Jackson Hole Voluntourism: Bird Banding and Fence Removal
Don’t just visit the wild—become part of it.
You don’t come to Jackson Hole just to tick boxes off a travel list.
You come for something deeper—the way your shoulders drop with that first breath of mountain air. The thrill of spotting a moose. The kind of connection you can’t get from a hotel lobby or a selfie stick.
But even places this wild need people who care.
That’s where Being Wild JH comes in. Run by the Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, it’s a voluntourism program that invites visitors to spend a few hours doing something that truly matters. Whether you're helping remove old fencing or tracking migratory birds, it’s a chance to connect with the land in a way most never do.
No experience needed. Just a little time, a bit of heart, and the desire to leave Jackson Hole better than you found it.
Forget Souvenirs. Pull Fence.
If you’ve never spent a morning tearing down rusted barbed wire with a view of the Tetons, you’re missing one of the most satisfying experiences in the West. “Pulling fence” might sound simple, but out here, it’s an act of rebellion against the old ways—those miles of wire ranchers once used that now block elk, moose, and pronghorn from migrating freely.
You’ll sweat. You could get a scratch. But you’ll also laugh with strangers, earn your lunch, and walk away with a kind of pride that doesn’t wash off in the shower.
🗓 2025 Fence Removal Dates (9 AM – 2 PM):
- June: Saturday 7, Saturday 21
- July: Wednesday 9, Saturday 19
- August: Saturday 2, Saturday 16, Thursday 27
- September: Wednesday 10, Saturday 20
- October: Saturday 4
No experience necessary. Just sturdy boots and a willingness to get after it. Learn More>>
Bird Banding: Tiny Wings, Big Impact
Prefer something quieter—but no less powerful? Head out at dawn to one of the Bird Banding stations, where you’ll help track the health of migratory songbirds as they pass through the valley. This isn’t a zoo—it’s the front line of avian science. You might record data, take a peek at a warbler up close, or even gently release one back into the trees.
It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and wildly popular. Kids love it. Adults get hooked. Just don’t wait—spots are limited and they go fast. Learn More>>
🗓 2025 Bird Banding Dates:
- July 23 | Kelly Campus | 8 AM – 12 PM
- August 7 | Boyles Hill | 8 AM – 12 PM
Weed Warriors: Dig Deep. Do Good.
Want to play in the dirt and help the ecosystem thrive? Jackson Hole’s invasive weed removal projects are one of the best ways to spend a summer morning here. You’ll hike with a shovel, target invasive species that choke out native plants, and bring balance back to the land—no chemicals, just elbow grease.
Invasive weeds can crowd out native plants and deprive wildlife of traditional food sources. Play a role in helping control the spread of invasives and spend a fun morning outside in the mountains by volunteering for this project. No experience is needed and all ages are welcome. This is a half-day project. Learn More>>
🗓 Half-day projects all summer | 2025 Dates Coming Soon
If you're searching for unique things to do in Jackson Hole that leave you feeling like part of the landscape—not just a passerby—this is it.
Why Voluntourism?
Because wild places don’t stay wild on their own.
Because when you give something back to the land, you leave with more than you came for.
Because this valley deserves more than footprints—it deserves stewards.
Whether you're here to hike, float, ride, or simply breathe easier, Being Wild JH lets you make your mark without taking anything away. No experience? No problem. Just bring a little grit, a good attitude, and your sense of wonder.
Local Tip: Mornings Are for Doing, Afternoons Are for Playing
Most projects start early and wrap up by lunch, which means you’ve still got the rest of the day to float the Snake, grab lunch at the Wort, or hit the trails in Grand Teton. That’s the beauty of voluntourism here—you help in the morning, and still have your adventure in the afternoon.
Looking for unique things to do in Jackson Hole that you’ll still be talking about long after you leave? This is it—real stories, real sweat, real connection.
This Summer, Don’t Just Watch the Wild. Be Wild.
Trade passive sightseeing for something powerful. Go beyond the usual itinerary. Sign up for a half-day of conservation, and walk away with a full heart.
🪵 Want to pull fence?
🕊️ Help release a bird?
🌿 Dig deep and restore native habitat?
👉 Your wild purpose is waiting at BeingWildJH.com
This isn’t a tour. It’s a contribution.
And if you're lucky, it just might be the best thing you do all summer. Learn More>>
