AWOOOO! Calling all dog lovers! 🐶

Do you love exploring the outdoors with your dog? Ever wondered if your pup’s nose could help protect the landscapes you love?

The Trail Conference’s Conservation Dogs Program is excited to announce a brand-new volunteer program for dog owners and their dogs to get involved in conservation work—no prior experience needed!

The Volunteer Dog Surveyor Program is open to anyone with a curious, sniff-loving dog. You’ll learn how to introduce your pup to the scent of an invasive plant species and contribute to conservation efforts, all while following leash laws and enjoying time on the trail.

Training is self-paced after attending a few start-up workshops and can be completed thereafter from home with support along the way. Once you and your dog are ready, you’ll hit the trails to start surveying.

Tail wagging with interest? That’s great! The 2025 Volunteer Dog Surveyor cohort kicked off on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. We’ll be welcoming a new group of volunteers in March 2026.

Click the button below to let us know you’d like to join, and we’ll keep you posted as the next program gets closer.