We’re excited to introduce our 2026 field teams: a dedicated group of trailbuilders, conservation specialists, and on-the-ground educators working across the country to protect the places we love to climb. From building sustainable infrastructure at heavily trafficked crags to connecting directly with climbers in the field, these teams are helping ensure that climbing areas not only remain accessible—but thrive for generations to come.

Conservation Team Crew Members

**Jeff Luton:** West
Crew Leader

**Welcome back, Jeff!** Jeff returns to the Conservation Team as our Crew Leader. Jeff brings a deep knowledge of technical stewardship work and a passion for life on the road and climbing. He's also a great mechanic, so if you break down in the Creek, chances are he'll help you get back up and running in exchange for a volunteer day on the trail.

**James Horne:**
West Crew Member

**Welcome back, James!** James comes to us from Florida, but his passion for climbing and volunteering has led him to travel all over the country. He brings a breadth of experience in climbing area stewardship from volunteering for Adopt-a-Crags in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Utah. He just loves that sandstone climbing!

**Jonna Frayer:**
West Crew Member

Jonna is from Kalamazoo Michigan and grew up climbing in the Red. In 2024 he joined the Rocky Mountain Conservation Corps and worked with Access Fund at the Thumb and Needle in Estes Park. After the 2025 trails season in Colorado he went to the creek and helped out on the Tenderloins trail. He is stoked to be a part of the team this year.

**Geoff Luoma :** West Crew Member

Geoff comes from the granite guts of the Sierra Nevada along Hwy 50 in Northern California. After years in outdoor education, he’s psyched to give back to the climbing community through land stewardship. Rumor has it he travels with a hacky sack at all times, just in case civilization breaks out.

**Janfel Bacho:**
Summer Crew Member

**Welcome back, Janfel!** Janfel has a Texas-sized heart—the state he comes from. He’s a dedicated conservationist and rock climber who brings a wealth of professional trails experience and dirt-bagging know-how. He’s a boulderer who loves to travel and when he’s off you’ll most likely catch him in Hueco Tanks.

**Lili Stapel:** West
Crew Member

Lili joins us from North Carolina, where her work with state and nonprofit outdoor organizations sparked a passion for conservation. She’s no stranger to tough outdoor work and is excited to spend the season supporting the climbing community and snapping a few photos along the way.

**Cadence Rogers:** East Crew Member

From Texas, Cadence is beyond excited to dive into the world of climbing conservation, and experience all that life on the road has to offer. Having grown up climbing in Arkansas, The Red, and New River George, she brings her passion for East Coast climbing to our Conservation Team.

**Wesley Anderson:** East Crew Leader

Wesley joins the Access Fund after many years of conservation experience working on trails crews and wildland firefighting. Wesley considers himself a jack of all trades, if he is not working on trails or climbing you can find him biking, slacklining, or making a cup of espresso.

**Lainey Sikes:** East Crew Member

Lainey is from Texas but has been all over the west building trails and climbing on America's public lands. They are passionate about doing technical trail work and increasing access outdoors and can't wait to be at your local crag this summer!

Spring Climber Stewards

**Shea Allen:** Indian Creek Climber Steward

Shea learned to climb on sharp Front Range granite, but quickly fell in love with desert splitters. With a background in conservation through the Utah Conservation Corps, she is stoked to give back to the places that shaped her including Indian Creek.

**Kayla Vasarhelyi:** Red River Gorge Climber Steward

**Welcome back, Kayla!** Kayla moved to the Red River Gorge in spring 2025 after falling in love with the area’s sandstone cliffs, forested hollows, and vibrant climbing community. When she’s not trying her hand at the Red’s steep routes, you can find her running through the woods, exploring hidden overlooks, or soaking up the sounds of the forest. She’s excited to return for another season to share her deep appreciation for this special place.

