Rising Land Stewards: Developing the Next Generation of Conservation Leaders in Grand Teton

This September, a group of young adults from ten cities across the country arrived in Grand Teton National Park for the Rising Land Stewards program. Developed in partnership with Groundwork USA, the two-week pilot program brought together emerging conservation leaders to gain hands-on experience in public lands management and develop skills to bring back to conservation crews in their home communities.

During the first week, participants worked alongside National Park Service staff on trail maintenance and vegetation restoration projects throughout the park. Their work included constructing two bridges, removing a mile of fencing near Deadman's Bar, and collecting seeds to support native plant restoration. Participants also rotated through leadership roles during fieldwork, gaining experience coordinating crews and developing both technical and interpersonal skills.

One of the group's projects involved removing wire fencing near the Mormon Row Historic District. The area lies along an important migration route for ungulates, including elk and pronghorn, and wire on fencing can be an obstacle for wildlife moving through the landscape. Working in pairs, participants took turns cutting and coiling wire, a process that required careful coordination and communication. The project provided an opportunity to practice giving instructions, exercising patience, and solving problems as a team.

Participants also helped lead Grand Teton's National Public Lands Day volunteer event at Cunningham Cabin, putting their leadership skills into practice alongside community volunteers. Many participants regularly lead volunteer events through their home organizations, making the experience a valuable opportunity to observe how Grand Teton plans and coordinates volunteer projects and consider new approaches to bring back to their own programs.

The second week shifted toward professional development, with workshops and conversations exploring different aspects of public lands management. Participants learned about Leave No Trace principles, Indigenous engagement, and historic preservation. They also took part in leadership exercises and helped guide preservation work at the historic Luther-Taylor Cabins.

During a career panel, participants had the opportunity to connect with Grand Teton National Park Superintendent Chip Jenkins, hearing his perspective on sharing stewardship practices and engaging more people in conservation work. The discussion offered insight into the role of leadership and collaboration in protecting public lands.

Throughout the program, participants also explored Grand Teton beyond their work sites, including a hike through Cascade Canyon and a canoe trip on String Lake. These experiences provided time to connect with one another and experience the landscapes they were helping protect.

As the first year of the Rising Land Stewards program concluded, participants returned to their home communities with new skills, professional connections, and experiences to share with fellow conservation corps members. The pilot program laid the groundwork for future opportunities to connect young conservation leaders with the people and projects caring for Grand Teton National Park.