Cathryn Richards likes to say she came to the Arizona State Parks and Trails department “inadvertently,” following 20 years leading volunteers with law enforcement in Colorado and again with the Department of Economic Security in Phoenix, serving the disadvantaged and those living on the streets.

Those experiences made Cathryn the perfect person to take on the role of the Parks’  Volunteer Program Manager. Her mission is to equip and support thousands of  volunteers, from those who spend a couple of hours a week working in a park store or leading interpretive hikes to campground hosts who live onsite.

There are more than 30 parks throughout the state, from the high-country Ponderosa forests, to lush riversides and colorful deserts spotted with saguaros. Some of the roles may be different than you expect. Volunteers take part in reenactments, bringing history to life for park visitors. Those handy with tools help with general maintenance and small construction projects.

There are always administrative roles and entry station support to help visitors’ first park experience be positive. Other volunteers help conduct research, create displays and work with scout and youth groups.

Cathryn has a gift for coordinating all those positions, and ensuring the experience is positive for volunteers and a tremendous support to the parks.

The state parks, with the help of those volunteers, work as a team to connect people with the outdoors and history of Arizona, to build a lifetime of memories.

Click here to learn more about the Arizona State Parks and Trails volunteer program: https://azstateparks.com/park-volunteers

Original air date: August 7, 2025.

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