Foothills Stewardship Program
Launched in 2024, the Foothills Stewardship Program offers trail users the opportunity to give back by caring for the Foothills trails they know and love.
This volunteer-based program gives enthusiastic individuals an opportunity to share their love for the trails, connect with other trail enthusiasts, and promote a healthy, inclusive trail culture while empowering others to care for the Foothills. Every trail user, from dog walkers to mountain bikers to hikers and runners, is encouraged to join us!
Program Goals
Foothills trails always need maintenance and care, especially as Salt Lake City’s population grows. Committed Foothills Stewards will help our team’s efforts to:
- Sustainably expand the maintenance and care of the Foothills Natural Area & Trail System.
- Model proper trail use and be a voice for conservation of the Foothills in the community.
- Create a community leadership program model that empowers trail users to care for our natural spaces while developing specific skill sets.
Program Levels
Want to join us for a one time event? Or do you have time and willingness to step into a volunteer leadership role? Our Stewardship Program has options for you!
What is a Foothills Steward?
Foothills Stewards are simply volunteers who help care for the Foothills. Training is provided onsite at each event. No experience is necessary.
How do I become a Foothills Steward?
Foothills Stewards sign up online to join an event in the Foothills.
What is a Foothills Steward Lead?
Steward Leads take the Steward role to the next level by committing to facilitating volunteer events alongside our staff.
- Two 2-hour training sessions are required.
- Both onsite and offsite work is required. Offsite work includes email communications and outreach.
- Steward Leads will have access to tools and other necessary supplies.
Trail Work Program
Join our Public Lands Trails Team for weekly trail volunteer sessions (10 max) on Wednesdays mornings. Sessions last 4-6 hours and require a high level of physical fitness. You’ll be working with Trails and Natural Lands staff and learning the ins and outs of trail maintenance.
The trail volunteer sessions will be hosted in a variety of locations throughout the Foothills Trail System.
Greenhouse Volunteer Program
Interested in getting your hands dirty and helping grow the future of our public lands? Join the Trails & Natural Lands Division for weekly volunteer sessions in the greenhouse! Volunteers will assist staff with caring for native plants, planting seedlings, greenhouse organization, and other seasonal tasks that support restoration projects across the city. Sessions are available every Sunday from 9:00am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–4:00pm. Space is limited to 8 volunteers per session.
How do Stewards care for the Foothills?
Stewards support the Public Lands Department’s efforts to maintain trails, manage invasive species, and foster a sense of collaboration within the community.
Trail Maintenance
Learn proper techniques for erosion control, clearing debris, repairing trail surfaces, and reporting trail hazards. Tasks could include rock raking, minor trail surface repairs, and removal of hazardous branches across the trail.
Invasive Weed Removal
Learn to identify and safely remove invasive plant species to support native habitat restoration. Examples of invasive weeds that are prevalent in the Foothills include Puncturevine, Dyer’s Woad, myrtle spurge, invasive thistles, and more.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
Act as an ambassador to educate trail users about Be WILD principles and the importance of preservation in the foothills. Build and maintain healthy relationships with community members and community-based groups to facilitate volunteer participation and proper trail stewardship.
Trail Monitoring & Reporting
Make regular trail condition reports to Public Lands staff throughout the year. Monitor conditions and report issues such as trail damage, muddy conditions, erosion, downed trees, illegal trail building, or safety concerns.
Benefits of Volunteering
- Make a tangible impact on the preservation of local trails and habitats.
- Gain valuable skills in land management and environmental conservation.
- Enjoy networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and organizations.
- Build a deeper connection to the natural areas you love.
- Stewardship swag!
We can all be good stewards of our public spaces! For more tips on how to Be W.I.L.D. – Welcoming, Inclusive, Limit Your Impact, and Do What You Can – visit slcbewild.com.