Astoria Sustainability & Stewardship

Stewardship in Action

At Astoria Park Conservancy, stewardship is an ongoing practice rooted in care, curiosity, and responsibility. We believe caring for this place means more than protecting what is here today; it means understanding the land and water, restoring and nurturing healthy ecosystems, and helping our community become active stewards of the natural world.

From restoring native habitats and removing invasive species to caring for our waterways, supporting pollinators, and learning alongside students and volunteers, our stewardship efforts are hands-on and community-driven. Every hour spent planting, weeding, observing, or learning contributes to the health and resilience of Astoria’s landscape.

As Astoria’s park continues to take shape, so does our stewardship practice. We’re committed to thoughtful, science-informed care that honors this extraordinary place and helps ensure it can be enjoyed, explored, and cared for by generations to come. Together, we’re building a culture of care – one that extends beyond the park and into the community.

 

 

Stewardship Milestones:

2026

Habitat Restoration

At Astoria Park Conservancy, stewardship means more than preserving a place—it means building a culture of care. Every decision we make is rooted in our responsibility to protect this land, its waters, and the experiences it provides for our community.

This year, our team collaborated with local students, non-profit organizations, and community members to restore native pollinator habitats around Astoria’s Welcome Center, replacing non-native plants with species that thrive in our high-mountain ecosystem. Volunteers contributed over 350 hours, learning not only how to plant, but why it matters—to the pollinators, to the water, and to future generations.

We believe that stewardship is a shared journey. Whether someone visits once or volunteers every season, they become part of a growing community committed to learning from and protecting this extraordinary place. Together, we’re not just maintaining a landscape—we’re nurturing a legacy.

2025

Invasive Species

In 2025, students from local schools, Camp Astoria attendees, community partners, and fellow nonprofit organizations came together as dedicated stewards of Astoria’s 100 acres. Their combined efforts totaled 397.75 hours of community service, with 256 volunteers removing 9,778 invasive plants and preventing the spread of 105 pounds of seed. Together they tackled some of the most persistent threats to native habitat—removing 2,327 Common Mullein plants, 2,577 Houndstongue plants, 581 Musk Thistle plants, and 4,293 Spotted Knapweed plants. This collective action not only protected the park’s ecological health but also highlighted the power of community-driven stewardship. TOTAL # PLANTS: 9,778 | TOTAL POUNDS SEED: 105

July 2025

B.E.S.T. Certification

Astoria Park Conservancy has officially received the Business Emerald Sustainability Tier (BEST) Certification, recognizing the nonprofit as a leader in environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic vitality in the Greater Yellowstone region.

Awarded by the Riverwind Foundation, the BEST Certification is a rigorous, six-month leadership program that guides organizations through the creation and implementation of a comprehensive sustainability action plan. Astoria Park Conservancy’s plan reflects an ongoing commitment to climate action, protection of natural resources, investment in the community and responsible management of energy and wastewater systems.

March 2024

Sustainable Business Leader

In March 2024, Astoria Park Conservancy obtained certification as a Sustainable Business Leader through the local program managed. by Teton County, Wyoming’s Integrated Solid Waste and Recycling (ISWR). Teton Resilience Network, in partnership with ISWR, conducts sustainability education and enrollment sessions for businesses and organizations. Sustainable Business Leaders is Jackson Hole’s green business membership and recognition program that helps local organizations reduce waste, improve eco friendly practices, and advance community-wide sustainability.

Four young children take a break from pulling weeds.

Summer 2023

Camp Astoria Introduced

In 2023, we introduced a new program Camp Astoria. Local students aged seven to seventeen are taking part in hands-on, place-based learning and community service at the site of Astoria’s future 100-acre riverside park. Through partnerships with a variety of local organizations, Astoria Park Conservancy is creating opportunities for young people to explore, learn, and give back.

The program’s ultimate aim is to spark a lifelong passion for conservation—offering accessible, engaging experiences that empower students to make a tangible difference in their community while deepening their connection to the natural world.

Ecology

Events