Come enjoy springtime in the desert! Two distinct desert ecosystems, the Mojave and the Colorado, come together in Joshua Tree National Park. A fascinating variety of plants and animals make their homes in a land sculpted by strong winds and occasional torrents of rain. Dark night skies, a rich cultural history, and surreal geologic features add to the wonder of this vast wilderness in southern California. On this trip, join National Park Service (NPS) staff and work together with fellow…

What is today known as the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge first emerged 120,000 years ago during the Pleistocene era when a barrier island was born. Today, this landscape is best known for its prominent place in the American wildlife conservation movement. In 1941, when only 15 whooping cranes survived in the wild, the iconic bird became an emblem of alarm and concern for all endangered and threatened species. Aransas became a focal point of the national and worldwide effort to…

In addition to the meandering river frontage, Shenandoah River State Park offers scenic views of Massanutten Mountain to the west and Shenandoah National Park to the east. A large riverside picnic area, picnic shelters, trails, river access and a car-top boat launch make this a popular destination for families, anglers and canoeists. With more than 24 miles of trails, the park has plenty of options for hiking, biking, horseback riding and adventure. American Hiking Society volunteers will work on installing…

Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and surrounded by 300,000 acres of Talladega National Forest sits Cheaha State Park, home to Alabama’s oldest state park and home to its highest point.  Often called Alabama’s “Island in the Sky”, Cheaha welcomes guests to enjoy and connect with nature. "Cheaha" is derived from the Muscogee word "Cheaha," which means "high spot" in Creek Native American language. Mountains have long been associated with spiritual places of transformation. The Civilian Conservation…

The Cherokee National Forest is your destination for outdoor recreation. Enjoy a scenic drive through the mountains, the pursuit of wildlife, the thrill of whitewater, a night under the stars, or solitude on a backcountry trail. The Whigg Ridge Trail is a 2.8 mile long trail from the Tellico River up Whigg Ridge to the FS road just below the top of Whigg Meadow. This trail has not been worked on for over 10 years and is nearly impassible. Volunteers…

Touch of Nature Environmental Center hosts experiential education programs that utilize the many natural resources on and around its 3,400 acres located in beautiful Southern Illinois. These programs offer opportunities for all people and focus on traditional outdoor activities, environmental education, and adventure pursuits. Touch of Nature is currently working to create 15 additional miles of trail to the existing trail system in Shawnee National Forest. This project includes maintaining existing trail with actions such as brushing, clearing water bars,…

Initially established as a Federal army supply depot and hospital, Camp Nelson was one of the largest recruitment and training centers for African American soldiers during the Civil War, and served as a refugee camp for their wives and children. Thousands of enslaved African Americans risked their lives escaping to the camp, located within the slaveholding state of Kentucky, with the hope of securing their freedom and, ultimately, controlling their futures by contributing to the abolition of slavery. Camp Nelson…

Join American Hiking Society, AdventurUs Women and Southeast Conservation Corps on this special Volunteer Vacation led by women, for women! We welcome volunteers of all gender identities and expressions who feel a women's trip is the right space for them. Volunteers will work under the guidance of Southeast Conservation Corps staff to build a new section of trail on the Lula Lake Land Trust. This is an excellent project for first-time volunteers, who will receive full instructions and demonstrations for…