Teton Regional Land Trust Announces 2024 Michael B Whitfield Scholarship Recipient, Madeline Pentz

Madeline Pentz, formerly of Teton High School, and more recently home schooled at Fred’s Mountain Academy, is the recipient of this year’s Michael B. Whitefield Scholarship. The $2,000 award is given annually by Teton Regional Land Trust to a senior who lives in the Land Trust service area with a passion for environmental studies, biology, or agriculture. 2024 marks the first year the Land Trust has given out $2000 instead of $1000.

Madeline plans to enroll in college in the fall and study biology. Born and raised in Driggs, she spent her childhood enjoying many different outdoor activities with her family, from hiking and wildlife viewing to sailing. “Each day I continue to build more and more appreciation for all the knowledge and lessons I gained through these adventures,” said Madeline. Her parents instilled in her an interest and love for science and biology, as well as a wealth of knowledge about the outdoors that they continue to share with her.

Because Madeline longed to spend more time following her passions like hockey, skiing, piano, and travel, she opted to forego traditional bricks and mortar high school and pursue online studies instead. “Many of the concepts and ideas surrounding my education took place on a chair lift, on Freds Mountain, where I sat as a captive audience, listening to my parent’s notions regarding my future. On the way down the mountain, I was informed about all nature available to our senses, from pine marten tracks to the variety of trees to the different mountain ranges. I heard it all. Considering the substantial time spent on Freds Mountain, under these conditions and immersed in conversations about much more than our last run, we deemed it suitable to name my educational endeavor Freds Mountain Academy,” explained Madeline.

With this scholarship, Madeline aspires to “help the earth I live on and all its inhabitants. I want to pay forward the opportunities that I was able to take part in, hopefully impacting others’ lives throughout my journey as positively as those who have impacted mine.”

Teton Regional Land Trust created this scholarship in honor of Michael B. Whitfield who helped found the organization in 1990 and served as its Executive Director for 18 years. Michael’s passion for and commitment to land conservation in eastern Idaho has been instrumental in the preservation of key landscapes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. The scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who show an intention to pursue a major course of study in college or vocational school in the environmental sciences, biology, ecology, environmental planning or policy, agriculture, or a related field.

Teton Regional Land Trust is excited to announce the closing of the Darby Creek Farm through a conservation easement with the landowner, Boyd Bowles.

The Bowles family has owned this 192 acre property since 1910 and is committed to ensuring the farm remains in agriculture. This marks the 100th conservation project that TRLT has completed in Teton County, Idaho. TRLT would like to thank the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the partners named at the end of this press release for their contributions to the project.

The Darby Creek Farm sits in an incredibly scenic landscape at the mouth of Darby Canyon, which is one of the most popular and cherished destinations for recreationists in Teton Valley. Darby Canyon is an important wintering area for mule deer and a migration route for big game species. The protection of this farm will allow for the continued unimpeded movement of those species and the preservation of scenic views.

Mr. Bowles has owned the land for nearly 40 years since he acquired it from his family. The farm is currently used as irrigated farmland, much as it was at the end of the 19th century. Barley, quinoa, and seed potatoes are the primary crops grown on the farm. Approximately 70% of the Bowles Darby Creek property soils are considered prime farmland soils if irrigated, which are critically important in meeting the nation’s short-term and long-term needs for food and fiber. Conservation of these resources is important to continue the agricultural heritage in Teton Valley, and for providing produce to local and regional markets.

Teton County, Idaho, historically an agricultural community, is experiencing rapid population growth that shows no signs of slowing. Between 2020 and 2025, eastern Idaho’s population will increase by 14%. Agricultural land provides immense value in terms of food security, wildlife migratory routes, and the preservation of scenic views, but it is also among the most sought after land by developers. For many farmers and ranchers, conservation easements provide an alternative to selling their land. By limiting the size and scope of development on the property and conserving the land’s values such as prime soils and scenic open space, landowners can have more financial flexibility while retaining ownership and guaranteeing the land remains viable for agriculture. “It has been my goal not to see houses on this ground,” said Mr. Bowles. “For the past few years, I have been working with the Land Trust to preserve the ground to keep it in agriculture.”

