10 great places to pitch in at a state park

— -- With Mandela Day issuing a global call to lend a hand for the common good, what better time to connect with the community of volunteers in our state parks? Will Rogers, president of the Trust for Public Land (tpl.org), a non-profit organization for land conservation, shares his list of parks to enjoy and enrich with Kathy Baruffi for USA TODAY.

Andrew Molera State ParkCalifornia"This beach-access park, with open meadows and redwood forests, is one of the crown jewels of the Big Sur coast," Rogers says. "Camp hosts — volunteers who live in the park for several months without charge — are needed here. They usually stay in their RVs, although one host tent site is available during the summer." Duties range from greeting hikers and campers to doing trail work. The park is a worldwide birding destination and offers great marine life and animal viewing. 831-667-2315; parks.ca.gov/?page_id=582

Tomoka State ParkFlorida"This amazing place is a historic treasure-trove," Rogers says. "There's a tribal village, sugar mills, and one of the largest oak trees in the South — all in a highly urbanized county" near Daytona Beach. Campground hosts, who help guests feel welcome, are always needed, especially in the summer, when many snowbird volunteers return home. After work, volunteers kick back, play cards or have potluck dinners. 386-676-4050; floridastateparks.org/tomoka

Mesilla Valley Bosque State ParkNew Mexico "The gorgeous park, the state's newest, is part of a system of state parks strung along the Rio Grande," Rogers says. "Many volunteers teach in the Outdoor Classroom here." Docents, many of them former teachers or teacher hopefuls, help bring to life stations on wildlife tracking, water quality, plants and birding habitats. 575-523-4398; www.emnrd.state.nm.us/prd/mesillavalley.htm

Minnewaska State Park PreserveNew York"Volunteer hikers, mountain bikers, rock climbers, and skiers assist in patrols and maintenance in this 21,000-acre park with lakes and waterfalls in the Shawangunk Mountains," an area in the Hudson Valley region known to climbers around the world, Roger says. Mountain bikers patrol 35 miles of old carriage roads, assist with enforcement of helmet laws and radio for staff in emergencies; climber volunteers work on climbing access roads, and ski patrol volunteers sweep skiers out of the park before nightfall in the winter. 845-255-0752; nysparks.state.ny.us/parks

Kiptopeke State ParkVirginia "This water-oriented park, at the very southern tip of Virginia's Eastern Shore, provides access to the Chesapeake Bay and its waterways," Rogers says. "You can fish from the pier, crab from the beach, swim or go out on a boat." Volunteers can work in the flower garden and butterfly gardens or help with special projects as needed. Bring a kayak and go island-hopping in the bay or visit a vineyard. 757-331-2267; dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/kip.shtml

William B. Umstead State ParkNorth Carolina "Acres of old-growth oak, beech and hickory shade this urban oasis just minutes from Raleigh and Cary," Rogers says. "It is a great escape into the wilderness, with lots of creeks and streams, horseback riding, bicycling and hiking trails." A wide range of volunteer opportunities, including litter cleanup, removing vines and maintaining the many 1930s-era timber buildings, are available, along with camping options. Tasks vary according to age and ability. 919- 571-4170; ncparks.gov/Visit/parks/wium/main.php

Pinnacle Mountain State ParkArkansas "The interconnectivity of this dramatic mountain park, going from wilderness to downtown Little Rock — including the William J. Clinton Presidential Center — makes it a great place to visit or volunteer," Rogers says. Volunteer opportunities in this day-use park vary from repairing signs to assisting trail guides with their interpretive program. 501-868-5806; arkansasstateparks.com/pinnaclemountain

Palo Duro Canyon State ParkTexas "This park, called the Grand Canyon of Texas, is dazzling, especially the bright, banded cliffs," Rogers says. "Volunteers serve as camp hosts in exchange for an RV site. They also get the pleasure of being in this ecological and historic treasure." In addition, the park in the Texas Panhandle has 1,500 acres of equestrian trails in the horse-camping area, where volunteers can help. 806-488-2227; palodurocanyon.com

Punderson State ParkOhio "If you want to take photos of moraines, kames, and eskers, this park needs you," Rogers says. "These glacial remnants, and resulting lakes called kettle lakes, dominate the park, You'll see wetlands and bogs, teeming with wildlife, too." Volunteers are invited to submit their pictures for use on the park website. A site for your RV or tent is provided in exchange for assisting campground staff at this northeastern Ohio park, east of Cleveland. 440-564-2279; dnr.state.oh.us/parks

Ebey's Landing National Historical ReserveWashington "A 17,400-acre reserve encompasses the historic seaport town of Coupeville on Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound," Rogers says. "It is also home to two historic state parks — Fort Ebey and Fort Case, complete with armories and canons used for WWII coastal defense." Volunteers help with prairie revegetation, office assistance, event planning and docent work. Rocky beaches and steep bluffs with views of mountains, working farmland and Puget Sound are part of the remarkable setting. 360-678-6084; nps.gov/ebla