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Volunteers

Working Together to Preserve the Public Lands

Volunteers are an important part of caring for the land and serving the people on our National Forests. The San Juan National Forest is proud to host volunteers and work with volunteer organizations who contribute thousands of hours of service each year. We appreciate the enormous contribution of people who want to give back to their public lands while enjoying an incredible experience in Southwest Colorado.

Volunteering isn't just beneficial for the forest, it benefits you. It can give you the opportunity to pursue a special interest, such as bird watching or hiking. Many individuals have found that their volunteer experience has guided them towards job interest and possible careers. Retirees often find volunteering gives them a new opportunity to share their skills. The types of work a volunteer can perform are many and varied.

The San Juan National Forest hosts a variety of volunteer projects throughout the year, but the majority of volunteer work is largely coordinated through our partners. Whether it's a trail reconstruction project, wetland survey, tree planting, or wilderness monitoring, our partners go above and beyond to protect our public lands!

Last updated March 23, 2026