This farm was protected by an agricultural land easement, which protects the agricultural viability and related conservation values of eligible land. This is accomplished by limiting nonagricultural uses which negatively affect those values. Matching funds were delivered through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program – Agricultural Conservation Easement Program – Agricultural Land Easement Program (RCPP-ACEP-ALE).

“We love working with landowners to meet their voluntary conservation goals,” said Curtis Elke, State Conservationist for NRCS in Idaho. “When they take advantage of our easement programs, it is an even bigger win for the landowner and the landscape. In working with Mr. Bowles, together we have ensured that sustainable crop production continues, and wildlife maintains access to the habitat it needs. It’s Idaho at its best.”

Mr. Bowles chose to place his farm into an agricultural conservation easement because it was important to him that the land remains well cared for. For many years, he has leased the farm to Paris Penfold, a neighbor whose family has farmed in Teton Valley for generations as well. Mr. Bowles wants to be certain this farm can continue to be used for agricultural production into the future. He hopes to sell his farm to a local producer, which is only possible due to this conservation easement. After limiting the property’s development rights, Mr. Bowles will be able to sell the property at a price that is affordable to a local farmer, while still receiving what he needs to retire. “It has been my goal to sell the development rights so I can sell the ground at a price a farmer can make a living at,” said Mr. Bowles.

The tradition of caring for this land will also be carried forward by the Land Trust, as it will be stewarded by our staff in perpetuity, ensuring the conservation values protected under the agreement are being upheld. These factors together ensure that this farm will be protected forever.

NRCS provided matching funds through its ACEP-ALE program. Additional support came from the Richard G. Grundler Teton Valley Conservation Fund, the Mithun Family Foundation’s JKL Fund, the estate of Ronald C. Rope, the Heart of the Rockies Initiative’s Keep it Connected program, and the Kendeda Fund.

Fall Message from our Executive Director

We are thrilled to share with you a momentous milestone – the celebration of the Land Trust’s 100th conservation project in Teton County, ID. This adds to another milestone reached earlier this summer, when we surpassed 40,000 acres protected in our service area here in eastern Idaho. Over the years, the Teton Regional Land Trust has been dedicated to protecting the waters, wetlands, working farms and ranches, and wildlife habitat of this unique region.

This history is a testament to the power of community, dedication, and a shared passion for conservation. It all began with a small group of farmers, ranchers, and conservation-minded individuals who saw the importance of protecting precious resources for future generations. Through their vision and your unwavering support, we have achieved incredible results.

In the early 1990’s, the Land Trust’s founding executive director Michael Whitfield forged a friendship with a newcomer to the valley.  Lew Mithun shared Michael’s passion for the area, and he had engaged with a realtor to find the most valuable property for nature in the valley to purchase and protect. In 1995, after months of negotiation, Lew executed the first voluntary conservation agreement with the Land Trust. Lew would go on to donate an additional easement, protecting the entirety of Six Springs Ranch, which, with another easement, spans from Highway 33 to the Teton River, protecting 850 acres along Teton Creek. In the Land Trust’s infancy, Lew’s faith in the Land Trust and the durability of conservation agreements was remarkable. The Mithuns have been some of the longest supporters of the Land Trust, and they remain some of our dearest friends in conservation. Sadly, Lew died peacefully on September 14 surrounded by loved ones. Our deepest heartfelt condolences go out to his wife, Jill, and Lew’s family and friends.

Just last week, another visionary landowner worked with the Land Trust to complete a conservation agreement. With the help of the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Conservation Easement Program’s Agricultural Land Easements (ACEP ALE), the Heart of the Rockies Initiative’s Keep It Connected program, the Kendeda Fund, the Richard G. Grundler Teton Valley Conservation Fund, the Mithun Family Foundation’s JKL Fund, and the estate of Ronald C. Rope, Boyd Bowles donated a conservation agreement on 192 acres of his property at the mouth of Darby Canyon. As land prices skyrocket across the West, reducing the development value on farmland through conservation easements can help make land more attainable for future farmers. In this case, Mr. Bowles plans to sell the protected property to a local farmer. It will forever be protected as farmland, enjoyed as open space, and provide scenic views from the Aspen Trail. This conservation agreement is the 100th conservation project completed in Teton County, Idaho in partnership with the Teton Regional Land Trust.

