When Anna Ryan was in eighth grade, her dad told her about Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona (VOAz), a group that organizes volunteers to do trail work in the state. The 12-year-old had always been an "outdoorsy" person but she'd never considered how the hiking trails that she loved came to be. She decided to give VOAz a try—and she loved it!

After that, Anna signed up to volunteer at other VOAz events, began taking on some crew leader responsibilities and at the age of 16, became the youngest VOAz-certified crew leader. Last fall, Anna was named a national REI Steward of the Environment. The honor included recognition for Anna at a VOAz event, an REI gift certificate for Anna and a $20,000 (USD) award for VOAz. Anna, who is a member of the North Canyon High School R&S group in Phoenix, Arizona, shares her experiences with conservation and trail work.

How did you feel when you heard you'd been named an REI Steward for the Environment?
I was ecstatic. I think I may have even been jumping up and down! This is exciting for me personally, but even more so for VOAz. We're a relatively young group, and the grant and publicity are just the boost we need to be able to reach out and advance our projects.

What has been your favorite VOAz project?
It was a special event we did building a bridge in the riparian area of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. We got free reign of the Arboretum when we were done, and I got to see many plants and even ecosystems. The staff was so friendly and appreciative that this will always be an event that holds a special place for me.

In your experience, what is the most difficult part of trail work? The most difficult part of trail work is achieving cooperation and maintaining a willingness to be flexible. New situations crop up continually, and being able to think on your feet, adjust to the changing situation and work with a variety of individuals can be a challenge.

Where do you draw motivation for your environmental conservation work from?
My family and friends are enough motivation, and then some. What kind of future will it be for them, for all of us, if no one stops now to see to it that conservation is taking place?

How do you plan to get more young people involved with volunteering?
The first step is to communicate the need for their involvement, so at my own school and at other schools within the district, the Roots & Shoots club I'm a part of is working on getting the message out to the community—and it's working. It's amazing every time I see other young people out there as well. I'd do anything to see it continue to grow.

Do you see yourself doing conservation work in the future, as your career?
I hope so. I've been looking at a combination of conservation and social work. The earth can have such a healing power for many people who otherwise might be at a disadvantage. Being able to help the earth and the people on it would be about as ideal as a job could get.

What advice can you give to young people who would like to get involved with a program like VOAz?
Go for it. Maybe you'll like it right away and maybe you won't, but you have to at least try. Also, see if you can find a mentor, someone who knows the ropes and is willing to help you as you¿re learning. These people are invaluable resources and can even be good friends in time.

Want to get funding for you conservation work? Check out some REI grants.