Seeking Volunteers: Alder Ridge Cabin Restoration
June 16 - July 5
We’re back with another opportunity to volunteer at Alder Ridge Lookout Cabin – a cherished relic perched atop the Sierra Nevada in the Eldorado National Forest, California, USA.
SESSION DATES: June 16-21, June 23-28, and June 30 – July 5
Project Site Description and History:
Nestled within the rugged terrain of Eldorado National Forest stands the Alder Ridge Lookout Facility, a poignant reminder of bygone eras and the enduring evolution of the U.S. Forest Service. Last season Historicorps volunteers poured their efforts into restoring the cabin at the Alder Ridge Lookout and we are very excited to head back and finish the job!
Constructed in 1937 by the Placerville Ranger District in collaboration with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), this historic site sits proudly in El Dorado County, perched at an elevation of 6,225 feet. Comprised of a 60-foot observation tower, a single car garage, and a ranger cabin, the facility serves as a testament to the dedicated efforts of past generations to protect and manage the region’s wilderness resources.
In the wake of the devastating fires that ravaged over 5 million acres of National Forest lands in 1910, forest management practices underwent a profound transformation. This pivotal moment prompted the newly established United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to reevaluate its approach to conservation. With the advent of labor programs during the Great Depression, Eldorado’s Region 5 emerged as a key player in the development of essential fire lookout facilities across California’s Sierra Nevada.
In 1990 the facility became eligible for the National Register of Historic Places after a nation-wide study on historic fire lookout facilities was completed. Today, as we embark on the journey to rehabilitate and restore the aging ranger cabin, we invite you to join us in preserving this vital piece of history. Despite facing challenges such as vandalism and inclement weather, the Alder Ridge Lookout Facility continues to stand as a beacon of resilience and hope amidst the ever-changing landscape of the wilderness.
Scope of Work:
HistoriCorps is committed to educating and training volunteers in preservation skills, with an overarching mission of inspiring a preservation ethic in all those involved. Learning and working alongside expert HistoriCorps field staff, volunteers and applying the traditional skills necessary to restore the Alder Ridge Lookout Cabin:
- Repair and restore windows and openings
- Complete interior finish work including cabinet repairs, interior painting, kitchen wall replacement, and more
- Exterior painting and interior floor board repairs