We invite you to celebrate with us on October 4. We will acknowledge Mr. Bowles, the vision and generous life of Lew Mithun, and dedication of all the landowners, collaboration of partners, and commitment to protect nature, agricultural lands, and open spaces that benefit everyone in our community. These milestones could not have happened without your continued generous support and for that we are so grateful. This is a direct result from your generosity and investment in our work. If you are interested in joining us for this celebration and easement tour, please RSVP here.

From the establishment of our first conservation easement to the careful stewardship of diverse landscapes, your Land Trust has grown and evolved. Each project, whether it’s safeguarding critical wildlife habitats, ensuring access to recreational spaces, or preserving the cultural heritage of our area, has left an indelible mark on the landscape and in our hearts. The protection of more than 40,000 acres across eastern Idaho through more than 150 conservation projects has only been possible with your support.

In keeping with the continued vision to protect these landscapes, the Hamill Family Foundation has generously offered a challenge to increase our impact throughout eastern Idaho. Your gift to the Teton Regional Land Trust, above and beyond your historic annual gift, will be doubled this year. We ask that you continue to support the work of the Land Trust, so we can complete the next 100 projects that will benefit this and future generations.

Let’s come together to celebrate conservation on October 4th and look ahead to the next projects with hope and determination.

With gratitude,

Kim Trotter

Executive Director

Teton Regional Land Trust

 

 

Teton Regional Land Trust presents the 6th Annual Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival

Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) is excited to host the Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival, which returns to Teton Valley in its sixth year. The festival coincides with the fall pre-migration staging period when Sandhill Cranes gather in Teton Valley before migrating south, and is designed to raise awareness of this iconic species and the habitat upon which they depend. In addition to learning about cranes, the festival is meant to help community members connect with cranes through artistic expression. Residents and visitors of Teton Valley alike can agree that this basin is a special place. The annual congregation of cranes serves as a reminder of how the natural alignment of resources and beauty draws both people and animals to experience it. By learning about, connecting with, and celebrating Sandhill Cranes through the Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival, the Land Trust hopes to provide an opportunity for attendees to leave inspired by the species and the natural world that surrounds us all.

“When Sandhill Cranes flock to Teton Valley, they remind us to cherish this special place,” said Kim Trotter, Executive Director of the Land Trust. “With the help of our landowner partners and generous community, the Land Trust is proud to help protect cranes’ critical habitat so that they always have a place to congregate before heading south. I hope you’ll join us at the Greater Yellowstone Crane Festival to celebrate these iconic birds!”

This year the festival is taking place from Wednesday, September 20th through Saturday, September 23rd, and features morning crane tours followed by nightly events including a paint and sip, storytelling, and keynote speaker and film screening. The festival will then culminate with a community fair on Saturday the 23rd at the Driggs City Center Plaza from 10am to 3pm. The fair will feature kids craft activities, dance performances, an art and crane sculpture auction, and artist booths in conjunction with the Teton Valley Art Market. During the festival, there will be artist-led workshops where attendees can celebrate cranes through poetry and printmaking, drawing, and photography. To register for any of these events, please visit tetonlandtrust.org/events.

All proceeds from the Crane Festival events go towards the Greater Yellowstone Sandhill Crane Initiative at Teton Regional Land Trust. The Initiative’s purpose is to secure and actively manage habitat in Teton Valley in order to sustain the largest pre-migration staging population of Sandhill Cranes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

As part of the Initiative, the Land Trust runs the Grain for Cranes program. This is an effort to establish annu­al food plots to ensure adequate crane food resources across the valley. To achieve this, we partner with landowners to grow, cut, and leave barley for the cranes to forage on strategically located land near roosting sites.

