Our Values

We are grounded in place

The Grand Canyon Trust’s strength as a regional conservation organization comes from being rooted in the place we serve. We foster deep local relationships. We spend time in the places our work affects. We cultivate expertise about how these places function — ecologically, culturally, and politically. And achieving consequential outcomes in these places is the touchstone for all the work we undertake.

We respect tribal values and sovereignty

Meaningful change across the Colorado Plateau must integrate the values, priorities, needs, traditional knowledge, and contributions of the many Native nations for whom the plateau always has been and remains a homeland. We therefore prioritize work that supports and has the backing of tribal communities, leaders, and members, and we always respect tribes’ right of self-determination, even when our views diverge.

We act with integrity

We are unwavering in our commitment to being honest, empathetic, principled, and humble. We use sound information and evidence-based arguments to be trustworthy advocates. We treat others with respect and compassion, whatever our differences. We listen to contrasting perspectives and weigh them seriously. We defend our beliefs fervently, but we do not presume them to be infallible.

We forge enduring solutions

In our effort to make lasting change, we prioritize four attributes in our work:

• First, we focus on landscape-scale and other high-impact campaigns using the most strategic tools available — from public advocacy to legal action — to deliver tailored solutions to complex challenges affecting the Colorado Plateau.
• Second, we prize working collaboratively with others, but we strive to deliver distinct value in that effort. Whether we are out front or occupying a supporting role, we contribute meaningfully to collective endeavors.
• Third, although we sometimes do our best work quietly, beyond the public eye, our long-term success depends on delivering a creative and compelling case to the public, both to our base and to new audiences alike.
• Fourth, we tenaciously defend the policies, practices, and people who safeguard the Grand Canyon and Colorado Plateau, while pursuing forward-looking solutions to this region’s abiding problems.