The Landscape

Spanning an astonishing 1.7 million acres, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the American Southwest. This is a place of vast slickrock plateaus, winding canyons, towering cliffs, and night skies so dark they feel prehistoric. Every layer of rock tells a story, and in many cases, those stories are still being discovered.

Known around the world as the “Science Monument,” Grand Staircase–Escalante has reshaped our understanding of Earth’s past. Since its designation in 1996, scientists have uncovered multiple new dinosaur species here, alongside countless other paleontological treasures. The monument also supports an incredible diversity of life today, including more than 650 species of native bees—many found nowhere else on the planet. This is a place that expands the soul: it is quiet, vast, and full of raw beauty. Due to the incredible sights and proximity to Capitol Reef National Park, this area has seen a rise in visitation–and with popularity comes impact. Fragile desert soils, cryptobiotic crusts, and native vegetation need ongoing care and protection.

The Work

Volunteers will play a direct role in protecting one of America’s most scientifically and scenically important public lands. This project works with the Bureau of Land Management to restore impacted areas and support recreation in ways that preserve the Monument’s wild character for generations to come.

Volunteers will:

• Clean fire rings
• Use tools such as rakes, shovels, and wheelbarrows
• Move natural materials
• Installation of education signage

All tools and safety equipment will be provided, including gloves and eye protection. Volunteers will be trained on remediation techniques and tool use.

Project Rating

Moderate – Expect walking or hiking on uneven terrain; work vehicles will likely be nearby or a short walk away. Project work may include mid- to heavy-lifting, various tool use such as raking and shoveling, and potential to carry fencing, signage or natural materials. 

All projects take place outdoors: Please consider your comfortability working in remote landscapes at varying elevations and under variable weather conditions. Our team strives to ensure that all projects provide meaningful work for volunteers of all abilities. Please reach out to the Project Lead if you have questions or concerns.

Volunteers Needed: (8)
Contact: volunteer@suwa.org

Itinerary
A general itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers in a Welcome Letter.

•  Monday, April 6 – Thursday, April 9

Camping & Meals

Specific location of camping site(s) will be provided in the Welcome Letter sent to registered volunteers. Campsites are often remote dispersed sites with no running water or pit toilets.

SUWA provides dinners during the project dates as well as snacks and drinks during workdays. Volunteers are responsible for all additional meals (breakfast, lunch) during their stay.

Volunteer Responsibilities

Participants are responsible for their own food, water and camping gear as well as transportation to and from the project site(s). Volunteers should plan to be away from camp all day each of the work days. A recommended packlist will be sent along with the project Welcome Letter (4) weeks prior to the start date. If camping gear is a barrier to your attendance, please reach out to the Project Lead to discuss options.

Registration & Acceptance Timeline

A 2026 General Volunteer Application is required for this project.

• Once we have received your application, you will receive a confirmation email within (5) working days of submission.
• We log all applications until (8) weeks prior to the project. At this point, you will first receive an email confirming whether you have been placed on the“project roster” or a “waitlist.” If you are selected for the project roster, you will then complete a Volunteer Agreement.
• At (4) weeks before the project start date, registered and confirmed participants will receive a Welcome Letter with a comprehensive itinerary, including: driving instructions, a Project Map for mobile devices (when applicable), a notification about carpools and/or caravans, and any additional information pertinent to the project.
• Within (2) weeks of the project you will receive a direct call from the Project Lead to answer any additional questions you may have.
• Individuals on the waitlist will be contacted if space opens due to cancellation within (2) weeks of the project start date.

If you have any questions at any point throughout the process, please do not hesitate to contact us here.

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