Our guests often say that their river trip through the Grand Canyon is one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. People spend years thinking about their bucket list adventure. But even a week-long trip seems to pass by in the blink of an eye. But it no doubt leaves an impression, and guests often ask how they can stay connected, both to the people and the place. Supporting organizations dedicated to its preservation is a powerful way to do just that. Subscribe to their newsletters, advocate for conservation, and/or donate financially – even small, recurring donations can make a lasting impact. Here are some ways you can remain part of the ongoing story of the canyon’s protection and stewardship.
Support River Guides
Whale Foundation
Did you have an unforgettable experience with your river guides? Would you like to stay connected to the Grand Canyon guiding community in a meaningful way? You can! The Whale Foundation is a non-profit organization created to provide access to a network of support services that promote, restore, and celebrate the well-being of the Grand Canyon River Guiding Community, like mental health support, educational scholarships, health insurance stipends, and financial planning advice. You can subscribe to receive Whale Foundation news or visit the website to learn more.
Grand Canyon River Guides (GCRG)
A self-described “…passionate association of folks united by their love of Grand Canyon and the Colorado River”, GCRG does a little bit of everything, like Guide Training Seminars, environmental education, canyon conservation advocacy, and preserving the oral history of river runners. If you’re looking for a deep dive into “guide life,” be sure to check out their publication, Boatman’s Quarterly Review. In there, they showcase famous – or sometimes infamous – river guides of today and yesterday (including some of our veteran guides!).
Enable Others to Experience a Grand Canyon Rafting Trip
Grand Canyon Youth (GCY)
The mission of GCY is to offer educational outdoor expeditions that connect young people to the transformative power of the rivers and canyons of the Southwest. By assisting youth to experience the river and stepping out of their comfort zone, Grand Canyon Youth seeks to help inspire actions that promote a sustainable, healthy world. Check out GCY’s Ways to Give page to find out how you can help create the opportunity of a lifetime for an eager youth.
Preserve the Grand Canyon for Future Generations
Grand Canyon Conservancy
Grand Canyon Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Grand Canyon National Park, raising private funds, operating retail shops within the park and online, and providing premier educational programs about the natural and cultural history of the region. They fund projects including trails and historic building preservation, educational programs for the public, and the protection of wildlife habitat. This is a great place to get some unique Grand Canyon merchandise and have your purchase directly support the Park!
Grand Canyon Trust
The Trust’s mission is “to safeguard the wonders of the Grand Canyon and the Colorado Plateau while supporting the rights of its Native peoples.” They do it all: advocacy, education, on-the-ground restoration projects. You can support them with monetary donations or come on back and get your hands dirty volunteering with them.
The above list is a sampling of local organizations doing great things around the Grand Canyon. But we can’t forget some of the outfits that support rivers and public lands at the national level:
National Parks Conservation Association: protecting and enhancing America’s National Park System for present and future generations.
Sierra Club: Their advocacy and influence are historic and far-reaching across the country. They get a special mention here because of their direct efforts to save the upper reaches of the Grand Canyon from dams in the 1960s. You can read more about that here.
Western Rivers Conservancy buys land along the West’s finest rivers and streams to conserve habitat for fish and wildlife, protect key sources of cold water, and provide public access for all to enjoy.
We hope that fond memories of your Grand Canyon river trip stay with you throughout your lifetime. Thank you for considering ways to make sure this special place remains as it is for future generations to experience.