PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

Natural beauty is something we can all appreciate in the valley of the sun. Just watch a blazing sunset, or watch the rain fall on the desert flora during a monsoon shower, and you’ll see it. But what is our connection to this land? How can we maintain a sense of conservation and preservation amidst a future of development and growth? As community members, we are all part of this land. And the land of Phoenix Desert Parks and Mountain Preserves gives the public miles of desert trails to enjoy, wildlife to appreciate, historic sites to see, and seasonal natural beauty to enjoy.

Active Stewardship...

The aim of the Park Steward volunteer program is to give the community a sense of ownership of their Desert Parks and Mountain Preserves. The City of Phoenix Natural Resources Division is seeking a network of volunteer individuals who can help actively monitor and maintain the areas of land that we protect and preserve. With a limited number of Park Rangers on hand to manage the nearly 35,000 acres of public land, Park Stewards are a focal point for land stewardship. By becoming a Park Steward, you will come to learn how to “give back” to these beautiful areas that so many enjoy. Becoming a Park Steward also means having fun, learning new skills, and getting outside

There are many ways in which you can become a member of the Park Steward team. From being a trail monitor, to maintaining trailhead gates; from assisting with litter pick up, to providing educational information to park users. Park Stewards can even perform their duties while using their own personal equipment such as a bicycle or horse! The possibilities are endless. We invite YOU to share in our commitment to caring for YOUR Desert Parks & Mountain Preserves.
Become part of our team...
Park Stewards are a valuable part of our conservation team. They receive identification gear, field training, and continuous support from park staff. In addition to gaining new skills and meeting new people, Park Stewards are recognized for their dedicated volunteer service. The professional integrity and appreciation of a Park Steward parallels that of a Park Ranger and other park personnel.

Individual Steward Application
Family/Group Steward Application

It’s a privilege…

Taking on the stewardship of an area of Mountain Preserve or Desert Park is a privilege. It is important that the Park Steward take the responsibilities of monitoring their area seriously.

Park Steward Recruitment Requirements:

Participants must submit a Park Steward Application (Individual Application or Group/Family Application). Participants must be at least 16 years of age to qualify for the “Individual Application” Park Steward category.

Participants must attend an Orientation/Field Training session led by City of Phoenix Park Rangers.
Participants must be willing to volunteer a total of 60 hours per year.
Participants should be in sound physical health.
Individual participants must possess a valid I.D. Card or Driver’s License.
A fingerprint or background verification may be required.

Just a few of the benefits of becoming a Park Steward:

Gain valuable skills & experience for personal & professional enrichment

Improve & protect YOUR Phoenix Public Lands

Free admission to Natural Resources Special Events

Community Service / School credit hours

Free Park Steward T-shirt / ID Badge

Healthy activities for you and your family

Meet new people / Make new friends

Set a good example for our children and our community

Share your time, skills, and expertise

Build self-esteem / Get in Shape

Make a difference!

Which areas can I volunteer at within the Natural Resources Division?

South Mountain Park/Preserve
South Mountain Environmental Education Center
North Mountain Area / Phoenix Mountains Preserve
Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw
North Mountain Visitor Center
Papago Park
Camelback Mountain / Echo Canyon
Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area
Reach 11 Recreation Area / Horse Lover’s Park



	Natural beauty is something we can all appreciate in the valley of the sun. Just watch a blazing sunset, or watch the rain fall on the desert flora during a monsoon shower, and you’ll see it. But what is our connection to this land? How can we maintain a sense of conservation and preservation amidst a future of development and growth? As community members, we are all part of this land. And the land of Phoenix Desert Parks and Mountain Preserves gives the public miles of desert trails to enjoy, wildlife to appreciate, historic sites to see, and seasonal natural beauty to enjoy. Active Stewardship... The aim of the Park Steward volunteer program is to give the community a sense of ownership of their Desert Parks and Mountain Preserves. The City of Phoenix Natural Resources Division is seeking a network of volunteer individuals who can help actively monitor and maintain the areas of land that we protect and preserve. With a limited number of Park Rangers on hand to manage the nearly 35,000 acres of public land, Park Stewards are a focal point for land stewardship. By becoming a Park Steward, you will come to learn how to “give back” to these beautiful areas that so many enjoy. Becoming a Park Steward also means having fun, learning new skills, and getting outside There are many ways in which you can become a member of the Park Steward team. From being a trail monitor, to maintaining trailhead gates; from assisting with litter pick up, to providing educational information to park users. Park Stewards can even perform their duties while using their own personal equipment such as a bicycle or horse! The possibilities are endless. We invite YOU to share in our commitment to caring for YOUR Desert Parks & Mountain Preserves. Become part of our team... Park Stewards are a valuable part of our conservation team. They receive identification gear, field training, and continuous support from park staff. In addition to gaining new skills and meeting new people, Park Stewards are recognized for their dedicated volunteer service. The professional integrity and appreciation of a Park Steward parallels that of a Park Ranger and other park personnel. Individual Steward Application Family/Group Steward Application It’s a privilege… Taking on the stewardship of an area of Mountain Preserve or Desert Park is a privilege. It is important that the Park Steward take the responsibilities of monitoring their area seriously. Park Steward Recruitment Requirements: Participants must submit a Park Steward Application (Individual Application or Group/Family Application). Participants must be at least 16 years of age to qualify for the “Individual Application” Park Steward category. Participants must attend an Orientation/Field Training session led by City of Phoenix Park Rangers. Participants must be willing to volunteer a total of 60 hours per year. Participants should be in sound physical health. Individual participants must possess a valid I.D. Card or Driver’s License. A fingerprint or background verification may be required. Just a few of the benefits of becoming a Park Steward: Gain valuable skills & experience for personal & professional enrichment Improve & protect YOUR Phoenix Public Lands Free admission to Natural Resources Special Events Community Service / School credit hours Free Park Steward T-shirt / ID Badge Healthy activities for you and your family Meet new people / Make new friends Set a good example for our children and our community Share your time, skills, and expertise Build self-esteem / Get in Shape Make a difference! *Which areas can I volunteer at within the Natural Resources Division?* South Mountain Park/Preserve South Mountain Environmental Education Center North Mountain Area / Phoenix Mountains Preserve Piestewa Peak / Dreamy Draw North Mountain Visitor Center Papago Park Camelback Mountain / Echo Canyon Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area Reach 11 Recreation Area / Horse Lover’s Park Want more information on the Park Steward Program? Please contact us at: South Mountain Environmental Education Center 10409 S. Central Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85042 PH: 602-534-6324 FAX: 602-534-6330 back to top Back to SMEEC main	Park Ranger and Park Steward - Bike Patrol in Pima Canyon Trail Maintenance: Ranger and Park Steward haul tools to remote work site Trail Maintenance: Rangers and Park Stewards work to repair damaged sections of trail A great way to meet people with like interests Park Steward Bike Patrol -- Taking a well deserved photo break.

Official Web Site of the City of Phoenix

Active Stewardship...

Become part of our team...