Empowering Women and Developing

Leaders Through Outdoor Leadership

A collaborative project with BHPFA, Wilderness Volunteers, and SheJumps 

Our women & nonbinary-only stewardship projects will give participants a safe space to voice their ideas, take the lead, and flex their muscles! We seek 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

2 week-long volunteer stewardship projects for women-identifying and nonbinary participants

20 women-identifying and nonbinary participants will be engaged in meaningful stewardship work

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

10 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 and non-binary people 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 

🗓️ Date: 06/01/2025 – 06/07/2025

Cost: Standard Wilderness Volunteers, Project Fee $375, 5 scholarships available 

Register Here!

Black Hills National Forest

Project Focus: This is an outdoor leader training project is open to women and nonbinary people. 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

Cost: 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.

Register Here!

Why volunteer with BHPFA and Wilderness Volunteers?

• Empowerment & Leadership Development:

  • Safe Space: The women-only/non-binary-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 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 and non-binary individuals, 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 natural resources, 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 and non-binary individuals to connect with like-minded peers, build relationships, and form a supportive community