Volunteer With Grand Staircase Escalante Partners

What to know before signing up for a project

Deposit policy

Volunteers who sign up for their first multi-day project with GSEP will need to submit a $100 deposit to secure their spot on the project. Once volunteers are notified that they are confirmed for a project, they will also be sent instructions to submit the deposit (if applicable). The $100 deposit will be returned to the volunteer once the trip is completed. The volunteer will also be able to donate the deposit. 

To secure a spot on a volunteer trip, volunteers must submit the deposit at least two weeks after receiving their confirmation email. If the deposit is not submitted within the two weeks, their registration will be canceled.

Deposits will be kept by GSEP if:

• Volunteers cancel their registration within two weeks of the project start date without a legitimate reason (listed below).

• Volunteers don't show up to the project on the start date without notification of a legitimate reason. 

Deposits will be returned to volunteers if:

• They notify GSEP staff of their cancelation at least 2 weeks before the start date of the project.

• If canceled later than two weeks before the start date, but there is a legitimate reason such as:

  • Sickness (Covid, flu, cold, etc.)

  • Injury 

  • Family emergency

• Volunteers request a deposit return at the end of an attended project. 

We do not want this deposit policy to be a barrier to attend one of our projects. Each multi day project will have two "sponsored" spots in which two volunteers will not need to submit a deposit. Volunteers can indicate if they would like to be considered for one of these spots on the application form.

Deposits will be returned to volunteers immediately if the event is canceled by GSEP for any reason. 

Applying for a Project

You can see our spring and summer list of public volunteer opportunities under the "2025 Stewardship Projects" tab at the top of the page. On this page, you will be able to find all of our spring and summer volunteer opportunities. To view each project, click on the ^ symbol to the right of the project name. Here you will find:

• A project description 

• Recommended ability level, an abbreviated itinerary, camping information (if applicable) 

• An abbreviated schedule

• Needed gear 

• Provided gear

You will also see how many spots are available for each project next to the project name, which will be updated periodically. If a project is full and has a waitlist, we still encourage you to apply for the project! We will notify you if a spot becomes available.

Once you find a project(s) that you would like to apply for, you can navigate to "Apply for a Project" tab at the top of the page. You will only need to submit one form even if you would like to apply for multiple projects. If you are apaplying for a backpacking trip, a seperate form will need to be completed by copying and pasting the link in the project description. Once you submit the form, you are not officially signed up for a project until you receive a confirmation email from GSEP staff.

Recommended Ability

Under each project description, you will see a section labeled "Recommended Ability" that will lay out the basic physical abilities that will be routinely asked of during each project. We highly recommend that you still apply even if you cannot meet the abilities listed! Many of our projects can be modified to each volunteer's comfort level and we are happy to offer assistance when needed.

Not sure that volunteering is right for you? Keep scrolling to read our volunteer testimonials or send us an email at volunteer@gsenm.org!

Co-Applicants

We will do our best to make sure those who would like to volunteer together get on the same projects. If you have a friend, family member, or partner that you would like to ensure that is selected to get on the same trip as you, please indicate this on your Volunteer Application under the co-applicant question. Your co-applicant will still need to fill our their own application form, but this will help us organize our volunteer list.

Volunteer testimonials

"I have spent my life recreating on these lands, and the chance to give something back to protect and care for the place that has brought me so much joy is important to me. We have a responsibility as people who enjoy this land to help protect it and mitigate the damage that we can do, even unwittingly. I am grateful that GSEP recognizes the need for people to help, and provides a means by which to do so. Plus, it's really fun!" 

"This project was three days of good hard work with great company including wonderful staff. I came away feeling like I understood the challenges the BLM faces better and wishing to return to help again." 

"This trip exceeded my expectations. Kristen was amazing at explaining everything to us, and all the projects were interesting and satisfying to take part in. Hooray for GSEP!" 

"Volunteering with GSEP was hands-down the most engaging, inspiring and fun volunteer project with which I've ever been involved. The volunteer leaders are experts in their fields, well-informed and facilitate an incredible experience. From the days leading up to the trip, I felt informed, welcomed and reassured that things would function smoothly. Even then, my expectations were exceeded as the trip was more fun and interesting than I ever could have expected. The volunteer work felt significant and I was proud to be a part of the team as we engaged with visitors at each site we visited. I can't wait to sign up for my next volunteer project with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners." 

"A great experience, the educated and energetic staff helped us all make a difference!" 

"If you're planning a trip to Utah to explore all of the wonderful recreation opportunities and various national parks, I highly recommend coordinating your trip around one of the volunteer experiences hosted by Grand Staircase Escalante Partners. We were in the area for a few weeks and had the opportunity to join for a project and it was an incredible experience. It was our first time on the Monument, and I really believe that this is the way to experience these places. We learned about the history of the Monument itself and the context for the project. Since we were surveying fences for wildlife friendliness in a major wildlife corridor, the connection to the landscape now is so much deeper than it would have been if we hadn't done this project, and now I'll never be able to look at a fence the same ever again!"