S2S 2026 EcoRecon Expedition: Partnering with Team Red, White, and Blue and Exploring Beyond Great Basin National Park!
As part of its 2026 EcoRecon Expedition, S2S wanted to increase military veteran participation to build greater volunteer capacity for the important work being done at Great Basin National Park and to give more veterans a chance to see what citizen science has to offer. S2S partnered with Team Red, White, and Blue, to bring a larger team of new veterans to the park. Additionally, S2S recruited more veterans to attend as S2S team members and to attend specific programs during the expedition.
Throughout the course of the journey, S2S was impressed by the positive attitude and willingness of Team RWB and other vets to take on the challenges of Great Basin National Park. From arduous hikes to intense projects, Team RWB rallied and helped park scientists accomplish objectives that would have been impossible without the increased volunteer capacity. S2S played an important role as partners, guides, and support, providing food and supplies to help Team RWB meet mission objectives and supporting park staff in their research. Executive Director Mike Cohn was happy to hear the veterans express interest in staying longer and joining S2S on future expeditions at Great Basin and beyond. Check out some of the media we produced to showcase Team RWB!
A media collage put together by S2S!
As part of its efforts to showcase more of the heritage of Great Basin National Park, S2S provided opportunities for veterans and team members to explore the larger area. From patronizing local businesses in Baker and Ely like the Bristlecone General Store, to visiting local heritage archaeology sites, S2S wanted to more fully embrace the community and history that surrounds the park. Some of the highlights included learning more about historic Pony Express stations which connected the small community to the outside world in the 1800s and participating in a nature journaling class led by a local Baker school teacher, Liz Woolsey (she also owns the Bristlecone General store), and Alina Linquist, a frequent guest expert at the park and former artist in residence. These activities expanded the scope of the 2026 EcoRecon Expedition, and they helped S2S and its volunteers develop a greater appreciation for this amazing community. Check out some of the highlights from this aspect of the expedition below!
A media collage put together by S2S!
S2S was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with such an exceptional organization like Team RWB, and we were amazed by the local history and heritage surrounding the park. S2S also wants to highlight the generous support of the Great Basin Heritage Partnership which provided the funding necessary to plan and support the entire expedition. We look forward to the 2027 EcoRecon Expedition, another amazing chance to explore Great Basin and all it has to offer! Stay Tuned for more highlights for this year’s 2026 EcoRecon Expedition at Great Basin National Park in Nevada!
