Volunteer & Stewardship
As growth expands across the north, east, and south foothills of the White Tank Mountains, the need to protect this landscape has never been greater.
Each year, rapid development brings new challenges, making the White Tank Mountains Conservancy’s mission to sustain the cultural and ecological resources of the White Tanks more critical than ever.
Our work is only possible because of people like you.
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do, helping to protect native plants and wildlife while preserving the rich cultural heritage of this unique desert landscape. Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a deeper commitment, there is a place for you here.
Join our community of volunteers and make a lasting impact.
Volunteer with the White Tank Mountains Conservancy
Whether you have a few hours to give or are looking for a long-term way to make a difference, there’s a volunteer opportunity for you at the White Tank Mountains Conservancy.
Community Volunteers
Looking for a simple way to get involved? Join us for one-time or occasional volunteer projects throughout the year. Community volunteers help with activities such as litter cleanups, habitat restoration, special events, trail projects, fundraisers, and other conservation initiatives that support the White Tank Mountains and surrounding communities.
These opportunities are open to individuals, families, community groups, and corporate teams. No application, background check, or long-term commitment is required—just register for the opportunity, come ready to make a difference, and log your hours.
Become a WTMC Steward
If you’re interested in taking a more active role in our mission, consider becoming a WTMC Steward.
Stewards are trained volunteers who serve as ambassadors for the Conservancy, supporting education programs, community events, outreach activities, and conservation initiatives throughout the year. Because Stewards often work directly with the public, schools, and partner organizations, applicants complete an application process, background check, orientation, and training before serving.
A one-time application fee helps cover volunteer materials, orientation, training resources, a volunteer handbook, name badge, and official WTMC Steward shirt.
As a WTMC Steward, you’ll become part of a dedicated team helping conserve the White Tank Mountains for future generations while building lasting connections with fellow volunteers who share a passion for Arizona’s remarkable desert landscape.
Whether you choose to volunteer for a day or become a trained Steward, your time and talents help protect wildlife, support environmental education, and preserve one of the West Valley’s most treasured natural resources.
01
On the Trail
- Become a Trail Steward and help enhance fellow hikers’ trail experiences, assist with trail clean up, and report any trail issue to park management. Trail Steward training is provided at orientation.
- Join Desert Defenders and help eliminate invasive plant species to reduce wildfire risk.
- Lead guided hikes with fellow Trail Stewards and assist park rangers with guided hikes.
- Share your White Tank photos.
02
In the Community
- Assist with the Youth to Mountains and Classroom Adventure Programs, hosting school field trips and classroom educational programs.
- Help plan and support the development and presentation of WTMC programs.
- Help welcome and orient new volunteers.
- Follow us on social media. Comment, like, and share on our Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube channels.
- Help build our photo and video libraries.
- Advocate for WTMC mission, efforts, and programs.
03
Support Our Operations
- Serve on or lead a committee, including volunteers, marketing, media relations, fundraising, outreach, data collection, and programming.
- Coordinate and execute two annual fundraising events and a fundraising program.
- Coordinate and execute two annual volunteer recognition events.
How to Join
How to be a Community Volunteer
To become a Community Volunteer, review the event calendar or Facebook page for upcoming events. If you are a business or school and would like to coordinate a day of service, email admin@wtmconservancy.org.
How to Join
Become a Steward?
To become a WTMC Steward, please complete the Volunteer Application and submit the $40 application fee. This fee covers your volunteer t-shirt, orientation manual, name badge, and required background check.
In partnership with Maricopa County Parks & Recreation and the City of Buckeye, background checks are required in accordance with their policies, particularly for volunteers who may interact with children. Background checks may be completed prior to orientation.
Once your application and fee are received, a Welcome Ambassador will contact you to schedule your orientation and training.
Impact 2025
118
Active Volunteers
3,787
Volunteer Hours
175
Pounds of trash removed from the trails
245
Pounds of invasive species pulled from White Tank and Skyline Regional Parks
1,400
Youth to Mountain school field trips (students)
1,209
Classroom Adventure Program (students)
98
Visitors to the WTMC outreach events
Steward Spotlight
Nicole N. Speyer
Desert Defender Team Leader
Nicole started volunteering with WTMC and participating in Desert Defenders events in early 2023. She loves wildlife and was drawn to our Connectivity Initiative and WTMC’s mission to keep the White Tanks wild. Through the Desert Defenders program, she found that she loves weeding the desert and learning about plants, both native and invasive. She’s an avid hiker and strong birder, a Certified Arizona Master Naturalist, and believes that any morning spent outside is a great one. The Desert Defenders program allows her to spend time enjoying our beautiful Sonoran Desert while giving something back to it.
