As a Flagstaff local, Lena was fortunate to spend her childhood exploring the silty rivers and snowy peaks of Arizona and Utah. She has immersed herself in the landscapes of the Colorado Plateau as a river guide and outdoor educator since 2006. During those years, she witnessed the degradation of precious ecosystems and felt a need for more tools to engage others in environmental conservation. Motivated to become a steward for systemic change, Lena obtained her master’s degree in community psychology focusing on program development from the University of New Haven in 2016. Lena has since discovered a passion for working with volunteers, especially in outdoor settings. At the Trust, she loves harnessing the diverse knowledge, energy, and skills of our volunteer team to protect the plateau's most beloved landscapes.
An ellipse of pale rose sand lines the inside of a river bend of such beauty, you could set yourself on fire with the rapture of that curve. In it lies a kind of music in stone that might cure all emptiness.
— Ellen Meloy
Volunteers do the heavy lifting so native plants and wildlife have healthy water sources in the forest.
Read MoreVolunteers gathered in forest meadows and desert washes, eagerly lending their time and expertise to protecting the plateau this year.
Read MoreHelp restore forest streams, fence aspen stands, or observe pinyon jays while out on a hike. When you're ready, the Colorado Plateau is waiting for you.
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