The Eco Discovery Project is a program for youth grades 9-12 who would like to explore careers in natural resource management and wildlife protection while gaining research skills to add to your resume.
Plant and animal identification
Survey data collection methods and digital platforms
Invasive species removal
Use of forestry/wildlife tools
Outdoor ethics
Desert safety
Hiking and outdoor experience
Teamwork, communication, and leadership
Resume tips
When, Where, and How
Activities take place in both east and west districts of the park. Transportation support (central shuttle pick-up) is available. Most outtings will run from 8 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
2025's fall schedule
Session 1 (Rincon Mountain District, Camp Pima)
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Orientation, cultural connections
Session 2 (Tucson Mountain District)
Saturday, October 4, 2025
Tortoise telemetry
Session 3 (location TBD)
Saturday, October 18, 2025
Soundscapes, viewsheds, wildlife connectivity
Session 4 (location TBD)
Saturday, November 1, 2025
Archeology
Session 5 (location TBD)
Saturday, November 15, 2025
Aquatic macroinvertebrates, invasive species removal
Session 6 (Tucson Mountain District)
Saturday, December 6, 2025
Wildlife monitoring, Careers, End of season celebration
Expectations
In addition to signing a volunteer agreement, participants will be expected to sign on to a list of positive group agreements and behavioral expectations. Because the group size and our staff time are both limited, we expect participants to commit to attending the majority of dates. That said, we know that life gets busy and complicated. Participants always have the option to bow out of an outting due to illness or a family commitment or similar.
Timeline
Applications available: July 25, 2025
Applications due: August 25, 2025
Selections made: September 5, 2025
Paperwork due back: September 13, 2025
First session: September 20, 2025
Final session and awards: December 6, 2025
Got questions? Contact e-mail us for more information
I'm very grateful. I never thought that I would get to learn so much about the Sonoran Desert, its flora, and fauna in such a short amount of time. It never crossed my mind that I would feel so connected to it either, but it just happened. The Eco-Discovery Project made it happen.
Image credit: Jaden Silvas
The Eco-Discovery Project has allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and learn interesting facts about conserving the desert we call home...my biggest challenge was speaking up for myself, when I had any questions or wanted to learn more information. This project has helped me grow as a person and be more confident in myself.
Image credit: Jaden Silvas
Through the program I went to many new places in Saguaro National Park and learned about lots of plants and animals. My favorite session was Turkey Creek where we learned about native plants and visited a waterfall. This session was my first time going to the East side of the Rincon Mountains, and it was interesting to see the similarities and differences with other parts of the mountain range.
Image credit: Jaden Silvas
What makes Eco-Discovery Project so amazing is that it is so real. This program truly provides a preview of what it’s like to work in a National Park, down to the hands-on details.
Image credit: Jaden Silvas
Before participating in the Eco-Discovery Project I didn't appreciate Arizona for what it was. I have lived here all my life and I have never noticed how much beauty, diversity, and life there is in the state...After Eco-Disco I have left with close friendships, experience with a variety of different nature-based jobs, connections to a career in the field I want, and a greater thirst for knowledge.
Image credit: Jaden Silvas
The people I met and the experience I was so lucky to receive taught me so much about the land around me and showed me just how beautiful Tucson really is...What I learned and saw on that trip is an experience I will never forget. The Eco-Discovery Project was the best program I have participated in, and I can't wait to use what I learned when I explore the outdoors!
