Youth to Mountains

The future of conservation starts with connection.

At the White Tank Mountains Conservancy, we believe the future of conservation starts with connection, and that connection begins at a young age.

Our education programs are designed to introduce youth to the White Tank Mountains in engaging, hands-on, and memorable ways. By bringing students into the landscape or bringing the landscape into classrooms, we create opportunities for young people to explore the Sonoran Desert, discover its wildlife, and understand the importance of protecting natural spaces in their own community.

Through field experiences, guided learning, and partnerships with schools and community organizations, WTMC helps youth build a personal relationship with the land. These early experiences foster curiosity, confidence, and a sense of stewardship that can last a lifetime.

The mountains are more than a backdrop. They are a living classroom. And by connecting youth to this place today, we are helping shape the conservation leaders of tomorrow.

Two young hikers consult a field guide beside a cholla cactus

Classroom Adventures

Youth to Mountain Classroom Adventures

Designed to expose students to hands-on environmental education and desert conservation at schools in the West Valley of Phoenix.

Link to Standards

Partnership Programming

Adventures in the Park

The White Tank Mountains Conservancy and the City of Buckeye have partnered to bring Adventures in the Park to life at Skyline Regional Park, creating meaningful outdoor experiences that connect people to the natural landscape of the White Tank Mountains.

This collaboration blends the City’s commitment to accessible, high-quality parks and recreation with WTMC’s focus on conservation, education, and community engagement. Together, they offer guided hikes, hands-on learning opportunities, and family-friendly programming designed to inspire curiosity about the Sonoran Desert and the wildlife that call it home.

Adventures in the Park serves as a gateway for residents and visitors to explore Skyline Regional Park in a deeper, more intentional way. By combining recreation with education, the program not only enhances quality of life in Buckeye but also fosters a greater understanding of the importance of protecting natural corridors, preserving biodiversity, and ensuring the long-term health of the region’s ecosystems.

Through this partnership, WTMC and the City of Buckeye are building a stronger connection between people and place—encouraging stewardship, supporting conservation efforts, and making the outdoors more accessible for all.

Link to CA Flyer

Link to Standards