California State Parks

The Mounted Assistance Unit performs volunteer patrol duties at the Auburn State Recreation Area, augmenting official regular patrols by Park Rangers.

Auburn SRA volunteers assist park staff by protecting the natural and cultural resources of the park, performing needed trails and facilities maintenance, promoting safe and responsible recreation practices to park visitors, providing public education and interpretation to inspire stewardship.

Members provide information and assistance to park visitors concerning trail conditions, directions, park use fees, and park rules and regulations.

MAU participates in trail improvement and maintenance projects, and in education and interpretation that complements MAU’s mission in the park (i.e., trail etiquette or member recruitment).

The Auburn State Recreation Area Canyon Keepers is a volunteer group that promotes healthy recreation by providing assistance and information for visitors to the state park. They organize hikes, conduct trail maintenance, provide guided history walks, maintain a native garden, remove litter, perform roving trail education, and assist the professional ranger staff through volunteer work.

Train crew operate the excursion trains. Positions include Conductor, Engineer, Fireman, Brakeman and Fire patrol.

The interpretive team engages with the public to tell the Railtown story.  Positions include Greeter, Tour Guide, Roundhouse Host, Car Host, Narrator, Station Agent, Ticket Agent, and more.

The maintenance & restoration team work on various projects throughout the park.

The Living History program at Railtown participates in special events such as History Train and Tales of the Roundhouse. Volunteers also demonstrate important skills such as blacksmithing.

The Polar Express is a seasonal event at Railtown. A wide variety of volunteer positions are available to support this fundraising event.