Historically, over 5,000 Sandhill Cranes spent the fall in Teton Valley, fueling up before migrating to the south for the winter. Due to habitat degradation and fragmentation caused by increasing development and disturbances, numbers fell to as few as 500 birds in the 1980s. Thankfully, efforts to protect their habitat and provide them with accessible grain to forage have helped the population rebound dramatically. In 2022, the Land Trust was happy to report that we recorded 1,025 Sandhills in a single day and 5,040 total cranes were counted over an 8 day period in Teton Valley.

Festival attendees can be a part of this successful program by participating in workshops, bidding on auction items, and purchasing Crane Festival merchandise. The community can also support the Initiative and the Grain for Cranes program by visiting tetonlandtrust.org or calling our office at 208-354-8939. The Land Trust looks forward to celebrating the return of Sandhill Cranes to Teton Valley with this wonderful eastern Idaho community.

Since 1990, the Land Trust has worked with partner organizations and willing landowners to protect over 40,000 acres in eastern Idaho through conservation easements and other voluntary conservation options.

Teton Regional Land Trust partners with landowners to conserve 140-acre property near the Teton River

Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) and the Gailey family recently completed a 140-acre conservation easement near the “Two Forks” section of the Teton River, downstream of the Teton Creek (Nickerson) river access in Teton County. There is a rich history to this property, as the Gaileys are just the third family to own it since it was homesteaded at the turn of the 20th century. This working farm is bordered by conservation easements to the east, adding to the mosaic of protected lands that lie in proximity to the Teton River, a refuge for wildlife and recreationists alike.

“While we don’t live in the area, our family has been visiting and enjoying the Teton Valley for over 50 years,” said the Gailey family. “We were lucky enough to become landowners in 2000. We’re thrilled to be a small part of the conservation efforts with the Teton Regional Land Trust in protecting the Sandhill Crane habitat and preserving open spaces in the valley. We felt a conservation easement was the best way to be good stewards to our land and to guarantee that its habitat and scenic qualities are enjoyed by future generations. We appreciate the work and efforts of Renee Hiebert and everyone at the Teton Regional Land Trust and their donors in making it happen.”

The Land Trust would like to recognize the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Agricultural Land Easement Program, the Richard G. Grundler Teton Valley Conservation Fund, the estate of Ronald C. Rope, The Cross Charitable Foundation, the East Idaho River Conservation Fund, and support through the Land Trust’s Legacy of Land campaign for contributions toward this project.

“We love working with landowners to meet their voluntary conservation goals,” said Curtis Elke, State Conservationist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho. “When they take advantage of our easement programs, it is an even bigger win for the landowner and the landscape. In working with the Gailey family, together we have ensured that sustainable crop production continues, and wildlife maintains access to the habitat it needs. It’s Idaho at its best.”

The Gailey property possesses several qualities lending it conservation value. Its proximity to other protected lands means that wildlife will remain able to move freely between the fields and the Teton River. That open space also provides scenic value for the public, as it can be viewed from Teton County Road West 1250 South, as well as by recreationists floating the river, a portion of which flows through the northern end of the property. Finally, it holds agricultural value, as 87% of the soils are considered prime soils of statewide significance for agriculture.

This property is also unique in that it holds historical value. Enoch “Cal” Carrington homesteaded this land in 1897 after arriving via the old Mormon Trail from Utah to the Teton Basin, driving a light iron-tired wagon with three head of horses. Land Trust member Earle Layser has written a biography about Carrington titled I Always Did Like Horses and Women: Enoch Cal Carrington’s Life Story. Layser chronicles Carrington’s life working as an outfitter and “bronc buster” as he spent ten years meeting the requirements to establish a claim on this land through the Desert Land Act. To this day, the cabin that Carrington built still stands on the property’s west side. Since Carrington’s death in 1959, the two subsequent owners have chosen to farm around this structure rather than remove it. “Teton Valley history has deep ties to the old cabin and its original owner,” writes Layser.

