Linda Swope - Swope’s Mountain Photography

In Memorium – Joselin Matkins

March 16, 1978 to January 8, 2021

Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and colleagues as we all try to make sense of this unimaginable loss. The Land Trust is committed to continuing to advance the work Joselin was so passionate about and to honor her memory.

Cards and condolences can be sent to Joselin’s partner: Jeremiah Keavney, PO Box 953, Driggs, ID 83422, and to her parents John and Carol Matkins c/o Jeremiah Keavney

More information about honoring Joselin and a special memorial fund will be forthcoming.

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The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a certified listener, call 1-800-273-8255.

The Teton Valley Mental Health Coalition’s Community Counseling Program offers free counseling sessions for local residents in need. Please visit their website tetonvalleymentalhealth.com or Facebook page for more information.

3rd Annual Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival

Virtual Event September 14th-19th

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Vote for your Favorite Crane Sculpture

Crane Fest Art Auction

Crane Festival and 30th Anniversary Merchandise

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Teton Basin
Because of the rare plant and wide-ranging animal species that depend upon it, the Teton River Basin has been ranked the number one private lands conservation priority area within the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for its combination of irreplaceable ecological value and vulnerability.

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Teton Basin
Steeped in agricultural tradition, farming and ranching remains significant in Teton Basin, benefitting both people and wildlife.

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South Fork
The South Fork Snake River corridor from Swan Valley to Menan Buttes is one of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem’s most outstanding fish and wildlife resources, including the cottonwood gallery forest along this reach of the river, named the number one wildlife resource in Idaho.

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Sand Creek and Middle Henry’s Fork
Because of the combination of rare plant and animal populations in the area, the Henry’s Fork River is ranked as the number two conservation priority within the entire Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem for its irreplaceable ecological value.

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Island Park and Shotgun Valley
The Island Park Caldera, the Henry’s Lake Flat, Shotgun Valley, and the south slope of the Centennial Range make up a large and diverse landscape, where there are is great value for migratory and wintering elk and sage grouse, raptor migration corridors, and expansive habitats of value to many species.

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Lori Wickland Mead

1 week ago

This week has been an eternity..
Can't believe she is gone.
Will there be any gathering in her honor? ... See MoreSee Less

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We don’t know of anything planned at this point, but it will most likely be in the summer or fall. We will let everyone know when something is planned ♥️

Teton Regional Land Trust

2 weeks ago

It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Teton Regional Land Trust staff and board of directors share the news of the sudden passing of our beloved Joselin Matkins, our Executive Director on January 8, 2021. Joselin will be remembered for her dedication, passion, and exceptional work in conservation, primarily in the Upper Snake River region in eastern Idaho. She was a loving daughter, partner, mentor, and friend to many. The legacy she leaves behind is a lifetime accomplishment and an amazing gift that all of us and future generations will benefit from.

Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and colleagues as we all try to make sense of this unimaginable loss. The Land Trust is committed to continuing to advance the work Joselin was so passionate about and to honor her memory.

Michael Whitfield, the Land Trust’s first Executive Director and Joselin’s friend and mentor, shared his memory of his last day with Joselin. It exemplifies the multi-layers of Joselin Matkins.

"Last Saturday, January 2, Joselin, Katie Cecil Fisk, and I skied along Teton River together for the annual Christmas bird count. About a mile into our ski Joselin got a call she had to take. For the next half-hour she was negotiating as the snow fell around us, working the phone on a conservation deal, as Katie and I moved ahead to glass for birds. We skied together for almost five hours along a reach of the river that has almost entirely been conserved through the work of the Land Trust, your Land Trust. Later as Joselin drove me to my car, she seemed particularly introspective, even somber. She spoke of her love for the valley, for the valley’s wild nature, and of her concern for the future of nature in our rapidly changing world. Despite that deep concern for global threats, Joselin spoke of her “all in” commitment to doing all she could for nature here in Teton Valley and the Upper Snake Region. As she left a weary me at my vehicle, Joselin was off to take dinner to a seriously ill friend, thinking of another despite that long slog of a ski. I cannot fathom that we will not do any more of those skis or share those talks." – Michael Whitfield

Information about honoring Joselin will be forthcoming.

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My heart goes out to Joselin’s family, friends, colleagues, and staff. I met Joselin when I was visiting my parents. She and a friend took us down the river (in October- I’m from AZ!) and I witnessed so much beauty. We were able to see where she worked, she fed us and was so excited and willing to share her knowledge of the area, patiently answering all questions. May Joselin be held in love and light for eternity.

Absolutely heartbroken. Joselin’s energy, passion and professionalism were unmatched. It’s hard to imagine our community without Joselin, and we are better off because of her.

I'm just stunned. I've known Joselin for nearly 10 years. She was the inspiration for so many and lit up whatever room she was in. Her inspiration and guidance was what got me into conservation work from the beginning. I remember her and I floating the South Fork together. She was desperate to learn to back a trailer, learn the river and get herself ready for taking donors out. She taught me to read the river and pointed out every protected acre along the way. What a day! It was such a pleasure to work with her, a privilege to have her as a friend, and to share a passion for the outdoors and conservation. Sending my best to Jeremiah, her folks and friends at the Land Trust. I'm at such a loss and missing my friends in the valley so dearly.

