New Volunteers for Joshua Tree Search and Rescue to Meet Sunday Feb. 2

New volunteers for the Joshua Tree Search and Rescue team are invited to meet 2 p.m. Sunday Feb. 2 at Black Rock Visitor Center, 9800 Black Rock Canyon Road, park officials announced Monday.

"If you enjoy teamwork, believe in helping others, and are inspired by the beauty of Joshua Tree National Park, join us for this meeting to learn about the many opportunities that exist," Jennie Kish Albrinck of the Park Service said in a statement.

"Different levels of participation come with differing requirements and time," Albrinck said."So this meeting is vital to see where your skills can best be shared."

Joshua Tree Search and Rescue team members can be called on to help search for lost hikers, rescue injured or stranded climbers, and support
the park rangers in various visitor safety activities, Albrinck said.

"No training or experience is required, and the park provides extensive 
training in land search, tracking, incident management and high-angle rope rescue techniques," Albrinck said. "You may participate as a rescue member, field searcher or in a support capacity for team operations."

Volunteers must be at least 18 years old, comfortable with heights, and physically capable of working in rugged terrain in extreme weather conditions, Albrinck said.

Other qualities search and rescue team organizers are looking for in volunteers:

- Team player attitude

- Available on short notice to respond

- Composed under stressful situations

- Comfortable working with injured patients

"There will be mandatory skill and physical testing along with minimum attendance and financial requirements for the purchase of personal gear," Albrinck said.

To reach Black Rock Visitor Center, take Joshua Lane south from the town of Yucca Valley to Black Rock Canyon Road. 

For questions or more info, email Kevin Buckley at Kevin_Buckley@nps.gov.