The conservation of the Gailey property will benefit numerous species, including most notably Sandhill Cranes. The property sits in the heart of the highest concentration of crane roosts in Teton Valley.  The land has seen extremely high crane counts in its barley fields over the years and is considered the top land conservation priority by the Greater Yellowstone Sandhill Crane Initiative partners due to its importance for Sandhill Cranes. Trumpeter Swans also rely upon the stretch of river that runs through the northern end of the property for wintering habitat. Both of these species are considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need according to the State Wildlife Action Plan adopted by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game in 2017. Other Species of Greatest Conservation Need that use the property include Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse and Long-billed Curlew. Extensive willow vegetation along the river provides habitat for big game such as moose and white-tailed deer, as well as many raptor species.

“We appreciate the Gailey family’s vision to conserve Teton Valley farm ground as well as Teton riverfront and Valley homesteader history,” said Conservation Project Manager Renee Hiebert.

Conservation of the Gailey property builds on the protection of already conserved habitat and working lands that benefits both people and wildlife. For 33 years, the Land Trust has worked with partner organizations and willing landowners to protect over 40,000 acres in eastern Idaho through conservation easements and other voluntary conservation options.

This conservation work is not possible without community support. The Teton Regional Land Trust leverages each dollar of private contributions three times to secure conservation easement funding like NRCS’s Agricultural Land Easement Program. Right now, thanks to a generous match from the Hamill Family Foundation, donations to the Teton Regional Land Trust will be doubled for conservation. To take advantage of this opportunity to protect eastern Idaho’s wild and working lands, make a tax-deductible gift to the Land Trust at tetonlandtrust.org or send a check to P.O. Box 247, Driggs, ID 83455.

Wrun for Wray Targhee Hill Climb to return for 11th Race, honoring a legacy and impacting community

Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) and the Landon family are excited to partner once again to hold the 11th Wrun for Wray on June 24 at Grand Targhee Resort. The 2.9 mile hill climb race honors Wray Landon IV, an avid adventurer and naturalist who was a Land Steward at the Land Trust. The event serves as an opportunity to remember Wray and connect with those who were closest to him.

“Wray loved to run and loved to race uphill,” said Wray’s mother, Lani. “This always surprised us because he had no interest in running until his college days. Wray grew up skiing at Grand Targhee. He raced and coached there. Those are two reasons why the Wrun for Wray Targhee Hill Climb is such an appropriate memorial for him. He was a quiet and shy guy who would be embarrassed to know an event is named after him.”

“It’s always special to see Wray’s friends returning to the Wrun,” said Wray Landon, Wray IV’s father. “It’s especially nice to hear their stories about him. We’ve met friends of Wray we never knew at the Wrun. He was truly rich with friends. Lani and I hope to see or meet more of them this year.”

All funds raised through the Wrun for Wray go to the Wray Landon Legacy Fund, which supports projects that Wray himself would have enjoyed. These funds have been used for summer intern salaries, land protection projects, fence removals, ecological monitoring, habitat restoration, the Teton Basin Trumpeter Swan Project, and the Greater Yellowstone Sandhill Crane Initiative, among many other projects. To date, over $194,000 has been raised for Wray’s legacy.

Each year, a raffle is held to raise funds for the Wray Landon Legacy Fund. This year, prizes include a season pass at Grand Targhee Resort, backcountry skis from Yostmark Mountain Equipment, a longboard from Sibbz, and many more gift certificates and prizes all valued at a minimum of $50 from local businesses. Raffle tickets are $30 each or four for $100.

Race entry fees also support the Wray Landon Legacy Fund, and there are guaranteed prizes for the top three male and female racers. First place will receive a Grand Targhee Resort season pass, second place will receive a three month membership to Orangetheory Fitness, and third place will receive an endurance supplement courtesy of Momentous. All age group first place winners receive great prizes.

We hope you will join the Landon family and Teton Regional Land Trust on June 24 at 10AM at Grand Targhee Resort for the Wrun for Wray. Runners and walkers are welcome to join in the fun. The first 100 entries receive a runner’s packet. To purchase raffle tickets or to register for the Wrun, please visit the event page.

