Save Our Canyons is proud to announce the opening of the Wasatch Mountain Research Award. This award seeks to support research that advances public knowledge, policy, and management practices in the Wasatch Mountains.
Details and Eligibility
This award is open to enrolled graduate-level students at accredited universities in the United States. One recipient will receive $2,000 to go toward research activities and materials. Applicants must work with an advisor who is current faculty at the same university. This award is intended to support work that takes place within the Spring Semester of 2027, with the option to continue work through the Summer Semester.
Upon selection, Save Our Canyons staff members will meet with the recipient and their advisor to identify student-led project outputs. In addition to the outputs, recipient will be asked to present at a Save Our Canyons event in Summer or Fall of 2027.
Background
Save Our Canyons’ mission is to protect the beauty and wildness of the Wasatch Mountains, and we work across various communities, agencies, and planning processes to support that mission. The organization was founded in 1972 in response to heavy development pressures in the range, and we continue that legacy today. More info on our ongoing campaigns and programs can be found at saveourcanyons.org.
Selection Criteria
We’re looking for rigorous, student-led research focused on issues facing the Wasatch, including but not limited to watershed and forest health, public lands management, recreation capacity, wildfire resilience, and mountain transportation. Research or theses relevant to current planning processes, projects, or policy changes will be prioritized.
Important Dates
Applications open: September 1, 2026
Applications close: November 15, 2026
Recipient selected: December 15, 2026
First half of funds dispersed: January 15, 2027
Mid-semester check-in: March, 2027
Second half of funds dispersed: March 31, 2027
Present research at a Save Our Canyons event: Summer/Fall 2027
Project outputs finished: July 30, 2027
The following should be submitted in a single PDF file to info@saveourcanyons.org by November 15, 2026.
- Applicant background
- Contact info
- Description of your personal connection to the Wasatch Mountains (1 page)
- Resume/C.V. outlining professional and educational experience, and references
- Research proposal (Approx 1-2 pages)
- Details on the proposed project
- Suggested outputs – possible outputs include policy recommendations, reports, presentations, or public engagement tools
- Statement on how this research supports Save Our Canyons’ ongoing work and mission
- Proposed budget
- Letter of support from project or thesis advisor (Approx 1-2 pages)
For any questions on the application, please reach out to info@saveourcanyons.org.
Save Our Canyons reserves the right to fund or not fund any projects this cycle that do not meet the criteria set forth and agreed upon goals or outcomes.
