Note: Orientation/training is required to become a member of the Climbing Conservation Crew.
Alapocas Run State Park welcomes volunteers who would like to help care for its rock-climbing wall as well as the landing zone and access trail for it!
The famous Blue Granite Cliffs in Alapocas Run State Park are the home of the only natural rock-climbing wall in Delaware and help to make the park one of the most unique places in the state to visit. The park offers top-rope climbing programs. Visitors may acquire a free permit from the Blue Ball Barn to climb on their own.
Primary duties:
- Report safety concerns or damages
- Maintain the access trail (natural path from Camp Building to climbing area)
- Remove obstructions such as fallen branches, loose rocks, and other debris
- Restore barriers to dangerous deviations from the trail
- Cut back encroaching vegetation
- Pick up litter
- Keep the landing zone free of hazards
- Remove fallen branches, rocks, and other debris
- Pull weeds
- Keep crags and climbing routes clear*
- Cut back or remove encroaching vegetation
- Remove obstacles and other materials that could make a route dangerous
- Submit simple reports (template provided) and service time
* — Requires extensive climbing experience, knowledge of safe tool use while climbing, prior authorization from park staff, and member of park staff to be present.
Needs can be significant after weather events.
Members of the Climbing Conservation Crew may also be invited to work on special group projects for the site.
Scheduling is flexible:
- Members may serve when it fits their schedules or schedule times on their own to work with other members.
- This is a year-round opportunity.
Visitors who enjoy rock-climbing and moderate-to-difficult trails and/or are passionate about the preservation of access to such opportunities are excellent candidates to volunteer with the Climbing Conservation Crew!
Note: If you respond to this opportunity, you will be contacted about next steps.
