Public Lands Volunteer Team
2024 was an incredible year for our Volunteer Team! We had the opportunity to work with dedicated individuals and amazing groups to benefit public spaces on the Jordan River Trail, up in the Foothills, and at City parks. Learn more about our team below.
Van
About Me: I’ve been with the Public Lands Department since 2022, focusing on stewardship programs, volunteer efforts, and building strong community partnerships. Before joining Public Lands, I worked with Wasatch Community Gardens, where I developed my passion for connecting people to nature and community.
Favorite Park: My favorite park this year is the International Peace Gardens, but my all-time favorite is the Jordan River Parkway.
Favorite 2024 Volunteer Event: The Cornell Wetland Native Planting! It was incredible to work with multiple school groups, grades 8–12, planting thousands of native perennials along the Jordan River Trail. Seeing the students engage in hands-on restoration was so inspiring!
Olivia
About Me: I have worked with Public Lands for the past 2 years. Born and raised in SLC, I’m extremely passionate about getting people outside and excited about where they live. I love working with volunteer events for the community-building aspect and to give back to the places we call home.
Favorite Park: I love escaping into Allen Park. There is so much City and urban development history that centers around Allen Park and the work that is being done to restore the buildings is really exciting to watch. Feeling like you are escaping the city, it’s a great place to visit the peacocks, see some deer, and enjoy being in nature.
Favorite 2024 Volunteer Event: Earth Day was my favorite event this year; having hundreds of people walking or biking down the Jordan River Trail to reach a common goal was so fun and it’s inspiring to see that many people come together to take care of such a vital part of our ecosystem here in Salt Lake.
Jada
About Me: In my first year with the Volunteer Team at Public Lands I’ve truly been inspired by the impact we have made and the deep dedication our volunteers have for these spaces. Our efforts to cultivate stewardship and care have significantly enhanced the City’s Public Lands for countless community members.
Favorite Park: Memory Grove Park. I love to stroll and sit along the river where you get a glimpse of the mountains and capital building, can hear the river flowing, watch dogs playing, and enjoy some good people watching.
Favorite 2024 Volunteer Event: The KABOOM playground building event at Taufer Park! It was like seeing the episode of Parks and Rec come to life. Beyond that, it was inspiring to see organizations and community members come together to create such visible change.
Layne
About Me: I’ve lived in Salt Lake City for almost 5 years and have enjoyed finding new parks around my house. However, being part of the volunteer events team has increased my awareness of the many special parks around the city that I didn’t know existed. It’s been valuable to help make a positive impact on these beautiful open spaces where people can gather.
Favorite Park: My favorite park is Miller Park/Bird Refuge because of how tucked away it is and the stream running through it. The stone steps on the north side, leading down into the trees, reminded me of parts of Central Park in NY. It feels distinguished from other parks that are wide open.
Favorite 2024 Volunteer Event: Our Fall Planting Series are my favorite events from this year. I love giving back to the natural habitats that many different species use. It will be exciting to see the impact of the plantings as the years go on and and to see the native plants flourishing along the Jordan River Trail and in Parley’s Nature Park.
Become a Public Lands Steward
Please join us in caring for trails, natural lands, parks, and the community. Public Lands volunteer events are open to all ages and abilities and take place throughout the City and the Foothills.
Are you a volunteer group? Click here to set up a volunteer event.
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