The Alaska trip met every expectation and then some. Project work was fulfilling, challenging and safe. Opportunities to experience Juneau and Skagway/Dyea surroundings were wide-ranging, unique and fun. A trip to Sealaska Heritage in Juneau was a highlight. Susan and Max made it look easy as they coordinated the group's activities and needs with care and patience. In particular, their attention to dietary needs was exceptional. If you are looking for a chance to give back, challenge yourself, see the beauty of Alaska up close, and meet inspiring like-minded folks, I highly recommend this trip and Conservation VIP.

I can't say enough about our trip guides, the accommodations, the food, and the projects. Our organizers, Susan and Max, insured everyone's safety, enjoyment, and feeling of accomplishment. They shared their enthusiasm for Alaska and facilitated contact with experts that gave us an insiders view of southeast Alaska. Alaska will call you back again and again.

This trip to Alaska was a life changing experience for both my daughter and I. The work we did felt truly impactful, meaningful, and greatly appreciated by everyone we encountered, there was no fluff work here! The work days were long, but we could see the progress we made as a group and it drove us to keep going and to give it our all. Nearly all of the fellow volunteers had travelled with C-VIP before, and I think this speaks volumes of the commitment level and dedication of the people involved in this organization. One trip and you become a groupie, singing its praises to everyone you meet!!! I was already checking dates on the flight home for my next trip with C-VIP. The incredible Alaskan scenery reminded us to look up, breathe, and take in the majesty of the woods and mountains. This trip was such a beautiful balance of work and play, we got to linger and take in the sights, absorbing the Alaskan nature from a very different perspective than could ever be gathered from a cruise expedition. The forestry workers, the local volunteers and our group leaders Susan and Max gave us an insight into their world, and we felt an instant connection through our combined love of this land. Susan and Max were so kind and attentive, always checking in and making sure our needs were met, and they were wonderful at providing optional activities for the group to choose from in the evenings. It is extremely difficult to navigate the needs and desires of a group of practical strangers, but through their engagement and encouragement, we all left as family. Group travel can be intimidating if you are used to setting your own plans and pace, but I felt instantly at ease and amongst friends after our first dinner together. I am eternally grateful for this experience, and I cannot wait to attend another trip!!

Absolutely amazing way to experience Alaska!!! Loved the opportunities to meet and work with knowledgeable and enthusiastic members of the US Forest Service and National Park Service. It felt wonderful to work in the beautiful outdoors and improve areas for visitors and their families. And in exchange for our work, we got so much more...a deeper understanding of the history and challenges experienced by Alaskans, insight from experts in flora and fauna, building, history, archeology, amazing views on the Auke Bay Ferry, White Pass Train, and the Fjordlines catamaran, great food, camaraderie and fun! This was my 5th trip with Conservation VIP and each one has been a tremendously enjoyable and rewarding experience. Can't wait for my next adventure with Conservation VIP!

Another fantastic Conservation VIP trip! This is my fifth trip, and CVIP never disappoints. Alaska is an amazing place, and we had the opportunity to visit and help maintain all that makes it wonderful. In Juneau, we worked with the Forest Service on Mendenhall Glacier trails and others in the area - the work was somewhat challenging (establishing better drainage on trails, re-leveling and fortifying the high use trail areas with gravel, as well as clearing back overgrown brush), but never too much to detract from appreciating the incredible natural beauty. And I would love to know how our leaders arranged the bear awaiting us at the trailhead of the Peterson Trail - what an awesome experience! Moving on to Skagway gave us a deep dive into the gold rush history there. We worked with the Park Service on the first few miles of the Chilkoot Trail, unbelievable that the miners hiked not only that part but an additional 31 miles to get over the pass! We also helped out with the campground maintenance, again not too arduous (clearing brush and invasive species and planting indigenous plants in more bare areas). Not all work - we got to visit the now abandoned boom town of Dyea, tour historic Skagway, and of course more hiking. Marvelous accommodations in adorable cabins a half mile from the Chilkoot Trailhead with delicious food cooked by our most delightful host, Kathy. But our trip leaders, Susan and Max, were what made the trip exceptional. They worked with the FS and NPS, handled all travel arrangements, kept us busy with very worthwhile work yet provided opportunities on our rest time to get out and truly explore and experience Southeast Alaska. And made it all seamless. Kudos! Highly recommend this trip. It's the best combination of giving back to nature while truly enjoying it.

This was my third Conservation VIP trip (the other two being Yosemite in Fall and Spring.). This trip was remarkable in so many ways; being in Alaska, (also my third time in Alaska) its wildness, vastness and beauty beyond words. We worked hard, accomplished a great deal of necessary and worthwhile projects. It fascinating to see a group come together over a period of twelve days and share so much of life. We also were able to experience many side trips and a deeper immersion into the area and culture. This was a real bonus and the benefits we received as a group was a fruit of several years of working with the NPS and Forest Service. They like us and treated as so well. Its a real pleasure to work with people committed to preservation and protection of our wild spaces. The group leaders, Susan and Max did a wonderful job of shepherding us through the projects, side trips, and meals. I recommend this trip!

The Alaska trip was our first trip with Conservation VIP. We have done volunteer trips with other organizations, and we were impressed with the organization, trip leadership, group efforts, fun, and work completed. The trip details, from making sure we were comfortable in our accommodations, organizing our work projects, to reserving fun restaurants, train trips, boat trips and transportation, and great guest speakers, Conservation VIP and our leaders Susan and Norman deserve huge credit. We also worked well as a group, and a big part of this trip is knowing and seeing that our hard work really made a difference on the trails and to other Alaska hikers and outdoor fans. While on the trails in Juneau and Skagway, we were often thanked by passing hikers for our work! Yes, we worked hard, and yes, we were tired at the end of our workdays, but being part of a team with leaders that brought fun, humor, cooperation, encouragement, and spectacular scenery made this a wonderful trip!

Very rewarding trip. We worked hard and accomplished much. Alaska is breathtaking. The trip leaders handled every detail and unexpected event with expertise and calmness. The group had great cohesiveness during and after work. This is my 3rd conservationvip trip and I hope to do many more. Follow the gear recommendations and you’ll be ready for anything that comes up.