Eco-Discovery Project

young people gathered on rocks around a desert pond

Join the Eco-Discovery Project

The Eco Discovery Project is a program for youth grades 9-12 who would like to explore careers in natural resource management and wildlife protection while gaining research skills to add to your resume.

Plant and animal identification
Survey data collection methods and digital platforms
Invasive species removal
Use of forestry/wildlife tools
Outdoor ethics
Desert safety
Hiking and outdoor experience
Teamwork, communication, and leadership
Resume tips

When, Where, and How

Activities take place in both east and west districts of the park. Transportation support (central shuttle pick-up) is available. Most outtings will run from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

2024's fall schedule

Session 1 (Rincon Mountain District, Camp Pima)
- Saturday, September 28, 2024
- Orientation, cultural connections
Session 2 (Tucson Mountain District)
- Saturday, October 19, 2024
- Night-blooming cereus
Session 3 (location TBD)
- Saturday, October 26, 2024
- Tortoise telemetry
Session 4 (Rincon Mountain District, Wildhorse Pools)
- Saturday, November 9, 2024
- Aquatic macroinvertebrates, invasive species removal
Session 5 (Rincon Mountain District, Turkey Creek)
- Saturday, November 23, 2024* (8am-3pm)
- Sky islands, rare plants
Saturday, December 7, 2024 (Tucson Mountain District)
- Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Wildlife monitoring, Careers, End of season celebration

Expectations

In addition to signing a volunteer agreement, participants will be expected to sign on to a list of positive group agreements and behavioral expectations. Because the group size and our staff time are both limited, we expect participants to commit to attending the majority of dates. That said, we know that life gets busy and complicated. Participants always have the option to bow out of an outting due to illness or a family commitment or similar.

Timeline

Applications available: August 1, 2024
Applications due: August 30, 2024
Selections made: September 4, 2024
Paperwork due back: September 13, 2024
First session: September 28, 2024
Final session and awards: December 7, 2024

Got questions? Contact e-mail us for more information

portrait of young woman in front of fall foliage

I'm very grateful. I never thought that I would get to learn so much about the Sonoran Desert, its flora, and fauna in such a short amount of time. It never crossed my mind that I would feel so connected to it either, but it just happened. The Eco-Discovery Project made it happen.

—Alondra, age 16

Image credit: Jaden Silvas

portrait of young man with basecall cap in front of saguaro with arms

The Eco-Discovery Project has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and learn interesting facts about conserving the desert we call home...my biggest challenge was speaking up for myself, when I had any questions or wanted to learn more information. This project has helped me grow as a person and be more confident in myself.

—Carter, age 14

Image credit: Jaden Silvas

portrait of young man with baseball cap in front of fall foliage

Through the program I went to many new places in Saguaro National Park and learned about lots of plants and animals. My favorite session was Turkey Creek where we learned about native plants and visited a waterfall. This session was my first time going to the East side of the Rincon Mountains, and it was interesting to see the similarities and differences with other parts of the mountain range.

—Garrett, age 15

Image credit: Jaden Silvas

portrait of young woman in front of bedrock slope

What makes Eco-Discovery Project so amazing is that it is so real. This program truly provides a preview of what it’s like to work in a National Park, down to the hands-on details.

—Xiomara, age 17

Image credit: Jaden Silvas

Before participating in the Eco-Discovery Project I didn't appreciate Arizona for what it was. I have lived here all my life and I have never noticed how much beauty, diversity, and life there is in the state...After Eco-Disco I have left with close friendships, experience with a variety of different nature-based jobs, connections to a career in the field I want, and a greater thirst for knowledge.

—Chloe, age 15

Image credit: Jaden Silvas

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