Our Purpose
Why We Exist
SAWS exists to ensure that wild public lands have the care and stewardship they need, today and for generations to come.
Public lands are essential to the health, well-being, and quality of life of our communities. As the need for stewardship continues to grow, SAWS works to care for these places while building the next generation of conservation professionals and volunteers who will steward them in the future.
Our Mission
SAWS sets standards of excellence that inspire, connect, and equip people to steward wild landscapes.
Our Vision
A world where wilderness is bountiful, cared for, and valued by all.
Our Values
Stewardship
We care for wild places with respect, humility, and purpose and recognize our shared responsibility to protect public lands for future generations.
Community
We believe meaningful stewardship happens through strong relationships, trust, inclusion, and working together toward common goals.
Excellence
We strive for excellence in our work, continuously improving our skills, leadership, and service to the landscapes and communities we support.
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In Practice
Purpose is only meaningful when it guides action.
We steward wild public lands, build the conservation workforce, and engage communities in stewardship. From trail restoration and wilderness management to volunteer engagement, education, training, and workforce development, our work is grounded in a belief that public lands deserve lasting care and that people are essential to making that possible.
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