Teton Regional Land Trust partners with landowners to conserve over a mile of creek frontage along Bitch Creek

Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) and the Fosdick family recently completed a 183-acre conservation easement that protects over a mile of frontage along Bitch Creek in Fremont County, Idaho just north of the Teton County border. This property borders a conservation easement on the south side of the creek that the Fosdicks placed under easement with the Land Trust in 2005, resulting in both sides of Bitch Creek being protected in perpetuity along this stretch. Both easements have been donated by the Fosdicks. “Since coming to Teton Valley in 1988 we knew that this was a place that we wanted to be a part of and preserve,” said Debbie Fosdick. “To have a conservation easement in place to protect the property, waters, and wildlife corridors gives us the assurance that this protection is in place. With the possibility of increasing development, David and I knew that putting the additional acreage located in Fremont County was important. To have both sides of that part of the Bitch Creek corridor in a conservation easement would help ensure preservation of what we both value. Hopefully, other landowners might join us.”

The Land Trust would like to recognize the Heart of the Rockies Initiative and Liz Claiborne and Art Ortenberg Foundation for providing funding support for this project.

Several factors led to this property having significant value as a conservation easement. In addition to bordering the Fosdicks’ first easement, it also lies in close proximity to other conserved private and public lands to the west and south. Part of the property is dry farmed in barley, lending it agricultural value. The land also has scenic value, as its beautiful terrain, a combination of rolling hills and canyon walls, can be viewed from the Bitch Creek bridge on Highway 32.

A combination of various ecological features form key habitat for many species. Vegetation along the steep canyon slopes includes dense conifer and juniper, while the rolling terrain contains a mixture of sagebrush, bitterbrush, aspen stringers, and grasslands. These vegetative communities provide invaluable open space for migrating big game including moose, white-tailed deer and mule deer. Mule deer migrating west over the Teton Mountains into Idaho specifically rely on this area along Bitch Creek for migration and wintering habitat. Many raptor species such as Bald and Golden Eagle, as well as multiple bat species utilize the rocky canyon walls that span the edge of the property leading down to the creek. The presence of multiple grouse leks in the area indicates that the property is a breeding ground for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Finally, native Yellowstone cutthroat trout in Bitch Creek will benefit from the protection of this property.

“We are grateful to the landowners for generously conserving over a mile of both sides of the Bitch Creek canyon, protecting the area not only for wildlife and agriculture, but also for spectacular scenic views,” said Land Protection Specialist Renee Hiebert.

“The Teton Regional Land Trust has been so professional, so helpful, and tireless in making this second easement happen,” said the Fosdicks. “We cannot say enough good things about their staff and efforts.”

Conservation of the Fosdick property builds on the protection of already conserved habitat and working lands that benefits both people and wildlife. For 32 years, the Land Trust has worked with partner organizations and willing landowners to protect nearly 40,000 acres in eastern Idaho through conservation easements and other voluntary conservation options.

Teton Regional Land Trust Names Kim Trotter as Executive Director

Driggs, ID (September 22, 2022) – Eastern Idaho native and conservation leader Kim Trotter has been appointed Executive Director of Teton Regional Land Trust, whose mission is to conserve working farms and ranches, fish and wildlife habitat, and scenic open spaces in eastern Idaho for this and future generations.

For nearly three decades, Trotter has dedicated her career to conserving agricultural lands, fish and wildlife habitat, and sustainable communities in the Northern Rockies. Her extensive background includes biodiversity conservation, environmental policy, wildlife and large landscape ecology, land and water transactions, and ecological connectivity and restoration.

Trotter’s passion for protecting the area’s natural and agricultural resources dates back to her early career experience negotiating many of eastern Idaho’s early conservation easements as a Land Protection Specialist with Teton Regional Land Trust. This included safeguarding miles of habitat along the Henry’s Fork of the Snake River and procuring Idaho’s first Farm and Ranchland Protection Program grant to work with private landowners in the Sand Creek wildlife corridor.

“Twenty-three years ago, Kim started with the Land Trust as an intern and then continued as a Land Protection Specialist,” said Arantza Zabala, President of the Teton Regional Land Trust Board of Directors. “We are so excited to have one of our own come back to lead the organization.”

