The Landscape 

Just north of Kanab, Utah, an otherworldly transition unfolds: towering red rock buttes give way to a rolling sea of pale sand dunes scattered with tall Ponderosa Pines. Delicate pockets of native grasses and shrubs stabilize the dunes and anchor the ecosystem, while the trees provide shelter and shade in an otherwise harsh desert environment. This rare ecosystem exists in only a handful of places in the world and supports life found nowhere else on the planet, including an endemic tiger beetle species that depends entirely on this fragile landscape for survival. This striking landscape also draws people from far and wide for recreation like sand surfing and off-road vehicle use.

Without clear guidance, even well-intentioned visitors can unintentionally damage sensitive habitat that may take decades—or longer—to recover. As a result, it is important to protect the wild parts of this landscape and promote responsible outdoor recreation, which is what this project focuses on.

The Work

This project supports the Bureau of Land Management in managing the Moquith Mountain area. Volunteers will work with rangers to install a wooden, low-impact fence along a section of this area’s boundary. This fence will guide recreators to keep vehicles on designated routes while still allowing for foot, horse, and wildlife to pass through. As a volunteer, you will get to actively participate in habitat protection!

Volunteers will be:

• Using tools such as hammers
• Lifting and moving lumber
• Installing educational signage
• Working in small teams to assemble fencing

All work tools will be provided, including gloves, eye protection, and ear-protection. Volunteers will be trained on tool use and fence assembly.

Project Rating

Easy – Expect walking on some uneven terrain, but in close proximity to roads and our work vehicles. Project work will include some light lifting, drilling, or tool use. 

All projects take place outdoors: Please consider your comfort level 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)
Project Lead: TBD
Contact: volunteer@suwa.org

Itinerary
A general itinerary will be provided to registered volunteers in a Welcome Letter, which volunteers receive upon acceptance into the project.

•  Thursday, March 5th – Saturday, March 7th

Camping & Meals

Specific camping details and locations will be shared with participants. On this project, expect to camp at an established campground near  the work site. Picnic tables and pit toilets will be available.

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. For group dinners, be sure to notify project leads of your dietary restrictions. 

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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