activities · 19
what they do
direct service · 6
- Habitat and land restoration in the Grand Canyon region Habitat Restoration & Invasive Species ManagementConducts on-the-ground conservation work including invasive weed removal, spring restoration, fence repair, and native grass planting, often with volunteer participation. Projects are carried out annually and include documentation of grazing impacts and habitat conditions.
- Hiking and Trip Planning Resources Outdoor Recreation Access & ActivitiesProvides resources for hiking and trip planning within the Colorado Plateau region.
- Hiking and trip planning resource provision Outdoor Recreation Access & ActivitiesProvides hiking and trip planning resources for the Colorado Plateau region to support public access and responsible recreation.
- On-the-Ground Habitat Restoration and Conservation Conservation Advocacy & Land ProtectionConducts hands-on conservation work including weed removal, spring restoration, fence repair, and native grass planting, often with volunteer participation, to restore habitats and document grazing impacts in the Grand Canyon region.
- Wildfire Recovery Support Wildfire Risk Mitigation & ResponseResponded to wildfires in the Grand Canyon region, supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts on the North Rim.
- Wildfire response and recovery in the Grand Canyon region Wildfire Risk Mitigation & ResponseResponded to the 2025 wildfires that burned over 200,000 acres on the North Rim, supporting recovery and rebuilding efforts. Includes publishing detailed maps of burn perimeters and severity for the Dragon Bravo and White Sage fires.
advocacy · 8
- Advocacy for National Monument Protection Legal & Policy Advocacy for Cultural LandscapesAdvocates for the designation and defense of national monuments, successfully defending Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument against legal challenges and efforts to weaken its protections, and advocating for its initial designation.
- Advocacy for national monument protection and expansion Legal & Policy Advocacy for Cultural LandscapesSuccessfully advocated for the designation and legal defense of the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni – Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, protecting approximately 1 million acres of ancestral lands. Includes ongoing support for tribal coalitions and federal court defense against legal challenges.
- Protection of rivers and opposition to dam development Conservation Advocacy & Land ProtectionSuccessfully advocated against the construction of a hydropower dam on Big Canyon, protecting the Little Colorado River and surrounding ecosystems from industrial development.
- Public Lands Protection Advocacy Conservation Advocacy & Land ProtectionOrganizes public engagement through petition signing and public comment submissions to support the protection of public lands, and has successfully advocated against hydropower dam permits.
- Public lands advocacy and petition campaigns Land Stewardship Education & Field EngagementOrganizes public engagement efforts including petition drives and comment submissions to protect public lands. Contributes to broader conservation outcomes such as noise pollution reduction and forest restoration.
- Uranium Mine Regulation and OversightContacts state regulators to obtain information on the permitting status of proposed uranium mines and reports on water extraction practices at existing mines.
- Water Policy and Resource Advocacy Conservation Advocacy & Land ProtectionAdvocates for improved water policy to maintain sustainable flows in the Colorado River, documents excessive water extraction at uranium mines, and submits formal comments on environmental impact statements related to water management.
- Water policy advocacy and monitoring Conservation Advocacy & Land ProtectionAdvocates for sustainable water flows in the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and monitors excessive water extraction, such as at the Pinyon Plain uranium mine where over 7.8 million gallons were pumped in 2024. Submits formal comments on federal water management plans.
research · 4
- Environmental Research and MappingConducts research and publishes maps and analyses on topics such as historic wildfires, burn severity, uranium mine eligibility, and water access on the Navajo Nation, as well as publishing a regional magazine.
- Field research and data documentation on natural resources Springs Ecosystem Inventory & AssessmentConducts fieldwork to document springs, grazing impacts, and wildfire history in the Grand Canyon region. Includes publishing maps and data on burn areas, water access on the Navajo Nation, and ecological features of the Colorado Plateau.
- Publication and dissemination of scientific and advocacy information Archaeological Field Research & AnalysisPublishes research findings and educational materials, including the Colorado Plateau Advocate magazine and illustrated ecological maps, to inform the public and support land protection efforts.
