PHOENIX – Red Rock State Park, an environmental education center and nature preserve in Sedona, is seeking new volunteers to assist visitors, lead activities, and help with special projects.

The park, located in picturesque Sedona in north-central Arizona, offers stunning views of the world-famous red rocks, five miles of trails, areas for picnicking and bird-watching, and exhibits and interpretive displays about Oak Creek, wildlife, and early human inhabitants of the area. More than 80,000 people visit Red Rock State Park every year to enjoy daily guided nature hikes, guided bird walks, and popular moonlight hikes and star parties, in addition to seasonal special programs.

Before volunteering, applicants may attend four volunteer training sessions that start this fall to learn more about the park and their roles as volunteers. Volunteer positions include visitor center attendants, nature hike leaders, bird walk leaders, maintenance, special projects and events, and School of Connection Program assistants. The park has a dedicated and passionate team who enriches the visitor experience and provides information, education, and guidance at the park each day.

Red Rock State Park was opened in 1991 and is known as a birding and hiking destination with riparian habitats along Oak Creek. The park has ample wildlife viewing opportunities and also links to the Lime Kiln Trail, a 15-mile route that connects to Dead Horse Ranch State Park in Cottonwood. As an environmental education center and nature preserve, pets are not allowed in the park and visitors are asked to practice responsible recreation and pack out all trash that comes in (no trash cans or dumpsters are available). The park’s robust school Connection Program engages youth in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) with a hands-on classroom for K-9 students.

Sign up for the volunteer sessions by calling the park directly at 928-282-6907. If you cannot attend one of the scheduled sessions, other training opportunities or orientation may be available.

WHAT:   Volunteers needed! Training sessions begin this October.

WHERE:  Red Rock State Park, 4050 Red Rock Loop Road, Sedona

WHEN:  Sunday, October 15 at 12 p.m.

               Sunday, October 22 at 12:45 p.m.

               Saturday, October 28 at 9 a.m.

               Saturday, November 4 at 9 a.m.

For more information about Red Rock State Park and the volunteer opportunities, visit AZStateParks.com/red-rock.

Managing and conserving Arizona's natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our parks and through our partners.

 For information about Arizona State Parks and the many recreational, historical and cultural programs, call 1-877-MY-PARKS or visit AZStateParks.com. 

PRESS CONTACT: Michelle Thompson at (480) 589-8877 or email: pio@azstateparks.gov