What:Trail Ambassadorvolunteers are representatives of Grand Staircase Escalante Partners (GSEP) and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). We like to use the phrase “play a ranger for a day” to describe the experience. A Trail Ambassador is known as an individual who provides information to trail users, emphasizing safety and use etiquette as well as reporting current conditions and alerting the BLM staff to any attention needed. The GSEP Trail Ambassador Program stands apart by taking a holistic approach to deepen the visitors connection through the "Honor the Land" ethic. GSEP Trail Ambassadors will educate visitors using Native Connections, Resilient Ecosystems, Scientific Inquiry, and Cultural Awareness and Reflection, as well as Leave No Trace and Visit With Respect Principles to minimize harmful impacts on the Monument.
Who: If you’re excited about helping to protect the landscape, have a willingness to converse with fellow hikers, are capable of hiking on rugged and uneven terrain, carrying gear and supplies for visitors in addition to your personal items (including dog waste bags, trash, Ziplock and wag bags, pamphlets, electronic devices, a med kit, and a heat kit during hotter months), then you just might love this program! Once fully trained, Trail Ambassadors can either work independently, with GSEP or BLM staff, or with other volunteers. Volunteers of all ages and abilities are welcome, but those that are under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Why: The Monument sees millions of visitors each year and with that comes harmful impacts to the landscape. Some of these curious adventurers are ill equipped during their trip and will greatly benefit from a Trail Ambassador. The Bureau of Land Management only has so many resources and as their partner, you can help to expand their reach to protect the Monument, while enhancing the visitors experience.
Where: Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument is a sprawling 1.9 million-acre landscape located in the south-central region of Utah. There are many popular hiking routes including one maintained trail known as Lower Calf Creek Falls. Trail Ambassadors will spend the day at one of these popular sites, either hiking the routes or tabling at the trailheads.
How:Sign-up for a one-on-one training with one of our GSEP staff by going to theApply for a Projectpage on this website. Once signed up, volunteers will need to watch the online training videos before attending the in-person training. The online training is broken up into 4 videos posted to YouTube and are accompanied by a Google Form. Part 1 of the online training program introduces the Trail Ambassador program, Part 2 discusses safety, Part 3 covers the educational content, and Part 4 offers some tips when interacting with strangers while volunteering. The online portion of training must be completed one week prior to an in-person training.