Public Lands Volunteer Team
2026 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 SLC Public Lands Space: My favorite park this year is the International Peace Gardens, but my all-time favorite is the Jordan River Parkway.
Favorite 2026 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!
Abi
About Me: Hi, I’m Abi! I plan and coordinate many of our volunteer events, especially those happening on the east side of the city. My favorite thing about my job is getting to make connections with our amazing volunteers/community members and seeing the strong community that is built as we all work together to improve our shared natural spaces. I also love that I get to become more familiar with parks and trails that I never even knew existed! In my free time, I love going camping, riding my bike around the city, crafting in every way I can, practicing Spanish, and exploring trails.
Favorite SLC Public Lands Space: I can’t decide! It’s between Terrace Hills Trail, Cornell Wetlands, or Allen Park
Favorite 2026 Volunteer Event: Planting native plants at Cornell Wetlands!
Alison
About Me: Hi I’m Alison! I plan and coordinate volunteer events for the stewardship team, mostly west side events, like our Jordan River Trail Clean-ups. I’m passionate about environmental conservation, wildlife, walkable cities, and creating more green spaces around where we live. I love exposing volunteers to new spaces around the city and meeting new people who are excited to get involved with showing our public lands some love. I grew up in Utah and love exploring all of the outdoor spaces here. In my free time, I like to read, crochet, hike, practice yoga, bake, and try to cook new meals!
Favorite SLC Public Lands Space: Allen Park
Favorite 2026 Event: Goathead Destroyer 2026
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 SLC Public Lands Space: 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 2026 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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