link coming soon!)
- 2026 Cohort class begins on 3/3/2026
Other opportunities
BHPFA Board Members and Committee Members
We are always looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who share our values to serve on our board of directors or to support the education and finance committees. If you are interested in learning more please contact Patty Ressler: pressler@blackhillsparks.org
Wilderness Volunteers has been providing affordable and meaningful volunteer service opportunities that conserve and protect America’s wild lands since 1997. In 2024 they will be conducting a project with our partner Nebraska National Forest to rebuild a polliantor garden. Learn more here!
Opportunities are updated regularly, if you if you have a way that you would like to volunteer that is not listed please reach out to Andrea: bhpf@blackhillsparks.org