- Uranium mining oversight and regulatory engagement Mining Impact & Regulatory AnalysisConducts research on proposed uranium mines within protected areas and engages state regulators to obtain permitting information, such as for the EZ Complex uranium mine. Documents environmental risks and eligibility for exemptions.
capacity building · 1
- Volunteer coordination for land stewardship Public Environmental Events & OutreachOrganizes volunteer trips and field projects focused on conservation, including data collection, weed removal, and restoration work, engaging over 200 volunteers who contributed more than 2,250 hours of service.
strategies · 9
how they think
Theories of action extracted from this org's own source material. Click any to see the full field of orgs running the same approach.
- Evidence-Based Advocacy and Policy Leadership evidence-based conservationThe organization uses scientific research, field testing, and observed environmental evidence to inform conservation policy and advocacy. By collaborating with scientists, agencies, and volunteers, they develop robust arguments against harmful developments and position themselves as a leading voice in regional conservation efforts, focusing on clean air, rivers, and community health.
- Experiential Engagement and Community Building experiential_engagementThe organization connects people with public lands through outdoor recreation and experiential engagement, fostering personal growth, skills development, and a sense of connection to place. This approach also builds community and advocacy capacity through inclusive volunteer programming.
- Experiential Engagement and Volunteerism experiential_engagementThe organization connects people with public lands through outdoor recreation and experiential engagement. They foster community and advocacy capacity by engaging volunteers in reciprocal conservation service, emphasizing personal growth, skills development, and a deeper connection to place, while also utilizing citizen science for research.
- Integrated Cultural and Ecological Conservation integrated_conservationThe organization integrates the protection of cultural heritage with watershed and ecosystem conservation to ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of cultural and ecological well-being for communities.
- Public Mobilization and Legal Advocacy public mobilization and coalition-buildingThe organization mobilizes broad public support and civic engagement through action alerts, petition campaigns, and public comment advocacy to influence policy and challenge threats to public lands and environmental health. They also employ legal action to protect ancestral lands and ensure environmental justice.
- Public Mobilization and Legal Advocacy public_mobilization_and_legal_advocacyThe organization mobilizes public support and engages in legal action to protect public lands and advocate for conservation. This involves using action alerts, petition campaigns, public comment advocacy, and legal challenges to intervene against environmental threats and influence policy.
- Science-Based Advocacy and Conservation science_based_conservationThe organization uses scientific research, field testing, and observed evidence of environmental harm to inform conservation policy, challenge threats to public lands, and advocate for environmental protection. This includes collaborating with researchers, agencies, and volunteers, and supporting citizen science initiatives.
- Tribal-Led Conservation and Sovereignty tribal_led_conservationThe organization centers tribal direction and sovereignty in conservation efforts, partnering with Native communities and coalitions to protect culturally and ecologically significant landscapes, support self-determination, and restore management authority over ancestral lands. This includes advocating for policies requiring tribal consent and amplifying Indigenous knowledge in advocacy.
- Tribal-Led and Community-Centered Conservation tribal-led conservationThe organization centers tribal direction and Native voices in conservation efforts, partnering with Indigenous communities and coalitions to protect culturally and ecologically significant landscapes, support tribal self-determination, and amplify Indigenous knowledge in advocacy and storytelling. This approach ensures conservation priorities are community-led and respect ancestral land rights and cultural heritage.
named programs · 12
what they call their work
Invest in young leaders
Offers opportunities for budding activists to hone their skills and connect with changemakers across the Southwest through the Rising Leaders Program.
Pinyon Jay Project
Independent science project engaging volunteers in monitoring and conserving pinyon jay populations and their habitat
Protect the Grand Canyon
Works to protect the Grand Canyon’s clean air, scenic vistas, and flowing waters from threats like uranium mining, dams, and unsustainable developments.
Respect tribal sovereignty
Supports tribal leadership, stands with tribes, and amplifies Indigenous voices on environmental and social justice issues.
