S2S EcoRecon Expeditions are our flagship programs, bringing veterans, military family members, and military-connected students into the field as aspiring research assistants, conservationists, and citizen scientists. Participants work alongside scientists, park professionals, and conservation partners to explore our public lands, contribute to real-world field research, monitor wildlife and biodiversity, and support environmental stewardship.
This past week, S2S brought Army and Navy veterans, military family members, and military-connected students to Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Southwest Colorado to pilot a new EcoRecon Expedition location. Through the generous support of The William H. and Mattie Wattis Harris Foundation, S2S was able to fund transportation, lodging, and supply costs to make this expedition a reality! We are really grateful for their support! This freshly assembled team consisted of an exceptional array of veterans, outdoor enthusiasts, students studying conservation biology, citizen scientists and experienced photographers.
We camped at the top of the canyon, braved freezing hail, desert heat, dramatic terrain, and a constant set of changing conditions to support NPS and Colorado Parks and Wildlife research priorities while exploring one of America’s most beautiful places. The team covered both the southern and northern rims of the canyon and the larger Gunnison River region throughout the trip.
We had the opportunity to track big horn sheep, build meadow rock dams to support water disbursement supporting Gunnison Sage Grouse conservation, learn about the complexities and tireless work of protecting native plant species and defending against invasives in the park, and electrofish for Kokanee Salmon!
More than an outdoor adventure, each EcoRecon Expedition is an opportunity to turn military experience into meaningful scientific contributions, build new skills, and develop lasting connections with our natural world. We don’t just visit our public lands. We help study, understand, and protect them.
Throughout 2026, S2S has had the opportunity to expand our EcoRecon Expedition portfolio, leading trips at Great Basin National Park, New River Gorge National Park & Preserve, and now Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. Alongside our single day events and weekend retreats, these opportunities give military veterans, students, and conservation enthusiasts a chance to experience National Parks not merely as tourists, but as park volunteers helping park scientists accomplish meaningful research projects. As we move towards 2027, S2S hopes to continue finding funding for these expeditions and adding to our list of national park partners! Stay Tuned for more News and posts about our trip to Colorado.
