California State Parks Seek Volunteers for Spring Training at Empire Mine, South Yuba, and Malakoff Diggins

Grass Valley, Calif.— California State Parks is calling on residents to volunteer at Empire Mine State Historic Park, South Yuba River State Park, and Malakoff Diggins State Historic Park. A two-day training session will be held beginning April 24th to prepare recent volunteers for a variety of roles.

The volunteer program offers diverse opportunities to suit various interests and skill sets, encompassing both indoor and outdoor activities. Time commitments vary depending on the chosen role. Potential volunteer activities include:

• Trail Rovers: Providing information to visitors and maintaining trail cleanliness.
• Gift Shop: Assisting in park visitor centers, which support educational and volunteer programs.
• School Tours: Leading guided tours for 3rd – 5th grade students.
• History Tour Leaders: Guiding tours of historic buildings at Empire Mine, Bridgeport (South Yuba River SP), or North Bloomfield (Malakoff Diggins SHP).
• Tour Assistants: Supporting tour guides and ensuring the safety of park features.
• Blacksmiths: Demonstrating period ironwork at Empire Mine year-round or during Malakoff Diggins school programs.
• Landscape Gardening: Maintaining the historic rose garden and other landscaping at Empire Mine.
• Facility Maintenance: Assisting with repairs and upkeep of Empire Mine’s historic facilities.
• Living History: Portraying historical figures during tours and special events.
• Special Events: Supporting events like Miner’s Picnic and Humbug Day.
• Gold Panning: Teaching visitors how to pan for gold at Bridgeport and community events.
• Nature Trail Tours: Leading or assisting with nature-focused walks and hikes.
• Habitat Restoration: Participating in weed removal and native plant habitat maintenance at South Yuba River SP.

The training consists of a required two-day orientation. Applicants can choose to attend one session from the following options:

• Session 1: Friday, April 24th or Saturday, April 25th
• Session 2: Friday, May 1st or Saturday, May 2nd

All sessions will be held from 9 a.m. To 3 p.m. At Empire Mine State Historic Park, located at 10791 E. Empire St, Grass Valley.

RSVP is required. Interested individuals can sign up by contacting Sierra Gold Sector Volunteer Coordinator Jean Rhyne at (530) 686-7110 or Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov. More information about the volunteer program can be found at www.parks.ca.gov/SierraGoldVolunteers.

Event Details:

• WHAT: Volunteer Training for Empire Mine SHP, South Yuba River SP, and Malakoff Diggins SHP
• WHEN: Fridays and Saturdays, April 24 – May 2, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• WHERE: Empire Mine State Historic Park, 10791 E. Empire St, Grass Valley
• COST: Free
• FOR INFO: Volunteer Coordinator Jean Rhyne: (530) 686-7110, Jean.Rhyne@parks.ca.gov