Get Involved

Endangered Mountain Sweet Pitcher Plant
USFWS-endangered species-Flickr
Do you like hiking in the backcountry? Check SAWS out and find an opportunity for you become more engaged with wilderness.

The Wilderness Society sponsors the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), a volunteer driven organization with many different activities.

Volunteer

There are numerous ways to get involved with SAWS, including volunteering for trail maintenance, getting certified in wilderness first aid and completing training for leadership programs.

Become a ranger or trail crew leader

Ready to take it up a notch?  Find out how to become one of the SAWS Wilderness Rangers or Backcountry Overnight Operations Team (BOOT) crew leaders.

Wilderness Skills Institute

The Wilderness Skills Institute is designed to allow volunteer wilderness stewards to learn alongside agency staff. These skills are critical for creating the next generation of wilderness stewards and professionals.

Job Opportunities

There are some jobs available with SAWS. Find out if it’s the right fit for you.

Upcoming events

From trail maintenance days to the National Wilderness Stewards Alliance Conference, find out what events are coming up.

Related Content

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The Southern Appalachians are more than a landscape, they are a sanctuary and a way of life.
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At a Glance

Some key take-aways from this article include:

  • SAWS volunteers are responsible for trail maintenance.
  • You can complete leadership training and become a wilderness ranger.
  • SAWS also offers educational opportunities and hosts events.