Celebrating volunteers across the Colorado River District
Volunteers are the heart and soul of America’s public land stewardship, bringing passion, dedication, and generosity to their roles every day. In honor of National Volunteer Month, we proudly highlight exceptional volunteers across the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Colorado River District in Arizona, whose contributions significantly enhance visitor experiences and recreation opportunities.
Campground hosts creating community at Craggy Wash
Frank and Sandy Schrader have been campground hosts at Craggy Wash, a dispersed camping area managed by the Lake Havasu Field Office, for eight fulfilling years.
Drawn initially by the striking desert scenery, they quickly fell in love with meeting campers from all over the world. Their responsibilities include checking in visitors, providing essential local information, and ensuring the site remains clean and welcoming.
Once a month, Frank and Sandy host a community barbecue that brings together 30 to 40 campers, helping foster new friendships, including supporting veterans and individuals who might otherwise remain isolated.
"The people we meet from all over the world is the best part. We love seeing friendships form at our barbecues," Sandy Schrader said. The Schraders encourage others to experience the vibrant community of public land visitors firsthand by volunteering.
Father-son team brings warmth and education at La Posa South
Christopher “Chris” and Daren Dunn are a father-son volunteer duo at La Posa South, a Long-Term Visitor Area (LTVA) managed by the BLM Yuma Field Office.
Chris began volunteering two years ago, initially assisting at the site's dump station before stepping into the role of volunteer coordinator. Daren joined a year later, transitioning from office duties to becoming a secondary camp host. Their roles include office maintenance, visitor orientation, and ensuring guests are informed about park regulations such as proper parking and fire safety.
"Meeting such a diverse group of people and helping them have a positive experience keeps us motivated. It’s rewarding every day," Daren Dunn explained.
Both volunteers share a passion for giving back and creating meaningful LTVA community connections.
Cleaning up the desert, one volunteer at a time
William “Bill” Terwilliger coordinates the Cactus Cleaners, a dedicated volunteer group based in the BLM Kingman Field Office area.
Since its inception in 2018, Cactus Cleaners has impressively collected nearly 300,000 pounds of trash and over 3,000 tires from public lands in Mohave County.
Bill, a Navy veteran who moved to Arizona in 2013, co-founded the group after noticing widespread illegal dumping during his outdoor excursions. Despite recent health challenges, Bill remains committed to his mission, coordinating with the BLM, local organizations, and enthusiastic community volunteers.
"We have one place to live, and it’s our responsibility to keep it clean for future generations. Every volunteer makes a real difference," Bill said.
He encourages others to join cleanup efforts and stresses personal responsibility in maintaining healthy public lands.
These stories illustrate just a fraction of the incredible volunteer efforts happening everyday across our public lands. Are you inspired to make a difference? Volunteer opportunities are available in various roles and settings—there’s something for everyone. Join our dedicated volunteer community and start your journey today.
Visit your local Bureau of Land Management office or our website to learn how you can help shape the future of our public lands.
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Office
1785 Kiowa Ave.
Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403
United States