The Buck Rock Foundation (a 501C3 non-profit organization) offers a broad variety of volunteer activities for those who are interested in preserving the tradition of fire lookouts in our National Forests and National Parks. From working and living in a fire tower to serving barbeque tri-tip at fund-raising events, there is something fun for everyone to enjoy!

Organized in 1999 by local community members to save Buck Rock Fire Lookout, the Foundation was formed to restore, maintain and staff fire towers in the Southern Sierra Nevada for fire detection, education, interpretation and historic preservation.  We work in partnership with the Sequoia National Forest and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks to operate three fire towers in the Kings River Watershed including Delilah, Park Ridge and Buck Rock.  The Foundation is an all-volunteer association working to create an atmosphere where the concept of stewardship of our conservation heritage can flourish with children and adults from all walks life.

Do you love nature and solitude, have an adventurous spirit and like the idea of giving back to your community?  Then volunteering as a fire watcher may be for you.  We are looking for interested folks willing to donate some time during fire season (usually June through October) to help us staff three lookouts in the Sequoia and Kings Canyon area of the southern Sierra Nevada. 

Attending two in-classroom group training sessions held annually each Spring and individual training at a lookout is required.  (Dates for training available at www.buckrock.org.)  Volunteers should be in good physical health, not afraid of heights and 18 years or older, unless accompanied by an adult.

Other volunteer workers needed:

• Handy with a hammer?  Assisting with restoration and maintenance projects at historic fire lookouts and guard stations.
• Do you enjoy talking to people?  Providing interpretative programs at  Buck Rock Lookout to visitors from all over the world.
• Are you an educator or naturalist?  Working with school kids and youth camps creating opportunities for stewardship and outdoor education.
• Good at PR?  Fund-raising and creating public awareness help promote our mission.

Appropriate Ages for Volunteer Opportunity: 18 years or older, unless accompanied by an adult.

To work as a volunteer fire lookout or to help with preservation work, volunteers should be in good physical condition, not afraid of heights and enjoy nature. Most of the work is done at high elevation, often several feet above ground and in weather conditions that are variable.