Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum

Volunteer Positions

Introduction

A great deal of progress has been made over the past four years with volunteers doing all the work to restore the historic buildings of the base back to their original appearance in the 1950s and to set up the first stages of visitor education and services. Restoration work continues and a visitor center and museum will be opening for the first time in the history of the base. There is a lot of work that needs to be done to take this new step into the future. Learn more about the Siskiyou Smokejumper Base Museum restoration project. See the “positions” link above for information on when the next project week is scheduled.

The local region and things to do in this area

Kalmiopsis Wilderness looking into the Checo River drainage. Photo taken at Whetstone Butte near Babyfoot Lake Botanical Area, Cave Junction, Oregon

This is a great place to spend 3-4 months where you are centrally located to many natural and historic features. For example, within a 25 mile radius of the historic base there are three wilderness areas, two wild and scenic rivers, Oregon Caves National Monument, three state parks, a county park, three wineries, a tree house resort with zip lines and horseback riding, and a tourist attraction featuring a large collection of large cats (lions, tigers, jaguar, etc). A fifty mile drive to the south takes you through Smith River National Recreation Area to Redwood National Park, Tolowa Dunes State Park, Crescent City, and the scenic Oregon Coast. Fifty miles to the north is the Rogue River, Grants Pass, several state parks and county parks, and the Applegate Trail Museum. The crest of the Cascade Mountains near Crater Lake National Park, Diamond Lake, and the Sky Lakes Wilderness are about 80 miles beyond Grants Pass. Summer Concerts are held at the Britt Festival in historic Jacksonville near Medford and Ashland has frequent stage performances. The local community has monthly art walks, concerts in the Cave Junction city park, a bluegrass festival, and many other activities. The Siskiyou Field Institute near Selma, located about 15 miles to the north, offers many college level classes on the local natural history. Rough & Ready Forest State Park and Botanical Areas are located within a 15 minute walk from the base. The wild and scenic Rough & Ready Creek Canyon is about two miles away and the Kalmiopsis Wilderness at the top of the Rough & Ready Creek watershed is about ten miles hiking distance from the historic smokejumper base.

Weather and temperatures

From January through early May, rain can be expected and sometimes snow. Winds at this site can be a little more intense during storms because it is adjacent to the airport runway where vegetation and trees have been removed and there is little slow the wind down.

From May through early October, temperatures become warmer with the warmest being during July, August, and early September. Day temperatures may climb into the upper 90s but once the sun goes down the temperature typically drops dramatically into the 50s making for comfortable sleeping in the evenings.

From late October through December the temperatures begin to drop and rain begins to fall. Fog can be persistent in lower elevations but usually burns off in the early afternoon.

Desired knowledge, skills, and abilities

The required knowledge, skills, and abilities vary for each volunteer position and it is suggested that applicants review position descriptions to see what activities are available and what is needed to be able to do the work. Volunteers who want to become involved in more than one project can indicated all their areas of skill and/or interest when they fill out the application. There is always opportunities for on the job training and working with others to develop skills that make it possible to work independently in the future.

Volunteers are accepted without regard to race, creed, religion, age, color, national origin, or handicap. Volunteers are selected to participate in the program because they can fill an identified need. They are usually individuals or members of groups with specific skills and/or interests who will perform a specific function or type of work.

How to apply

This application can be filled out electronically and emailed to_________ or printed and mailed to:

For more information

Phone: Gary Buck, 541 592-2055