Creating Spaces for Empowerment Through

Outdoor Stewardship

A collaborative project with BHPFA, Wilderness Volunteers, and SheJumps 

Our women stewardship projects will give participants a safe space to voice their ideas, take the lead, and flex their muscles! We seek to create space to empower women to take on leadership roles in outdoor stewardship and see how much they can accomplish in a space historically reserved for men.

The project breakdown

evergreen tree emoji2 week-long volunteer stewardship projects for women-identifying participants

 

20 women-identifying participants will be engaged in meaningful stewardship workevergreen tree emoji

 

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15 scholarships will cover the cost of the project, a travel stipend, camping equipment, work boots, and PPE

evergreen tree emoji10 scholarship recipients will receive a a wilderness first aid certification and will be trained as outdoor leaders

 

 

How to join

Buffalo Gap National Grassland

Project Focus: This project, open to women will focus on closing and naturalizing unsanctioned campsites in the Pinnacles dispersed camping area, including building fencing, signage, and seeding.

📍 Location: Buffalo Gap National Grassland, Wall, SD (near Badlands National Park) 

🗓️ Date: 06/01/2025 – 06/07/2025

heavy dollar sign emojiCost: Standard Wilderness Volunteers, Project Fee $375, 5 scholarships available 

Click here to sign up for the Buffalo Gap project

Black Hills National Forest

Project Focus: This is an outdoor leader training project is open to women. Join us for a week of trail maintenance & downed tree removal near Black Elk Peak, South Dakota’s highest point

📍 Location: Black Hills National Forest, Hill City, SD 

🗓️ Dates:  10/05/2025 – 10/11/2025

heavy dollar sign emojiCost: This project is grant-funded and scholarships are available to all participants. Please complete a scholarship application here, in addition to applying for this project below. You must complete both a volunteer application and a scholarship application to hold your place on the Waitlist. Once your application is approved, a $100 fully refundable deposit will be due within 14 days

Click here to sign up for the Black Hills project

Why volunteer with BHPFA, Wilderness Volunteers and SheJumps?

  • Leadership Development:

    • Safe Space: The women-only environment fosters a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where participants can freely express their ideas, concerns, and leadership styles without feeling marginalized or intimidated.
    • Leadership Roles: The project explicitly aims to create spaces that empower participants to step into leadership positions, providing valuable opportunities to develop and hone their leadership skills.
    • Ownership: By focusing on projects driven by the ideas and input of women the project fosters a sense of ownership and accomplishment, encouraging participants to feel invested in the success of their work.

  • Stewardship & Conservation:

    • Meaningful Impact: Participants directly contribute to the conservation and stewardship of U.S. Forest Service Lands making a tangible difference!
    • Connection to Nature: The project provides opportunities to connect with nature and develop a deeper appreciation for the outdoors.

  • Community & Support:

    • Networking: The project creates a space for women individuals to connect with like-minded peers, build relationships, and form a supportive community

Projects are supported by: