Badger Bulletin

Another Great Fall Gathering in the Books!

October 2, 2024 | ,

Badger Bulletin

Another Great Fall Gathering in the Books!

October 2, 2024 | ,
fall-gathering-hike
Thank you to everyone who participated, contributed, or supported us from afar!

Photos by Kerry Nickou, Steven Kloetzel, and Ashley Sherburne.

We kicked off the weekend on Friday night, gathering at the East Glacier Community Hall. Sam Hamilton, a Big Sky Watershed Corps Member working for GTMA, and Mackenzie Sachs, East Glacier local and awesome volunteer, helped to set up the event and welcome guests!
We kicked off the weekend on Friday night, gathering at the East Glacier Community Hall. Sam Hamilton, a Big Sky Watershed Corps Member working for GTMA, and Mackenzie Sachs, East Glacier local and awesome volunteer, helped to set up the event and welcome guests!

Thank you to our fantastic speakers!

Daniel Bird, University of Montana Wildlife Biology PhD student, started the night off with an informational presentation about his elk migration studies on the Blackfeet Reservation and in Glacier National Park.
Daniel Bird, University of Montana Wildlife Biology PhD student, started the night off with an informational presentation about his elk migration studies on the Blackfeet Reservation and in Glacier National Park.
Whisper Camel-Means from Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes gave an inspiring talk about her work on wildlife crossing structures on the Flathead Reservation and beyond. The Flathead Reservation is a powerful model for the potential mitigation efforts that could be put in place on Highway 2 from Columbia Falls to East Glacier.
Whisper Camel-Means from Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes gave an inspiring talk about her work on wildlife crossing structures on the Flathead Reservation and beyond. The Flathead Reservation is a powerful model for the potential mitigation efforts that could be put in place on Highway 2 from Columbia Falls to East Glacier.
Elliot Fox of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Canada shared his work on native trout restoration and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada. This movement is making its way to the States and Elliot has been deeply involved each step of the way.
Elliot Fox of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Canada shared his work on native trout restoration and Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas in Canada. This movement is making its way to the States and Elliot has been deeply involved each step of the way.

Engaging Community Conversations

AmeriCorps / Big Sky Watershed Corps Member Sam Hamilton helped to set up citizen scientists with a simple, impactful way to report wildlife observations along the Highway 2 corridor using smartphones, and discussed why this work matters to future mitigation planning.
AmeriCorps / Big Sky Watershed Corps Member Sam Hamilton helped to set up citizen scientists with a simple, impactful way to report wildlife observations along the Highway 2 corridor using smartphones, and discussed why this work matters to future mitigation planning.
As grizzly bears expand their range, many communities are grappling with how to prevent conflict so both bears and people can safely share the landscape. Anne Carlson shared what Choteau Bear Smart, a community group she helped found, is doing to engage the community and reduce conflict, as well as shared opportunities to replicate this model.
As grizzly bears expand their range, many communities are grappling with how to prevent conflict so both bears and people can safely share the landscape. Anne Carlson shared what Choteau Bear Smart, a community group she helped found, is doing to engage the community and reduce conflict, as well as shared opportunities to replicate this model.

Badger-Two Medicine Defender Award Recipients

Joe Jessepe (center), a founding member of GTMA and dedicated conservationist, was awarded a Badger-Two Medicine Defender Award.
Joe Jessepe (center), a founding member of GTMA and dedicated conservationist, was awarded a Badger-Two Medicine Defender Award.
Jennifer Ferenstein, Montana Senior Manager with the Wilderness Society, was also awarded Badger-Two Medicine Defender. She was unable to attend, but Anne Carlson accepted the award on her behalf.
Jennifer Ferenstein, Montana Senior Manager with the Wilderness Society, was also awarded Badger-Two Medicine Defender. She was unable to attend, but Anne Carlson accepted the award on her behalf.

Incredible Musicians on Friday and Saturday Night!

John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden, and Ed Stalling entertained us with their beautiful music on Friday night. Music on Friday was a new and fun addition to the weekend.
John Floridis, Jennifer Slayden, and Ed Stalling entertained us with their beautiful music on Friday night. Music on Friday was a new and fun addition to the weekend.
Joseph Running Crane of Browning played a wonderful set of music on Saturday night!
Joseph Running Crane of Browning played a wonderful set of music on Saturday night!

A Wonderful Gathering of People and a Fabulous Auction!

Ed and Laurie Stalling were having a great time while Gina Rink bids enthusiastically.
Ed and Laurie Stalling were having a great time while Gina Rink bids enthusiastically.
What a crowd! Our Live Drive (Paddle Raise) was more successful than ever. Thank you, Donors!
What a crowd! Our Live Drive (Paddle Raise) was more successful than ever. Thank you, Donors!
Sam set up and sold merchandise all day. We love to see our supporters wearing GTMA gear!
Sam set up and sold merchandise all day. We love to see our supporters wearing GTMA gear!
Volunteer Miki Flint was an excellent "Vanna White" at the auction.
Volunteer Miki Flint was an excellent "Vanna White" at the auction.

Spectacular Sunday Adventures

A beautiful view from the hike to Autumn Creek.
A beautiful view from the hike to Autumn Creek.
Former GTMA employee Jordyn Steele led a hike to Pike Creek with a fun group of folks from the gathering.
Former GTMA employee Jordyn Steele led a hike to Pike Creek with a fun group of folks from the gathering.
A great crew hiked the Autumn Creek West trail.
A great crew hiked the Autumn Creek West trail.

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Wolverine Sponsor ($1000)
Wolverine Sponsor ($1000)
Wolverine Sponsor ($1000)
Wolverine Sponsor ($1000)
Westslope Cutthroat Trout Sponsor ($250)

Thank you to our auction donors!

Ann Barnett
April Espinoza
Ashley Sherburne
Bill Cardin
Birds & Beasleys
Dana Turvey - Clarke Gallery
Deva McKnight
Donna Shull
Elaine Sedlack
Ernest Marceau
Falina Sinopah Artworks
Far Country Press - Hilary Page
Frank Vitale
Fred Wiggermann & Jo Slageter
Gina Rink
Glacier Raft Company
Gloria Brinkerhoff

Harriet Marble
Heidi DuBray-Burns
Helena Knitters for Peace
Joy Kelso
Katie Hagan Vesel
Kelly Lynch
Kerry Nickou
Len Kopec
Loren Pinski
Nancy Ellis
Paula Craft
Rainey Wikstrom
Teresa Ann Frankfurth
Terry Chase
Vera Barnes - Glacier National Park Lodges
Wilbur Rehmann

Thank you to our volunteers!

We couldn't do it without you!

Brian Chaffin
Miki Flint
Renee Metcalf
Alison Van Dusen
MacKenzie Sachs
Judy Silver
Alida Wright
Kerry Nickou
Donna Shull
Mira Sherburne
Aven Branch
Jordyn Steele
Berta Rink

Plus our incredible Board!

fg-volunteers
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