The Fall 2024 NWSA Trail Stewardship Partner grant has fostered meaningful environmental stewardship by engaging students from Calhoun Community College and dedicated volunteers in hands-on conservation work within the Sipsey Wilderness. This collaboration has not only contributed to vital ecological monitoring but also ensured equitable access to stewardship opportunities by providing transportation, lunch, and stipends to students. With over 300 volunteer hours contributed through the DEI component, this project has successfully advanced the mission of Wild Alabama while fostering a deeper connection between the next generation and the lands they help protect. This collective effort highlights the power of community-driven conservation and its lasting impact on the preservation of Alabama’s wild spaces.