To the Canyon and Beyond: Labor Day in Palo Duro

Over Labor Day Weekend 2024, we ventured farther than ever before — to Palo Duro Canyon State Park — for a project that blended adventure, impact, and community in one unforgettable trip.

None of us had ever been to Palo Duro Canyon before, but that didn’t stop 14 volunteers from Houston from hopping in cars and boarding planes to reach this iconic Texas treasure. What we found was awe-inspiring — both in landscape and in need. Working alongside park staff, our team built a new fenceway around the Big Cave trail, protecting the canyon’s fragile ecosystem from off-trail erosion caused by high visitor traffic. The work was hard, the views were unreal, and the plaque we left behind — etched with each volunteer’s name — will stand as a reminder of what happens when people go the distance for conservation. This wasn’t just a weekend trip. It was a powerful signal of what’s possible when mission meets momentum.