Lots of tears today upon hearing this tragic news. Wishing Joselin's family, friends, and colleagues love, peace, and strength. Joselin is a hero to me and I'll always be grateful for her beautiful life and dedicated work on behalf of the Earth and future generations. As a fellow conservationist, I thank you, Joselin, from the bottom of my heart. May you be at peace. 🙏🏼💐💔

So sorry to hear this heartbreaking news. Grateful for her life’s work of conservation. Thoughts of Peace to her family, friends, and colleagues.

As Executive Director of Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands, I send my deepest sympathy to the Teton Land Trust, Joselin’s family, and friends (which were many). Joselin was an extremely important contributor to the Idaho land trust community. This is such a sad loss. Peace be with you, Joselin

I hope the board honors her by naming a conservation area after her. She gave it her all and loved the land and her community.

I am without words to the loss we will feel in our community. My heart goes out to her family at this time. You will be deeply missed Joselin.

My heart aches for her parents, her partner & the staff at TRLT. Joselin leaves a tremendous legacy. Her burden became to much to bear. These are extremely difficult times. Reach out and touch those you love. We will have to hold each other up and know that things are going to get better. 💔💔💔🙏🙏🙏

Our planet has lost a true crusader of conservation and protecting lands for future generations. Rest In Peace Joselin.

I am stunned. This is the worst news. We are grieving for and with all the Land Trust staff, Joselin’s family and her many friends. 😢💕

💔 What a tragic loss. She left a legacy at a very young age.

From the moment I met Joselin I have been impressed by her knowledge, professionalism, energy, dedication to our environment, and by her genuine, open, warm personality. I have no words.

A beautiful, kind, smart and loving woman. We lost a true friend of our valley. Many hearts are hurting for Joselin, her family and friends.

Words cannot express, heartbroken seems to come closest. She is missed so much.

We love volunteering with Joselin and the TRLT staff. This is just heartbreaking.

I am so sorry to hear this. She was a great leader for the land trust. A few days ago I watched her conversation with Michael. It was nice to hear about her history. Her family, partner, friends, and everyone at TRLT will be in my thoughts.

We are all so fragile, and yet, we are able to come together for great things. Sending condolences and wishes for strength and peace.

Heartbreaking news. My thoughts are with all of Joselin’s family and friends.

Joselin was an inspiration to all of us in the land trust community, across the US, and she was loved by her colleagues everywhere. Much love to all of you at TRLT.

An incredible loss for regional conservation & our community. She will be deeply missed.

What an incredibly sad and tragic loss. Joselin was such a remarkable person and leader. So kind, fun, caring, thoughtful. Best wishes to her family and close friends during the difficult time.

I met Joselin when she was a teenager .Even then she had such insight and dedication to the importance of conservation and working to preserve wild places.An incredible individual . She will be missed dearly.🙏😥♥️

This is so heartbreaking - hugs to all who know her - my deepest condolences to all.

My deepest condolences. This is heartbreaking. I’m so sorry. An incredible woman. Just incredible.

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Teton Regional Land Trust

2 weeks ago

Exciting News - Banff Film Festival in your own home!

The Land Trust always supports this event and looks forward to seeing everyone who stops by our booth - we will miss seeing you in person this year, but check out these great films and support the Idaho Falls Nordic Ski Patrol - they offer great support for skiers and projects throughout our area.

The Idaho Falls Nordic Ski Patrol is offering the 2020/2021 Banff World Tour virtual programs for online rental. As with most events during this time, they are not going to be able to hold their Banff Film Festival in person this year, but this event is their annual patrol fundraiser so this is a great opportunity to support them and to watch some awesome films! You can purchase one program for $15 or both programs that are available for $28. The patrol has created a website for details and information to purchase program passes. Go here for details and to purchase the programs: www.ifnsp.org/
Friends of Idaho Falls Nordic Ski Patrol ... See MoreSee Less

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Thanks for watching and supporting us!

We watched both programs, very well done and interesting.

I LOVE THESE.

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The health and welfare of our staff, family, and community is our top priority and the majority of staff are working remotely. Although our office building is closed, we are available by telephone and email. We will continue to update our website as we make decisions about future events so please continue to check back.

Inspiring you to Protect Great Places

Conserving working farms and ranches, fish and wildlife habitat, and scenic open spaces in Eastern Idaho for this and future generations.

In Memorium – Joselin Matkins

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Upcoming Events and Happenings

Latest Teton Regional Land Trust News

More Open Space Protected Along the Teton Creek Corridor

Teton Regional Land Trust Board President John Nedrow took some convincing, but now he’s a big believer in conservation easements – it saved his family farm

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Caribou-Targhee National Forest Gains Priority Inholding The protection of the Maytag-Teton Timbers property will ensure additional access to public lands and enhance wildlife habitat protection

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