Selway Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation

Shoutout to the amazing crew who joined us for our annual women's volunteer adventure! They tackled the East Mayfield Trail in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness, clearing a whopping 7.5 miles and over 1,000 downed trees! What a team! 🌲💪

After a few mishaps involving cars, stoves, and couscous (IYKYK), the group prevailed and we are so grateful for their hard work!

Our week with CatRock Ventures is always one of our favorites! Thanks for joining us in the wildest place!

🌲 And just like that, our 2024 Wilderness Ranger Fellows have completed their season with SBFC! 🌲

We are beyond grateful for this incredible group of 15 Fellows who spent their summer with us—coming from 13 different states to learn, work, and play in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness.

From earning crosscut certifications to mastering wilderness first aid, and everything in between, we are so impressed with all they’ve learned and accomplished over the past three months. Their dedication to Wilderness is truly inspiring. 👏

To the Fellows: Thank you for an unforgettable season! We'll see you on the trail! 🌟

Our Wilderness Ranger Fellows are spending one final week together, working, playing, and sharing on a little tour of communities surrounding the wilderness.

Earlier this week they spent the day working on trails leading into the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness along Highway 12. This crew is so powerful and we're grateful for all of their hard work this summer!

Onward to Moscow tonight for the final "Out of the Woods" presentations by the Fellows. Join us at NRS tonight at 5:30 PM!

🌲✨ It's the final week with our amazing Wilderness Ranger Fellows, and we're going on tour! 🎉 Everyone is invited to join us for these special events:

📍 Monday (tonight) in Hamilton
📍 Wednesday in Grangeville
📍 Thursday in Moscow

Come hear from the Fellows about their epic summer working in the Wilderness. Their stories of adventure, hard work, and stewardship are sure to inspire! We hope to see you there!
Learn more: https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/events

🌲✨ From Frustration to Fulfillment! ✨🌲

Back in 2021, a University of Montana student, Sam, set out to conquer the Big Creek to Bear Creek horseshoe loop in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. But the trail had other plans—swallowed up by brush and washouts, it was basically unnavigable, forcing Sam to turn back in frustration.

Fast forward to this year, and fate had a special twist for Sam. She returned to that very loop, but this time as an SBFC Wilderness Ranger Fellow, ready to tackle the trail and open it up for other users. 💪✨

Dive into Sam's incredible story and see how she transformed a challenging past into a triumphant present. Read more on our blog!

👉 https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/7/from-frustration-to-fulfillment

📷️ 1: Sam on the trail in 2024
📷️ 2: Sam on the trail in 2021

This hitch was made possible with funds from Athletic Brewing’s Two for the Trails Grant!

Missoula, come out tomorrow night to hear our Artist in Residence, Jacob Riddle, share his work and stories from his time in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness this summer!

Check out this preview from Open AIR-- it's sure to be a great event!

Feast your eyes on the breathtaking beauty from our July Volunteer Project at Big Sand Lake! ⁠
⁠
Crystal-clear waters mirror the sky, while towering pines stand sentinel over this wilderness paradise. Swipe to catch a glimpse of the magic we experienced!⁠
⁠
But let's be honest - even these stunning shots can't do it justice. No camera or filter can truly capture the awe-inspiring majesty of this wild place. You've got to see it (and feel it) for yourself! ⁠
⁠

We love sharing the wilderness with CatRock Ventures! Thanks for your hard work!

We're switching things up today from our usual "Tales from the Trails." Instead, our Executive Director, Ryan Ghelfi, shares his whirlwind wilderness week, where he visited 4 crews in just 4 days!

Join Ryan as he takes us on an incredible journey through the heart of our wilderness, highlighting the amazing work our crews are doing. From breathtaking landscapes to behind-the-scenes stories, you don't want to miss this adventure!