**Sharon Birchfield:** Washington Climber Steward

Originally from California, Sharon has called the Pacific Northwest home for over 20 years. She learned to rock climb in Leavenworth with a local mountaineering club, and spent years volunteering and building community through a shared love of the mountains. After a decade of professional rock and alpine guiding across the West, she is honored to give back—working to protect and sustain the landscapes and communities that have given her so much.

**Lillian Marino:** Indian Creek Climber Steward

Lillian loves all the types of rock but is continually drawn back to Indian Creek. She is stoked on climbing splitters and connecting with the amazing people in the Creek. With a background in outdoor education, she is excited to give back to the climbing community.

**Meghan Braley:** New River Gorge Climber Steward

**Welcome back, Meghan!** Originally from Massachusetts, Meghan moved to the New River Gorge to follow her passion for climbing. From hosting community meetups and working with local nonprofits to using education as a tool for empowerment, her advocacy has taken many forms. She’s inspired by how climbing brings people together and provides space for growth, and she’s psyched to return for her second season.

**Adrien Regelbrugge:** Washington Climber Steward

Adrien grew up climbing in Index, Leavenworth, and Mazama, where he first fell in love with the Cascades. After going to college in Montana and a bit of time traveling, he’s returned to the region and is excited to give back to the places that shaped him. Whether at the crag or on the trail, he’s always eager to connect with fellow climbers, share beta, and help foster a welcoming community while protecting access to the areas we all depend on.

**Asa Grey Curnutte:** Red River Gorge Climber Steward

**Welcome back, Asa Grey!** Originally from Louisville Kentucky, Asa Grey returns to the Red River Gorge for his sixth season in the area. He is passionate about outdoor policy and teaching climber ethics. With his knowledge of the local crags as well as flora and fauna, Grey is excited to connect with the community.

**Alex Hansen:** New River Gorge Climber Steward

**Welcome back, Alex!** Alex first visited the New River Gorge in 2011 and loved it so much he returned every chance he got. He believes that the more you learn about a place, the more you’ll invest in caring for it—whether that’s through stewardship, education, or advocacy. Alex looks forward to sharing his knowledge, connecting with visitors, and giving back to the landscape for his second season.

2026 Field Teams Schedule

Conservation Team Schedule

March 10 - April 19: Indian Creek, UT; Improvements to the Supercrack approach trail with the Ancestral Lands Conservation Corps.

March 18 - April 12, June 23- 27: Red River Gorge, KY; Constructing retaining walls and building sustainable trails at Wave Wall in the Coal Bank area alongside the Red River Gorge Climbers Coalition.

April 20 - June 20: Mt. Charleston, NV; Restoring the Mary Jane Falls Trail following Hurricane Hilary damage

April 22 - June 14: Foster Falls, TN; Constructing stone staircases and retaining walls to improve climber access trails and reduce erosion with Southeastern Climbers Coalition.

June 29 - August 6: Delta Lake, WY; Constructing retaining walls and building sustainable trails for the Delta Lake approach trail in partnership with Grand Teton National Park and Teton Climber’s Coalition.

July 16 - August 2: Index, WA; Project details to come.

August 17 - September 18: The Thumb, CO; Project details to come.

August 20 - September 20: American Fork, UT; Project details to come.

September 30 - November 22: Indian Creek, UT; Project details to come.

Spring Climber Stewards Schedule

March 5 - May 10: Indian Creek, UT; Spring Climber Steward season.

March 26 - June 7: Red River Gorge, KY; Spring Climber Steward season.

April 9 - October 4: Washington; Spring Climber Steward season.

April 30 - TBD: New River Gorge, WV; Spring Climber Steward season.

Stay tuned for the Fall Climber Steward schedule and stewards!

Volunteer with the Conservation Team

These hardworking crews are always looking for volunteers to pitch in and lend a hand. Sign up for volunteer opportunities at www.accessfund.org/event-alerts-sign-up and we’ll send you an email when a team is headed your way and needs help.

And if you’re already psyched, but not sure what volunteering entails, check out the five things every first-time conservation volunteer needs to know.