Trotter’s recent experience includes serving as U.S. Program Director for the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y), where she led collaborative efforts to reconnect wildlife habitat through large landscape conservation. These projects included building wildlife-friendly roads and fences, increasing access to human-wildlife conflict reduction tools and programs, safeguarding key private lands, and ensuring the long-term protection of public lands.

Previously, she was Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, providing financial and strategic support to more than 50 local nonprofit organizations. She has also served as the Director of Trout Unlimited’s Idaho Water Project, working with landowners, water users, and state and federal agencies to promote protection and restoration of Idaho’s native and wild fisheries. During her tenure, she was appointed by Governor Otter to represent fish and wildlife interests on a committee tasked to resolve water shortages associated with the Eastern Snake Plain Aquifer in southern Idaho.

“The work of the Teton Regional Land Trust is essential in order to preserve the natural landscapes and agricultural character of our communities in eastern Idaho,” Trotter said. “The mission has always been dear to me, and I’m excited to continue to strategically protect this unique ecosystem and lead the Land
Trust forward.”

Trotter has presented regionally and internationally on wildlife and large landscape conservation, endangered species protection and recovery, and conservation partnerships. In 2019, she co-authored a chapter on the environmental politics and policy of Western public lands. Through her work to restore bull trout in central Idaho, she received the Forest Service’s most prestigious acknowledgement for partnership, the “Rise to the Future” award. For the last nine years, she served as a volunteer board member with the Idaho Conservation League. And in August, she and her family completed a year-long journey around the US and western Canada.

Trotter received her Master of Environmental Management in resource ecology from Duke University’s Nicholas School of the Environment and her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Puget Sound.

She assumed her responsibilities as Executive Director of Teton Regional Land Trust on September 22, 2022.

Since 1990, Teton Regional Land Trust has worked with hundreds of conservation organizations and landowners to protect nearly 40,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat and working lands in eastern Idaho, including migration corridors for large mammals, native Yellowstone cutthroat trout spawning areas and tributaries, wetlands and critical bird habitat, and agricultural lands.

Land Trust Unveils the Public Phase of the Legacy of Land Campaign with the Announcement of a Capstone Gift

Teton Regional Land Trust (TRLT) is overjoyed to announce that the Hamill Family Foundation has shown unprecedented support and commitment to the natural resources, conservation and agricultural heritage in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem through a $1,250,000 gift to the Legacy of Land campaign.

In 2018, faced with a growing interest by landowners in conservation easements on lands deserving of protection in the Upper Snake River watershed and increased project costs, TRLT’s Board of Directors declared its first-ever capital campaign, designated the “Legacy of Land” campaign, with a goal of raising $10 million dollars. The Legacy of Land funds are being raised for three purposes: conservation of wildlife habitat, open spaces, ranchland and farmland; support of long-term stewardship of these lands; and organizational sustainability.

“Teton and Swan Valleys and the Island Park area are under tremendous development pressure that removes land from agricultural production, wildlife habitat and migration corridors. Our work area encompasses one of the largest intact ecosystems in the northern hemisphere. The Land Trust has worked for over 30 years to preserve the habitat, migrations corridors, agricultural heritage and magnificent viewscapes that we all love and appreciate. Our Legacy of Land campaign is needed to accelerate our work and enable us to be even more effective,” said Arantza Zabala, TRLT board president.

The announcement of this capstone gift and the public phase of the Legacy of Land campaign follows four years of successful private fundraising thanks to many generous donors. The Hamill Family Foundation gift does come with a match challenge. Teton Regional Land Trust will need to raise an additional $250,000 of support during 2022 in order to get the final $250,000 of their gift. Each gift received in 2022, up to a total of $250,000, will be matched 1:1 by the Hamill Family Foundation gift.

Nancy Hamill Winter explains, “Although a ‘prairie girl’ from Illinois, the Tetons have deeply impacted me since childhood. Four generations of the Hamill family owe a great deal of our appreciation for the natural environment to this spectacular area of the earth. Our support for the Teton Regional Land Trust reflects deep confidence in its staff and volunteers who are committed to preserving this spellbinding landscape in which wildlife and people thrive.  We hope that the entire community will join the Hamill Family Foundation supporting the future success of the Land Trust.”

