Field Trip Opportunities

Enhance your PLA 2025 Convention and Trade Show experience with an optional field trip to see public land partnerships in action (additional fees apply). Field trips are open to all PLA 2025 participants. 

PLA reserves the right to cancel any field trip with fewer than 25 people registered by January 3, 2025.


Sunday, February 2 


Thursday, February 6

Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8


Inclusivity and Accessibility

At the Public Lands Alliance, we are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming experience for all attendees. If you have any accessibility needs or require accommodations to fully participate in our field trips or sessions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us in advance. We are dedicated to doing our best to make adjustments that ensure a positive experience for everyone. Please contact us at emily@publiclandsalliance.org to discuss how we can support your participation.

Hands-On Conservation: Exploring Red Rock Canyon’s Ecology and Partnerships

Date: Sunday, February 2nd

Time: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm

Location: Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area

Price: $120/person with convention registration ($150 without) - includes transportation, lunch, and activities.

Capacity: 50 people

Hosted by Friends of Red Rock Canyon & Southern Nevada Conservancy

RedRockC

Join the Southern Nevada Conservancy and Friends of Red Rock Canyon for a hands-on field trip exploring the unique desert ecosystems and conservation partnerships at Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area. Participants will experience the vibrant ecology of Red Rock Canyon and learn about the challenges of balancing conservation and recreation.

Trip Highlights: 

  • Partnership Overview: Hear from Southern Nevada Conservancy and Friends of Red Rock Canyon about their efforts in environmental education, volunteerism, and public lands stewardship. 
  • Visit Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center: Learn about collaborative efforts between federal agencies and nonprofit partners through interactive displays and programs and visit the Elements Gift Shop.  
  • Interpretive Hike on Lost Creek Children’s Discovery Trail: Experience the rich desert ecology, geology, and human history of Red Rock Canyon on a 1-mile guided walk. 
  • Picnic Lunch at Willow Springs: Relax and enjoy a boxed lunch and cold beverage in a scenic picnic area. 
  • Option to take part in a Fire Ecology and Trail Maintenance Service Project: Participate in a hands-on session focused on fire management and trail maintenance (2 miles of hiking). 
  • Option to learn about retail sales at the Elements Visitor Center: Return to the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center to learn more about retail operations and explore the visitor center and trails on your own. 

Note: Trip highlights are subject to change.

Read the Full Trip Details


Exploring Ancient Landscapes: A Journey Through Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument and Ice Age Fossils State Park

Date: Thursday, February 6th

Time: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Location: Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument and Ice Age Fossils State Park

Price: $100/person with convention registration ($130 without) - includes transportation, lunch, and activities.

Capacity: 40 people

Hosted by Protectors of Tule Springs

Tule

Experience the rich history and innovative conservation efforts at Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument and Ice Age Fossils State Park. This field trip offers a unique opportunity to explore these fascinating landscapes, learn about the development of these parks, and discover how creative partnerships are transforming public land management. From accessible trails to monumental art, participants will gain insights into the scientific, cultural, and collaborative elements that shape these sites.

Trip Highlights:

  • Guided Hike on the Aliante Loop Trail: Explore a 2.5-mile trail at Tule Springs with expert guides, showcasing newly updated accessibility features. 
  • Universal Design in Action:See firsthand how partnerships with disability advocates have created trails that welcome all visitors. 
  • Visit to Ice Age Fossils State Park: Discover the recently opened state park and its scientific significance. 
  • Monumental Mammoth Presentation: Marvel at the life-sized Columbian Mammoth sculpture, a stunning piece of art that bridges the worlds of science and imagination. 
  • Ranger-Guided Tour: Enjoy a guided tour of the Ice Age Fossils State Park visitor center, delving into the history of the Big Dig and the park's archaeological treasures. 
  • Networking Opportunity: Engage with peers over a catered lunch at the park's picnic pavilion. 

Note: Trip highlights are subject to change. 

Read the Full Trip Details

 


Resilience and Restoration: Exploring the National Wildlife Refuges of Southern Nevada

Date: Thursday, February 6th

Time: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Location: Desert and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge

Price: $130/person with convention registration ($160 without) - includes transportation, lunch, and activities.

Capacity: 40 people

Hosted by Desert and Ash Meadow National Wildlife Refuge

nwr

Discover the hidden gems of the Mojave Desert with a full-day exploration of Desert and Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuges. This field trip will immerse participants in the diverse ecosystems and restoration efforts that make these refuges unique. From the expansive Desert NWR, home to desert bighorn sheep, to the rare and vibrant wetlands of Ash Meadows, participants will experience firsthand the resilience of these landscapes and the species that inhabit them. This experience will highlight the vital partnerships between federal agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities that work together to restore and protect these precious ecosystems for future generations.

Trip Highlights:

  • Corn Creek Visitor Center (Desert NWR): Start your day with a guided walk through the trails of Corn Creek, known for its excellent birding opportunities and lush riparian zones. 
  • Exploration of Desert NWR: Learn about the habitat restoration efforts and the unique wildlife that thrive in one of the largest wildlife refuges in the lower 48 states. 
  • Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge: Visit this internationally recognized Ramsar wetlands site, home to 26 endemic species and some of the rarest aquatic habitats on Earth. 
  • Crystal Boardwalk: Enjoy a scenic walk along the Crystal boardwalk, where you can observe the stunning blue pools and their rare inhabitants. 
  • Guided Walk at Point of Rocks: Discover the hidden ecological wonders of Point of Rocks on a guided walk, exploring a region teeming with rare species and unique geology. 
  • Networking Opportunity: Connect with fellow participants over a boxed lunch provided on-site, with time to explore the visitor center and learn more about ongoing conservation projects. 

Note: Trip highlights are subject to change. 

Read the Full Trip Details

 


Post-PLA Excursion Opportunities at Zion National Park 

Date: Friday, February 7th or Saturday, February 8th

Time: 10:30 am - 4:00 pm each day

Location: Meet at the Zion National Park Visitor Center (participants are responsible for their own transportation)


Join Zion National Park and Zion National Park Forever Project for an exclusive post-PLA excursion at Zion National Park, where you'll gain a behind-the-scenes look at key park operations. This unique opportunity will explore: 

  • Park Store Operations
  • Interpretation and Education Operations and Management
  • Volunteer Operations

We'll kick off the day at 10:30 AM with an introduction at the Visitor Center. From there, participants will experience a mix of behind-the-scenes activities and Ranger-led programs, using the scheduled activities as bookends to the day.

Customize Your Experience

You can select from various behind-the-scenes sessions, which will run from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM:

  • Interpretation & Education Operations
  • Park Store Operations
  • Combined Park Store & Interpretation/Education Operations

How to Participate

Complete the sign-up form below and indicate your preferences. Space is limited, so reserve your spot soon! Participants must provide their own transportation to the Zion National Park Visitor Center and Park Store. 

Please note, these excursions are being coordinated by Zion National Park and Zion National Park Forever Project and are not part of the PLA 2025 program.