Finding research experience as an undergrad

Hi y'all,

I'm a 3rd-year biology major, and I've recently made the switch away from pre-health towards ecology with my career focus. My oceanography professor inspired me to go after something I was passionate about instead of chasing $$$ with a medical degree. Recently, I've gotten turned down by every local faculty, state, and federal position I've applied to in my college city and at home... and I'm feeling a little discouraged.

Regrettably, my gpa hasn't fared too well over the last three years, thanks to organic chem, language requirements, and some family troubles. I'm concerned about my competitiveness in acquiring research experience as an undergrad. I have two summers of experience working at a local aquarium as an education specialist intern, and I've conducted independent research projects through lectures offered at my college, but I have no professional research experience to speak of.

I'm passionate about ecology, but I'm afraid passion isn't enough to sway application favorability from an academic perspective. For someone in a negative feedback loop with research opportunities, what programs have helped y'all get professional insight into a career involving ecological research? I'd imagine shadowing professionals and getting involved as an assistant researcher would be highly beneficial moving forward, but I'm admittedly a little lost.

I plan to apply to graduate school for a master's in ecology or biology after I hike the PCT and take the GRE. Still, I'd hate to submit such an empty application from a professional perspective. Would getting involved with conservation work like trail maintenance look positive in an application?