Restore Habitats
On-the-ground habitat restoration efforts with volunteers to protect native species by restoring springs, planting native grasses, and mitigating grazing impacts
Restore habitats
Restores healthy habitats for native species through volunteer efforts, including pulling weeds, restoring springs, and building fences.
Rising Leaders Program
Youth leadership initiative for young people ages 15–30 to develop skills in environmental advocacy and connect with regional changemakers
Stand up for national monuments
Advocates for better protections of national cultural landscapes and defends national monuments from threats.
Support Native communities
Partners with Native communities, following their lead to support their priorities, build equitable economies, protect sacred landscapes, and reclaim authority over ancestral lands.
Sustain the Colorado River
Advocates for smarter water policy to sustain the Colorado River's flows through the Grand Canyon.
Volunteer Conservation Trips
Field-based volunteer projects including spring restoration, fence repair, weed removal, and data collection across the Colorado Plateau, typically held April–October
Volunteer Program
Organizes volunteer trips from April to October for individuals to participate in conservation activities such as surveying springs, planting native grasses, documenting grazing impacts, pulling weeds, and repairing fences.
relationships · 30
who they work with
- Bureau of Reclamation Government — Submitted formal comments on the Bureau’s draft environmental impact statement for Lake Powell and Lake Mead operations.
- Colorado River Indian Tribes Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Energy Fuels Resources Partner — Monitored and referenced as the owner and operator of Pinyon Plain Mine and proponent of the EZ Complex uranium mining project.
- Federal Energy Regulatory Commission Government — Partnered with FERC through advocacy and public comment to influence the denial of the Big Canyon Dam permit.
- Grand Canyon Tribal Leaders’ Coalition Partner — Collaborates with the Grand Canyon Trust to defend the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument and protect ancestral lands.
- Grand Canyon tribes Partner — Collaborates with Grand Canyon tribes in advocacy and monument protection efforts
- Grand Canyon tribes Partner — Collaborates with Grand Canyon tribes in advocacy efforts, including legal defense of national monument designations.
- Grand Canyon tribes Partner — Collaborates with Grand Canyon tribes in legal and advocacy efforts to protect ancestral lands and national monuments.
- Grand Canyon tribes Partner — Collaborates with Grand Canyon tribes in legal and conservation efforts, including the defense of Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument.
- Havasupai Tribe Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Hopi Tribe Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Hopi Tribe Partner — Worked alongside the Hopi Tribe to oppose the Big Canyon Dam and support broader tribal consultation on ancestral lands.
- Hualapai Tribe Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Hualapai Tribe Partner — Partnered with the Hualapai Tribe in efforts to block the Big Canyon Dam and protect culturally significant areas.
- Kaibab Band of Paiute Indians Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Las Vegas Tribe of Paiutes Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Moapa Band of Paiute Indians Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- National Park Service Partner — Collaborates with the National Park Service on fisheries research and data collection in the Little Colorado River.
- Native communities Partner — Collaborates with and takes direction from Native communities in conservation work across the Colorado Plateau.
- Navajo Nation Partner — Collaborated with the Navajo Nation in opposing the Big Canyon Dam proposal and advocating for tribal sovereignty in federal permitting decisions.
- Navajo Nation Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Save the Confluence Partner — Collaborated with the Native-led grassroots group Save the Confluence to oppose hydropower development near the confluence of the Colorado and Little Colorado Rivers.
- Shivwits Band of Paiutes Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Tó Nizhóní Ání Partner — Partnered with the grassroots organization Tó Nizhóní Ání (“Sacred Water Speaks”) in opposition to the Big Canyon Dam project.
- Yavapai-Apache Nation Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- Zuni Tribe Partner — Member of the Grand Canyon Tribal Coalition that petitioned for the Baaj Nwaavjo I’tah Kukveni National Monument designation.
- federal agencies Government — Works with federal agencies on conservation and environmental protection efforts.
- scientists Partner — Collaborates with scientists on conservation initiatives and research.