Reforesting Alta,
one tree at a time.
Join us on the mountain for our biggest volunteer day of the year as we plant over 1,000 Engelmann spruce saplings across Alta’s slopes.
Each year, the Alta Environmental Center (AEC) partners with the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) to collect seeds, grow and plant native trees to support long-term forest health. USFS team members come to Alta and scale our largest trees to collect cones and harvest seeds—ensuring the trees being grown are genetically adapted to Alta’s high elevation and extreme weather patterns. Once seeds are collected, they are sent to a USFS grower in Idaho, where they spend a year (or more) developing strong root systems and sprouting their needles. Come fall, these young saplings return home to Alta—ready to be planted in carefully selected locations identified by the AEC based on ecological need and operational considerations, giving them the best chance for a long, healthy life.
By planting over a thousand trees each year, we’re increasing the age diversity of tree species across the mountain and supporting natural regeneration, which helps build a more resilient forest for years to come. With the help of our community, this day becomes more than restoration work—it’s a chance to connect with one another through a shared effort to make Alta greener for generations to come.
when
Saturday, September 12th | 8am–1pm
Where
Alta Ski Area | Location TBD
About
- Registration is required to participate | open TBD
- Participants must be at least 12 years of age
- Recommended for those with intermediate to advanced hiking experience
- This event involves challenging, off-trail hiking and tree planting with hand tools—be prepared for strenuous activity
Roots of reforestation
The earliest documented reforestation efforts in Alta date back to 1933, led by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). After decades of mining starting in the mid-1800s, Little Cottonwood Canyon was left completely devoid of trees, making Alta a dangerous area prone to deadly avalanches, landslides, diseases and polluted water. During the Great Depression, Utah aimed to expand its outdoor recreation industry while providing more jobs and revenue to the community. Alf Engen was tasked with scouting the next prime location for Utah's newest ski area. Upon discovering Alta, he realized it had great potential, but it needed one crucial element—trees.
This marked the beginning of reforestation efforts, as the CCC spent the next seven years planting trees in Little Cottonwood Canyon to make Alta a safer place for recreation. Since then, tree planting has taken place almost every year at Alta Ski Area, with over 42,924 trees planted since 1991.
1919 vs 2019
With the support of our community, we continue this tradition of reforestation by planting approximately 1,000 native saplings every fall. This long-term commitment aims to restore the landscape, strengthen the watershed and protect the alpine environment for future generations. This work is far from finished—but with your help, we’re making lasting progress, one tree at a time.
Learn more about Alta's ongoing land conservation efforts >
