Utah HerpSearch
A Utah HerpSearch volunteer takes water quality measurements while conducting a habitat survey. Photo by Sierra Hastings.
Season: Spring-Fall
What: Volunteers collect observations of amphibians and reptiles and submit them through iNaturalist. Expert and amateur “herpers” can use the Choose Your Own Adventure map to survey for species of interest.
Volunteer Commitment: Attending our training is required. Schedule is flexible and varies depending on individual interest. Volunteers may visit recommended sites as desired.
Riverscape Restoration
Volunteers Karen Valcarce and Calen Smith build a stream restoration structure at Branch Creek in Utah. Photo by Sierra Hastings.
Season: Summer-Fall
What: Volunteers work on restoration projects along riverscapes in need of a boost to improve water quality and create wildlife habitat.
Volunteer Commitment: No training before the selected volunteer date is necessary. Volunteers sign up for individual volunteer days and meet a team to build beaver restoration structures and/or plant native plants. Sites are outdoors and vary in accessibility.
Shorebird Survey
Esther Sumner, one of our Volunteers of the Month, surveys Lee Creek for shorebirds. Photo by Sierra Hastings.
Season: One survey date in the Spring and one in the Fall
What: Volunteers survey sites for shorebirds across Great Salt Lake, Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge, Utah Lake, and the Amalga Barrens Sanctuary. This supports shorebird and habitat conservation.
Volunteer Commitment: Taking our training is required to gain the ability to identify shorebirds by sight. Volunteers must also attend one day-long project in wet, uneven areas in the field.
Fence Restoration Program
Volunteers remove old barbed wire fencing and fence posts. Photo by Sierra Hastings.
Season: Spring - Fall
What: Volunteers can map existing fences to inform future restoration efforts or join us to remove, repair, or retrofit fencing for the benefit of landowners and wildlife alike.
Commitment: Flexible and varies, depending on individual volunteer interest. Requires the ability walk on uneven surfaces, work with a team, and potentially handle barbed wire.
Utah Pollinator Pursuit
A Utah Pollinator Pursuit volunteer documents pollinators and habitat. Photo by Sierra Hastings.
Season: Spring-Fall
What: Volunteers collect data on Utah’s pollinators, providing valuable information that informs conservation efforts and habitat restoration. Volunteers may also participate in planting days to benefit pollinators and other wildlife.
Volunteer Commitment: Taking our training is required. The project can be done from a backyard or neighborhood or by visiting specific outdoor sites that vary in accessibility. Commitment varies according to volunteer interest (season-long or occasional).