JMT Wilderness Conservancy

We’re seeing double! Two times the giving power to protect your favorite part of the high Sierra! ?? Passionate about conservation? ?? Donate today and ask your employer to double it. Many companies offer donation matching programs, allowing your contribution to the JMT Wilderness Conservancy to make 2X the impact. That means more support for preserving the iconic John Muir Trail and its incredible surrounding wilderness. Give back to the watersheds, wilderness, and wildlife you enjoy most: https://bit.ly/donatejmt #conservation #giveback #donationmatch

?? We need to do a better job of sharing this planet. Protect and restore ecosystems. Cut poisons and pesticides. Choose regenerative organic food. Ditch lawns for native plants. And, dramatically, swiftly reduce greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change. Source:?WWF, livingplanet.panda.org

Meet the JMT Wilderness Conservancy staff! We’re a small, but mighty team with a shared mission: protecting and preserving the awe-inspiring wilderness surrounding the John Muir Trail. Whether we’re out in the field, working behind the scenes, or building connections across communities, we pour our passion into every effort. We’re committed to keeping the wild places we love safe, accessible, and thriving. Together, we’re proving that dedication, creativity, and a deep love for the outdoors can accomplish incredible things. #JMTWilderness #meettheteam #Conservation

?? Summer Internship Opportunity: Backcountry Wilderness Monitoring Team Environmental science students with fieldwork experience: If you’re ready for a challenging, impactful role this summer, consider joining our Monitoring Team. This internship offers the opportunity to work deep in the backcountry along the John Muir Trail, gathering critical data collection to support conservation efforts in some of the most remote areas of the Sierra Nevada. ?? This is demanding, intensive work, requiring endurance, skill, and commitment. As a member of our team, you’ll play an essential role in gathering data that directly supports environmental preservation, helping us protect and understand these vital ecosystems. ?? Timeline: Early June - Early September ?? Compensation: $7,500 stipend for the summer ?? Location: Preference for CA & NV residents If you’re driven to make a tangible difference through conservation fieldwork, join us in safeguarding these precious landscapes. Apply today with job code 9433924: https://bit.ly/jmtintern #genz #internship #stem #environmentalscience

???? Veterans Day: honoring service and the healing power of nature. We’re proud to honor our veterans—not just for their service, but also by supporting their journey to healing. The wilderness offers more than just beautiful views; it provides a path to recovery and resilience. Studies show that over 50% of veterans find solace in outdoor activities like hiking. The physical challenge and serenity of nature help many veterans manage PTSD, anxiety, and depression, providing a space to reflect, recover, and reconnect with themselves and their community. This Veterans Day, we encourage veterans and supporters alike to explore the healing power of the John Muir Trail and beyond. As our founder reminds us each time a staff member heads into the field: "Walk good, be safe." Today, we share those words with all veterans. Thank you for your service, and may you find peace in nature.

As stewards of the John Muir Trail and the wilderness beyond, we understand the power of individual action to shape the future. Your voice matters, not just on the trail, but in every decision that impacts the natural world and the communities we live in. ? Make sure your voice is heard. Vote and take part in the decisions that help protect the places and values we hold dear.

Exciting fieldwork updates from the John Muir Trail! This summer Tim Davis, PhD Historian with the Historic American Landscapes Survey (HALS), spent weeks on the JMT documenting its cultural and historical significance. Spencer Collom, Director of Program Operations for the JMT Wilderness Conservancy joined him for one leg of the trip. This project has been years in the making. Five years ago,?the JMT Wilderness Conservancy collaborated with Tim to locate an authentic map of the trail. That work resulted in a comprehensive HALS report submitted to the Library of Congress in 2023. Now, the Conservancy is supporting a new effort—nominating the JMT to the National Register of Historic Places. Tim’s expedition this summer is a critical part of the process, focusing on identifying the JMT’s character-defining features. With logistics, gear, and GPS devices organized by our team, they are laying the groundwork for what we hope will one day lead to the JMT being recognized as a National Historic Landmark. It’s an exciting time for trail conservation, and we’re grateful for all involved in this important work. Check out some of the photos from their time on the trail! #nationalparks #conservation #johnmuirtrail

?? Join Our Team! ?? We're hiring a CRM & Development Assistant to support our communications team in Truckee, CA. This part-time position is perfect for someone passionate about data management and donor outreach. ?? On-site in Truckee, Tuesdays - Thursdays ?? Competitive hourly pay: $33-$35 Key responsibilities include managing CRM data, maintaining donor lists, and supporting our outreach efforts. If you’re detail-oriented, organized, and skilled in platforms like Raiser’s Edge and SurveyMonkey, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now to be part of our mission to protect and preserve the Sierra Nevada! ??

Logging—is it all bad??? When people think of tree cutting, they often associate it with harmful logging practices that damage ecosystems. But here’s a provocative question: is it inherently bad? We think that forest restoration uses strategic clearing to benefit the environment. By thinning overgrown areas and mimicking natural disturbances like fire, restoration efforts help reduce wildfire risks, promote biodiversity, and ensure the long-term health of forest ecosystems. ?? So, the next time you think of logging, consider whether it’s purely destructive—or part of an essential process for maintaining healthy, resilient forests.

Meet JMT Wild's Field Coordinator, Moses Castillo. He started working with us through our internship program last year and loved it so much that he returned for a seasonal position in 2024 and has recently joined us as a full-time staffer! After his time in the backcountry and even weathering a hurricane in a tent in 2023, Moses gave his advice to future interns: "Enjoy all of the time that you can spend out in the backcountry! Working as an intern in such beautiful areas is something that I will never forget." He likened welcoming the 2024 interns this year to anticipation for Christmas--the gifts are unknown but worth looking forward to! Tag an environmental science college student you know that would enjoy an internship like this! #2025internship #environmentalscience #backpacking