Rebuilding What Was Lost: Stewarding Nebraska’s Sandhills
In the heart of Nebraska’s Sandhills—where rolling dunes meet hand-planted forests—seven volunteers from across the country came together for one powerful reason: to give back to our public lands.
The Bessey Ranger District, part of the Nebraska National Forest, is home to the world’s largest hand-planted forest and a popular destination for campers, hikers, and cross-country travelers. But in October 2022, the Bovee Fire burned nearly 5,000 acres here, destroying the historic Scott Lookout Trail and surrounding habitat. With federal funding cuts and over 5,700 land management staff lost in recent years, restoring these places has become more challenging than ever—and more dependent on the dedication of volunteers.
This group of seven stepped up to meet that need. Over the course of the week, the crew helped re-sign and re-mulch the Scott Lookout Trail to make it accessible again. But the most impactful task? Planting seedlings in areas scorched by the fire.
“Planting seedlings in an area with such visible destruction was extremely meaningful,” one crew member reflected. “Even if only 50% survive—which is what we were told by forest staff—we still, in my opinion, made a difference. Plus, the greenhouse production and seed generation process was AMAZING to see!”
Beyond the trail work, volunteers connected deeply with each other. One person shared that their favorite part of the experience was simply “meeting new people,” while others spoke about the joy of bonding during free time—whether hanging out at camp or taking a side trip to Smith Falls, Nebraska’s tallest waterfall.
This project was part of American Hiking Society’s response to the urgent call for stewardship. With reduced staff and growing maintenance backlogs across federally managed lands, volunteers are stepping in to protect trails and access for everyone. As one crew member put it: “We got to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”
Volunteer Vacations are a meaningful way to give back to public lands, connect with others, and have a great time doing it. Ready to make an impact? Explore our upcoming trips and sign up today!