The Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation, in partnership with Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and with support from the Arizona State Parks and Trails Grants Program, has announced the return of the Trail Ambassador Volunteer Training Program for Fall 2025. This collaborative effort offers nature and trail lovers an opportunity to give back to the community while promoting safe and sustainable trail use throughout the region.

Maricopa County Parks and Recreation Department is one of the largest park systems in the United States, and is renowned for the excellent trail system, including the 315-mile Maricopa Trail that circles the metro Phoenix area. Volunteers play a vital role in maintaining the park and trail system, as well as providing educational opportunities to visitors.

The Trail Ambassador program trains volunteers to serve as positive, knowledgeable, and helpful presences on Maricopa County’s trail systems, according to a press release. Ambassadors guide visitors, monitor trail conditions, promote Leave No Trace principles, and participate in minor trail maintenance projects. All training is provided by experienced educators and natural resource management professionals.

“Trail Ambassadors are crucial in preserving our trails and creating a welcoming, safe outdoor environment for hikers, bikers, and equestrians,” said R.J. Cardin, Executive Director of the Maricopa Trail & Park Foundation, in the release.

Saturday, Oct. 4, there will be a recruiting session at 9 a.m. at the Desert Botanical Garden Webster Auditorium in Phoenix. This will include a presentation on Sonoran Desert plants and invasive species, as well as a short walking tour. There is no charge for this event.

The Trail Ambassador program provides benefits for the volunteers who participate including flexible volunteer shifts at regional parks and trail segments, official Trail Ambassador apparel and gear, comprehensive safety and environmental education training, recognition at annual volunteer appreciation events as well as opportunities to connect with nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

There are several volunteer training sessions scheduled through November that are mandatory for the program. Participants must attend one of the upcoming in-person training sessions held 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. the following days and locations:

*October 26 – Usery Mountain Regional Park Visitor Center

*November 8 – White Tank Mountain Regional Park Visitor Center

*November 9 – Desert Outdoor Center at Lake Pleasant

*November 22 – Cave Creek Regional Park Visitor Center

The Usery Mountain Regional Park location is likely the most convenient for Fountain Hills residents interested in the program. The county’s McDowell Mountain Regional Park borders Fountain Hills on the north.

All sessions include safety briefings, trail condition assessment techniques, and public engagement training specific to the Sonoran Desert environment.

Those interested in becoming a Trail Ambassador are asked to visit mctpf.org for more information or to complete the online registration form.