HELPING THE ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST SERVE THE PUBLIC

STAFFING THE STATION

Would you like to escape the heat of the summer's Sacramento Valley or foothills?  Like to stay cool and save on those energy bills this summer? Come to the high country in the refreshingly cool Sierra Nevada Mountains.  Spend some time enjoying pristine landscapes, gazing at wildflowers in a quiet windblown meadow.  Part of your summer can spent enjoying the majestic Sierra and volunteering at the Carson Pass Information Station.  Serving as ambassadors of the Eldorado and Toyiabe National Forests, including the Mokelumne Wilderness, to visitors who come to get the most out of their summer excursion.  You may share experiences with trekkers hiking the Pacific Crest Trail, some who started at the Mexican Border bound for Canada.  Families on a day trip with little ones in backpacks want to know of a lake where they can picnic and children can wade.  You may field questions of visitors from foreign countries making their first trip to the U.S.  The experiences one has talking with and helping people, make pleasant memories.  But, the best is yet to come! For those who have never heard of ENFIA and Carson Pass, every summer volunteers from the organization staff and maintain the Forest Service Information Station at the summit of Carson Pass on Highway 88. The early years found the docents serving the public from a converted out-house.  Now, a sturdy log cabin, painstakingly constructed by ENFIA volunteers over many seasons, houses the docent staff.  The best is yet to come, you ask?  Yes, there are perks to sharing your time with visitors to the National Forest.  Be patient! Volunteers offer to become docents at "The Pass" for many reasons. Some are western history buffs, others delight in imparting their knowledge of the flora of the area; some have an interest in natural history or have hiked for years and know the ways of the backcountry. Some just come!  Neither special talent nor experience is necessary.  A cheerful attitude with a willingness to learn is all that is needed.  Could you help someone pick out a map or a Smokey Bear puppet? Here come the perks!  As part of the package, you (and family too) may stay free at the Forest Service cabin located at the Silver Lake Cabin adjacent to Kit Carson Lodge.  The cabin is right on the lake.  It sleeps five, has a complete kitchen facility, with range, refrigerator, pots and pans, dishes and glassware.  Mountain spring water comes right out of the tap, both icy and hot.  It has a roomy shower and separate toilet (no, it's not outside; but there is still one there if you would like to experience it).  One adult docent from families and couples using the cabin must work at the Information Station during the day.   Many couples share duties at the station while having time for a hike after work or a short trip to Nevada for dinner and fun in nearby Minden/Gardnerville.  There is no maid service, so cleanliness and tidiness is appreciated by the next occupants. ENFIA would be pleased to have you join the ranks of the Carson Pass Docents. The rewards are satisfying.  The Forest Service provides training every year for all new and returning docents.  New docents are always accompanied by an experienced veteran while at work.  It's not too early for experienced docents to request preferred dates for work this summer.  Please refer to the Activities Schedule for training sessions dates and locations. See the Message from Bob the Information Station Manager.  See also Operating Bulletins for current information on operating the Station. If you would like to volunteer at "The Pass" please contact Bob Youel at (530) 344-1558, 4216 Durado Court, Placerville, CA 95667,or send Bob an Email message.

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ENFIA -- THE ELDORADO NATIONAL FOREST INTERPRETIVE ASSOCIATION