Capacity Per Session: 7 Volunteers + 1 Kitchen Helper

HistoriCorps; Kentucky; On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a passionate team dedicated to restoring the historic Duck Bay Shelter in the beautiful Shawnee National Forest. This opportunity allows you to gain hands-on experience in preservation skills while contributing to the conservation of a CCC-era treasure. Volunteers will engage in various tasks, including concrete work, log framing, and roofing, all while enjoying the great outdoors. Meals, tools, and training are provided, making this a rewarding experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Embrace the chance to make a difference while connecting with fellow volunteers in a supportive environment.

Benefits

All meals provided

Camping equipment provided

Training in preservation skills

Opportunity to volunteer outdoors

Qualifications

• Experience with preservation skills and volunteer work.
• Ability to work outdoors and handle physical tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist in restoration of the Duck Bay Shelter.
• Participate in various preservation tasks under expert guidance.

Skills

Concrete Work

Log Framing

Roofing Installation

Log Carpentry

Tools

PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Job description

Join us on the banks of Lake Glendale, as we restore a local CCC-era treasure – the Duck Bay Shelter!

SESSION DATES: September 14-19, 21-26, and September 28 – October 3

PROJECT SUPERVISORS: (Assignment in progress)

CREW LEADER: Colby Baker-Thayer

Project Site Description & History

Established in the early 20th century as part of efforts to conserve and manage the American wilderness, the Shawnee National Forest was designated a national forest in the 1930s, during a period when the U.S. government sought to restore lands degraded by logging, agriculture, and mining.

The Shawnee National Forest is located in the Ozark and Shawnee Hills of Southern Illinois, spanning 289,000 acres across nine counties. Established in 1933, its creation was driven by local efforts, including those of Lindloph Oscar Trigg, who believed the forest could boost the local economy and tourism. It features diverse landscapes, including oak-hickory forests and wetlands, providing environmental and recreational opportunities.

The Lake Glendale Recreation Area, centrally located within the forest, offers hiking, camping, swimming, boating, fishing, and biking, set against tall pine and hardwood forests. The Duck Bay Shelter, a CCC-era structure, features a lake, beach, picnic pavilions, and campground. Built in the late 1930s, it retains original features like the fireplace, chimney, concrete floor, sandstone apron, and stairs. Restoration will aim to return it to its 1930s CCC-era appearance.

We’re excited to invite you to join us this season in Illinois as we restore this historic site!

Location and Logistics

SESSION DATES: September 14-19, 21-26, and September 28 – October 3

Please arrive at the campsite between 5 pm and 7 pm on the first day of your session.

LOCATION: About 30 miles from Paducah, KY

Tents, truck campers, campervans, trailers, and RVs are accommodated. Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and under control.

WEATHER: Expect highs in the low 80s and lows in the high 40s. Weather may vary; volunteers should check conditions and pack accordingly.

ABOUT VOLUNTEERING: Volunteers participate for free! All meals, tools, training, equipment, and campsite are provided. Volunteers are responsible for transportation, sleeping gear, work gloves, clothing, and personal items.

Scope of Work

SCOPE OF WORK DIFFICULTY:

Our goal is to educate and train volunteers in preservation skills, fostering a preservation ethic. Under expert guidance, volunteers will help:

• Perform concrete work on the shelter
• Log framing for the shelter
• Apply treatment methods for logs and timber
• Install roofing structures and cedar shingles
• Complete window repairs
• Perform log carpentry

Tasks may vary daily and weekly based on weather, priorities, and previous work. While most tasks are likely to be practiced, they are not guaranteed. The more a task is a focus, the more likely you'll engage with it.

Sign Up!

We’re thrilled you want to volunteer!

*Registrations for full projects will be waitlisted if at capacity.*

CANCELLATIONS impact project completion. Please register only if you are certain you can participate.

Successful registration is confirmed by a receipt of a confirmation email. Contact [e-mail] for help.

HistoriCorps projects are free, supported by donations. Consider donating to help preserve sites across America. Your contribution makes a difference! Make a gift today.

Volunteer Logistics, Policies, and Advice

We’re glad you’re interested! Please review our Volunteer FAQ and note the following:

• All meals, tools, training, and camping are provided. Dinner on the first night is not included.
• Volunteers should bring their own gear, including work gloves, sturdy clothes, boots, and sleeping equipment. Check temperatures and pack accordingly. See advice on staying warm in cold weather.
• Campsite accessibility varies; some only allow tents, others accommodate small RVs. Review project details or email [e-mail] for questions.
• If showers are unavailable, consider bringing a solar shower or alternative cleaning methods.
• Volunteer groups typically range from 4-8 with two staff members.
• Safety is priority. Ensure your fitness level matches the work. Contact us if unsure about your suitability for this project.
• Required PPE includes hard hats, eye and ear protection, and gloves. PPE training will be provided.
• Dogs are generally allowed at campsites but not on the work site unless permitted by the project partner. Confirm policies if needed.