Restore, protect & preserve our natural mountain environment.
Escape the summer heat and head to the mountains with the Alta Environmental Center and our nonprofit partners for a season of family-friendly stewardship events and outdoor learning. Whether you're joining an educational hike or taking part in a hands-on restoration project, there’s a way for everyone to connect with—and give back to—the land. Along the way, you’ll learn about responsible recreation on National Forest Service land, watershed protection and what it means to be a steward of Alta’s natural mountain environment.
*Please note: Event dates may change due to weather conditions.
Summer Stewardship
Beneath Alta’s deep snowpack lies a thriving mountain ecosystem full of diverse plants, animals and habitats. Volunteer to plant native plants and tree saplings, remove invasive species, harvest and replant trees and more.
Community VOLUNTEER DAYS
Volunteer with us this summer during our monthly Community Volunteer Days and help restore, protect and preserve Alta’s natural mountain environment. We’ll head into restoration zones and other sensitive areas on the mountain to plant native vegetation, remove invasive species, clear debris from the ski season and more. This event is perfect for people of all ages and abilities to get their hands in the dirt and leave a positive mark on our slopes. Registration required >
First Wednesday of the month | 2–4pm
- July 2nd
- August 6th
- September 3rd
Tree Harvest & Restoration
Volunteer with the Alta Environmental Center and TreeUtah to help rescue young Engelmann spruce saplings growing along groomed ski runs and give them a second chance at life. By harvesting, nurturing and relocating these trees, we support the health and growth of Alta’s forests. Registration required >
Saturday, July 12th | 9am–noon
Alta Ski Area Cleanup Day | August 5th
- Saturday, August 5th
- Location: Town Park
- Partners: Cottonwood Canyons Foundation, Alta Environmental Center, Alta Ski Area, Friends of Alta
- Registration Required
Alta TREE Planting Day
Join us on the mountain for our biggest planting day of the year! Volunteers will venture across the slopes to plant over 1,000 native Engelmann spruce saplings—a crucial effort to restore and strengthen Alta’s forests. Registration Required >
Saturday, September 20th | 8am–1pm
Memorial Tree Planting
Join Friends of Alta for a special day as you plant a tree to honor of a loved one in Memorial Grove at Alta Ski Area.
Please contact FOA for more information about this event >
Friday, September 12 | 9am–noon
Educational Events
Explore Alta through free, family-friendly educational programs available all summer. These interactive events delve into Alta’s alpine environment, wildlife, history and more—offering a fun and meaningful way to learn about this one-of-a-kind mountain ecosystem.
birding hikes
Take a hike with expert birders and conservation ecologists on a guided tour of Alta, where you’ll search for non-breeding birds throughout Little Cottonwood Canyon. Learn to identify birds by sight and sound while exploring the diverse habitats they call home. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and hiking shoes! Registration required >
First Thursday of the month | 9am–1pm
- May 1st
- June 5th
- July 3rd
- August 7th
- September 4th
- October 2nd
- November 6th
HawkWatch BIRD OF PREY Show
Spend an hour in the mountains with live raptors and educators from HawkWatch International. Meet hawks, owls and eagles—Raptor Ambassadors who cannot return to the wild due to injury or imprinting—and discover what makes them essential to healthy ecosystems. No registration required—just show up!
Monthly | 1–2pm
- Thursday, June 19th
- Tuesday, July 15th
- Thursday, August 14th
Wasatch Wildflower Festival
Celebrate Alta’s wildflower season at the annual Wasatch Wildflower Festival in Albion Basin. Enjoy a free, family-friendly day exploring the vibrant blooms, meet local organizations, and join a guided hike to learn about the native wildflowers that make this alpine area so special. Registration required >
Sunday, July 20th | 9am–2pm
Alta Kids' Day
Join the Alta Environmental Center and local nonprofits for a fun, family-friendly day in the mountains! Kids can explore hands-on activity booths hosted by partner organizations—each one designed to teach about Alta’s unique environment, native wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts. It’s a great way to learn, play and connect with nature at Alta. Registration Required >
Friday, August 8th | 10am–2pm
Historical Mining Hike through Grizzly Gulch
Take a hike back in time with the Alta Environmental Center and Utah Cultural Site Stewardship as we explore Alta’s mining history in Grizzly Gulch. Led by Utah’s State Historic Preservation Officer, this guided hike will uncover remnants of old mines and share stories of the resilience and ingenuity that shaped Alta’s early days. Registration Required >
Saturday, September 6th | 8–11am
partner organizations
- Alta Environmental Center
- Friends of Alta
- Alta Community Enrichment
- Tracy Aviary
- Cottonwood Canyons Foundation
- TreeUtah
- Utah Cultural Site Stewardship Program
- The U.S. Forest Service (USFS)
- Town of Alta
About the Alta Environmental Center
Founded in 2008, the Alta Environmental Center was established to protect and enhance the well-being of Alta’s environment, ski industry and community. Committed to sustainability, AEC focuses on conserving natural resources, serving as a community resource and promoting environmental education to inspire awareness and action.
A heartfelt thank you to our incredible partners, volunteers and the Alta community for your dedication to preserving this beautiful mountain landscape. Together, we continue to make a lasting impact!
Contact us at environment@alta.com
Check back here for event updates and follow the Alta Environmental Center on Instagram and Facebook to stay in the loop!