“We are so grateful and excited, that despite a global pandemic, our private donors have been so very generous. Our success so far is a result of truly sacrificial gifts given to this campaign in response to the urgency of this work and the effectiveness of TRLT as an organization. The Hamill family, Joan and Corwith “Corky” Hamill along with their children and grandchildren, have a legacy of protecting wilderness areas and promoting stewardship of the environment. This gift from the Hamill Family Foundation honors that family legacy and invites our community to join in this vital work. I am so humbled by the exceptional generosity of the Hamill Family Foundation,” said Robin Anderson, Legacy of Land campaign committee chair. “The matching grant allows our donors to double the effectiveness of their gift. We invite our friends and supporters to help us meet the generous match and invest in the future of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem by donating to the Legacy of Land campaign.”

To support the Legacy of Land campaign visit tetonlandtrust.org and click on Support. Donations can also be mailed to Teton Regional Land Trust, P.O. Box 247, Driggs, ID 83422. For more information regarding Teton Regional Land Trust’s work in eastern Idaho and about the Legacy of Land campaign, please visit tetonlandtrust.org or contact TRLT’s Development Director, Jeske Gräve at jeske@tetonlandtrust.org.

Since 1990, the Land Trust has been able to protect nearly 40,000 acres of critical wildlife habitat and working lands in eastern Idaho, including migration corridors for large mammals, native Yellowstone cutthroat trout spawning areas and tributaries, wetlands and critical bird habitat, and agricultural lands.

Teton Regional Land Trust Announces 2022 recipients for Michael B. Whitfield Scholarship Maren Jorgensen of Ashton and Tili Anderson of St. Anthony both receive $1,000

April 27, 2022

Maren Jorgensen of North Fremont High School and Tili Anderson of South Fremont High School are the recipients of this year’s Michael B. Whitefield Scholarship. The $1,000 award is given annually by the Teton Regional Land Trust to a senior who lives in the Land Trust service area with a passion for environmental or agricultural studies. 2022 marks the first year the Land Trust has extended the scholarship award to two high school students.

Maren Jorgensen will attend Utah State University to study Agricultural Education so she can be an advocate for the agricultural industry. She has been involved with the Future Farmers of America Organization (FFA) for the past four years and currently serves as the President of North Fremont High School’s FFA Chapter. Jorgensen is a two-time FFA district champion and won a FFA state championship in Agricultural Issues. She has been a dedicated class representative for Student Council, serving as the Vice President of her junior class and President of her freshman class. Currently, she holds the position of Executive Student Council Vice President and is a member of the National Honor Society. Jorgensen has enjoyed running cross country since her freshman year and takes score for the women’s basketball team. In her free time, she loves to do anything outdoors including hiking, camping, and backpacking. Jorgensen said of the Michael B. Whitfield Scholarship, “The Teton Regional Land Trust Scholarship will be really beneficial to me as it will help me pursue my goal of becoming an agricultural education teacher and help kids realize their place in agriculture.”

Tili Anderson will attend Brigham Young University-Idaho to study Civil Engineering and plans to complete a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. She is a National Honor Society Member and has completed almost 20 college credits during her high school career. This summer, Anderson will work as a Youth Conservation Corps intern for the Caribou Targhee National Forest doing trail maintenance at Mesa Falls. Her father, who works for the United States Forest Service, taught her the importance of preserving natural resources to maintain a balanced environment.

Anderson said of the scholarship award, “This will be a big help in accomplishing my goals and working to conserve our natural resources.” She hopes to pursue a career where she can make a large impact in preserving the environment for future generations. In her free time, Anderson loves to hike, waterski, rock climb, backpack, paddle board and watch wildlife.

Teton Regional Land Trust created the scholarship in 2009 to honor Michael B. Whitfield who helped found the organization in 1990 and served as its Executive Director for 18 years. Michael’s passion for land conservation in Teton Valley and throughout the Upper Snake River Watershed, has been instrumental in the preservation of key landscapes in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. To learn more about the scholarship and how to apply please visit www.tetonlandtrust.org.