Austin Kraal Memorial Volunteer Program
The Austin Kraal Memorial Volunteer program is the Sawtooth Society’s on-the-ground initiative to preserve, protect and enhance the SNRA. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, this important program gives those who love the SNRA the tools and opportunities to become its steward. The Sawtooth Society is always looking for more people to join the growing number of volunteers who participate in the Austin Kraal Memorial Volunteer program each year. Gather a group of friends and family and come give back to the Sawtooth National Recreation Area with a day of hard work and fun!
The above video illustrates a 2018 Sawtooth Society trail maintenance project with the Flourish Foundation’s Compassionate Leaders Program.
Projects
Taking place within the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, project types vary in length, difficulty, and location. Trail maintenance projects give volunteers an opportunity to clear trails of yearly downfall using traditional hand tools while working as a team under the guidance of the project leader. In addition to trail maintenance, volunteers engage in forestry and wildlife projects such as weed abatement, tree planting, meadow encroachment, and Whitebark Pine protection. Groups and individuals are welcome to participate in a variety of single-day and multi-day trips in and out of wilderness.
Yes, I want to volunteer! What’s next?
First, click on the volunteer link to sign up and let us know who you are. Next, find a project that speaks to you from our 2023 schedule below. Finally, send an email to stewardship@sawtoothsociety.org to reserve your spot on a project. Before you arrive, please review the volunteer CHECKLIST for a list of essential gear to bring with you. Information about the specific meeting location and other details will be shared with volunteers once their spot is confirmed via email. If you have any questions, please reach out to the email above. We look forward to seeing you on the trail!
2023 Stewardship Opportunities!
June 7th Wednesday– Adopt A Highway – Stanley Join us for our annual highway cleanup on June 7th from 9a-1p. Check in at the Community Building in Stanley. It is helpful for our planning if you RSVP; email Scotcho at stewardship@sawtoothsociety.org to confirm your spot!
June 17th Saturday– Redfish Ridge 400 – Volunteers needed to help with maintenance on Redfish Ridge trail. Clear logs, cut brush, and dig drains. Excellent camping nearby along Decker Flats. Come spend the weekend working and playing in the Sawtooths! Contact Scotcho if you’d like to come help out.
June 24th Saturday– Tin Cup Horse Corral – Backcountry Horsemen of America will be leading the installation of new corrals in the dispersed camping area across from the Tin Cup Horse trailhead. Tasks will include holding rails while they are being welded, pouring concrete, digging, installing posts into concrete, etc. Email stewardship@sawtoothsociety.org to sign up!
August 12th Saturday– Sawtooth Society ShinDIG! – Interested in trail maintenance and stewardship? Want to meet awesome people in the Idaho outdoor community? Come to the ShinDIG! We will meet at the Stanley Ranger Station at 9:00am for coffee and treats before setting out on a half day (or more) of trail work. All ages and skill levels are welcome to attend. We will find a project suitable for you! RSVP encouraged but not required.
More Volunteer Projects TBA! Sign up using the link to get updates about volunteer projects.
