Historic Garden Volunteer - Humpback Rocks- Blue Ridge Parkway

The National Park Service is seeking volunteer gardeners to serve at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and historic farm located at milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. The volunteers will be responsible for planting and maintaining a small vegetable garden.

Humpback Rocks depicts a typical 1890s Southern Appalachian Mountain Farm Homestead. Visitors walk through the historic farm complete with a cabin, barn, chicken coop, garden, and other outbuildings. The historic garden is an opportunity to showcase farming practices of the time by growing period appropriate beans, corn, tobacco, and more.

Major Duties

·      Plant and manage Parkway gardens within the scope and scale of approved plans, policies, and regulations of the National Park Service.

·      Work with other volunteers and park staff in performing basic gardening work such as planting, weeding, watering, fertilizing, mulching, harvesting, raking, and pruning, as well as collecting and disposing of trash and the debris resulting from garden work.

·      Use basic gardening tools and perform tasks according to level of training and comfort.

·      Answer visitor questions and give informal interpretive talks while working in the garden.

·      Educate Parkway visitors about the National Park Service Mission including how and why to protect Parkway resources.

·      Attend volunteer briefings and training sessions.

·      Communicate with NPS staff about needs, issues, successes, and hazards related to volunteer activities.

·      Ensure and provide for a safe environment for themselves, others, and Parkway resources at all times.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

·      Basic knowledge of tasks associated with growing a vegetable garden

·      Ability to walk on uneven terrain

·      Ability to work outside in various weather conditions

·      Ability to lift loads of up to 20 pounds

·      Ability to interact with the public in a polite and professional manner

·      Knowledge of historic farming practices of the Southern Appalachian Mountains is preferred but not required

Time Commitment

Volunteer is expected to serve up to 10 hours per week.