Skip to content
Grand Canyon Youth
–
Grand Canyon Youth
  • Why GCY
    • Who We Serve
    • Our Impact
    • Safety
  • Expeditions
    • Individual Expeditions
    • Group & School Expeditions
    • Peer Support Expeditions
    • Essential Eligibility Requirements
    • Expedition Payments
  • Stories & Photos
    • Photo Gallery
    • Videos
    • Alumni Testimonials
    • Parent Testimonials
    • Teacher Testimonials
    • Community Science
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate Today
    • Laura Fallon Memorial Fund
    • Merchandise
    • Planned GivingDAFs, QCDs, Stocks, Trusts & More
    • Sponsor GCY
  • News & Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • News
    • Newsletter
  • About Us
    • Vision, Mission, Values
    • Staff
    • Field Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Volunteer
    • Employment
    • Financials
  • Blog: The Ripple Effect

For more information 928.773.7921

Facebook page opens in new windowInstagram page opens in new windowMail page opens in new window
Search:
Search

2131 N First Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86004


  • Why GCY
    • Who We Serve
    • Our Impact
    • Safety
  • Expeditions
    • Individual Expeditions
    • Group & School Expeditions
    • Peer Support Expeditions
    • Essential Eligibility Requirements
    • Expedition Payments
  • Stories & Photos
    • Photo Gallery
    • Videos
    • Alumni Testimonials
    • Parent Testimonials
    • Teacher Testimonials
    • Community Science
  • Ways to Give
    • Donate Today
    • Laura Fallon Memorial Fund
    • Merchandise
    • Planned GivingDAFs, QCDs, Stocks, Trusts & More
    • Sponsor GCY
  • News & Events
    • Upcoming Events
    • News
    • Newsletter
  • About Us
    • Vision, Mission, Values
    • Staff
    • Field Staff
    • Board of Directors
    • Volunteer
    • Employment
    • Financials
  • Blog: The Ripple Effect

Daily Archives: February 23, 2022

Seeing Things From the Ecosystem Level

UncategorizedBy Charlie HumphreyFebruary 23, 2022

Seeing Things From the Ecosystem Level By Molly Ryan When looking out over the Grand Canyon, I often trace the bands of rock that stretch across the expanse. If you know what you’re looking for, you can distinguish the geologic layers by color—Coconino Sandstone is painted in an even, white line across buttes and plateaus…

In service to our mission and values, GCY would like to acknowledge that we are located on, and visit, the ancestral homelands of the Diné (Navajo), Havasu Baaja (Havasupai), Hoputuh Shi-ni-mu (Hopi), Hwal-Pai (Hualapai), Dilzhe’e (Western Apache), Wipukpa (Yavapai), Nuciu (Ute), and Numa (Paiute) Peoples, past and present. We recognize with gratitude the people who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial and the vibrant Native communities who make their home here today.
© 2026 Grand Canyon Youth • All rights reserved

Grand Canyon Youth is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization • Privacy Policy
Go to Top

Justin Gallen

Hometown: Halfway, Oregon
Year started at GCY: 2009

Justin did his first trip with GCY as a participant in 2007. They haven’t been able to get rid of him since. River running has become his passion, sharing the power of outdoor learning with youth on rivers throughout the desert west. He’s worked as a river guide, a wooden boat builder, and outdoor educator. He’s excited to be helping GCY run things behind the scenes in the warehouse, food room, and vehicle yard.

Why I Love GCY: I love GCY because I see such profound growth in every participant, on every trip. Our programs offer youth the opportunity to experience freedom, self reliance, community building, and wonder. GCY has created a wide circle of dedicated youth, alumni, guides, scientist, and educators that will help ensure the survival of some of the most unique places on this earth.

I Love Learning About

  • Geology
  • Hydrology
  • Carpentry
  • Water Policy

My Bucket List

  • Blow up my TV
  • Throw away my paper
  • Move to the country
  • Build myself a home

Favorite Books

  • My Side of the Mountain, Jean Craighead George
  • Touching the Void, Joe Simpson
  • Beloved, Toni Morrison
  • The Porcine Canticles, David Lee

“I have always been unsatisfied with life as most people live it. Always I want to live more intensely and richly. Why muck and conceal one’s true longings and loves, when by speaking of them one might discover one’s self?” – Everett Ruess

Subscribe to The Ripple Effect
Never miss a post from Grand Canyon Youth
Loading