We steward wild public lands, build the conservation workforce, and engage communities in stewardship.

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SAWS exists to ensure that wild public lands have the care and stewardship they need, today and for generations to come. We accomplish this through three interconnected areas of work.

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Steward Wild Public Lands

We provide skilled stewardship capacity for trails, wilderness areas, and remote public lands across the Southern Appalachians. Through professional trail crews, wilderness stewardship programs, and disaster response efforts, we help ensure these places remain healthy, accessible, and cared for.

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Build the Conservation Workforce

The future of public lands depends on the people who care for them. Through hands-on employment, training, mentorship, and leadership development opportunities, SAWS helps prepare the next generation of conservation professionals with the skills and experience needed to steward wild places.​

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Engage Communities in Stewardship

Lasting conservation requires people who care deeply about public lands. Through volunteer opportunities, education, partnerships, and community engagement, SAWS connects more people to meaningful stewardship experiences and helps build a culture of care for the outdoors.

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Our Programs

SAWS delivers its mission through three core programs, supported by training and workforce development that strengthens stewardship capacity across the region.

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Trail Stewardship: We improve, restore, construct, and maintain trails and backcountry infrastructure that protect wild places while providing safe and sustainable public access.

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Wilderness Management: We provide the data, assessments, planning, and technical expertise needed to support informed stewardship and wilderness management decisions.

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Community Engagement & Education: We connect people to stewardship through volunteer opportunities, training, outreach, and educational experiences that build long-term support for public lands.

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Across all Programs - Training & Workforce Development: Training and workforce development strengthen every aspect of our work by preparing skilled stewards, conservation professionals, and leaders who can care for public lands now and into the future.