Read all about Ryan's experience and get inspired by the dedication and passion of our teams. Head over to the blog now!

https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/7/four-crews

Today would be the 100th birthday of a true wilderness champion, Senator Frank Church! ⁠🎂⁠
⁠
Born on July 25, 1924, in Boise, Idaho, Frank Church went from a precocious 8th grader writing about foreign policy to becoming the fifth-youngest U.S. Senator in history at age 32. ⁠
⁠
Senator Church was instrumental in protecting our nation's breathtaking landscapes as designated Wilderness. His legacy includes:⁠
⁠
Floor sponsorship of the 1964 National Wilderness Act⁠
Sponsorship of the 1968 Wild and Scenic Rivers Act⁠
Crucial role in establishing the Hells Canyon and Sawtooth National Recreation Areas⁠
⁠
His love for Idaho's wild places inspired his tireless work to preserve them for future generations.⁠
⁠
In 1980, Church played a key role in forming the River of No Return Wilderness. Shortly before his passing in 1984, it was renamed the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness in his honor - the second-largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states!⁠
⁠
As we celebrate his centennial, let's remember that the best way to honor Senator Church's memory is by continuing to protect and cherish our wilderness areas. Whether you're hiking, camping, or simply admiring from afar, take a moment today to appreciate the natural wonders he helped save.⁠
⁠
Happy birthday, Senator Church. Your vision ensures that Idaho's wilderness will remain 'Forever Wild.' 🌲🏔️⁠
⁠
⁠
⁠
📷️ All photos from the Frank Church Papers, Special Collections and Archives, Boise State University

Did you read yesterday's Tales from the Trails blog post? Wilderness Ranger Fellow, Caroline, shared her experience working around Big Sand Lake in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness.

Caroline had an injury towards the end of the hitch and ended up riding out on a mule. She said "Riding down the mountain on the back of this mule in a chain brought to mind Forest Service workers 100 years ago doing the same sort of work we’re doing, with the same tools. It makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself."

It's an honor to be part of this wild world!
Read the full blog: https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/7/fear-and-loathing-in-the-selway

It's Tales from the Trails Tuesday!

Today, Colby shares about his experience serving as a Wilderness Ranger Fellow this summer. From frigid creek swims to long days swinging an axe, it's (mostly) all fun out there!

From Colby's blog: "Being in the wilderness has been a transformative experience. The combination of hard work, stunning natural beauty, and the camaraderie of the team has been incredibly fulfilling. I encourage anyone who loves the outdoors to seek out experiences like these—there's nothing quite like it."

Check out the full blog here! https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/7/hardly-working

A great group of volunteers spent last weekend on the St. Mary Peak Trail in the Bitterroot National Forest for our annual trail opening work project!

They cleared clogged drains, fallen trees, and enjoyed the beautiful views from the lookout.

Thanks to all who spent the weekend with us!

It's Tales from the Trails Tuesday!

Today, Sammy shares his "Lessons from the Frank" at the halfway point of his season as a Wilderness Ranger Fellow. Time flies when you're having fun, learning tons, and working hard!

Pictured are Sammy's busted boots from Hitch #1. 🥾
Wilderness work is no joke! 🪓

Read the blog: https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/7/franks-life-lessons-a-halfway-point-reflection

🌄 Who needs fireworks with wilderness sunsets like this? 🎆

We hope everyone has a fun 4th of July! As you celebrate, let's remember to keep our public lands pristine and safe. Enjoy the beauty of nature, pack out what you pack in, and follow all fire safety regulations. Our wild spaces are a treasure – let's protect them together! 🌲

It's Tales from the Trails Tuesday! 🌲👣
This week, we delve into a truly special adventure: SBFC's inaugural Youth Wilderness Expedition.

Marlena, the co-leader of this youth hitch and a current Wilderness Ranger Fellow, authors this week’s blog. In her narrative, Marlena reminisces about her own beginnings in outdoor recreation and reflects on the profound joy of guiding the next generation of wilderness stewards.

We hope you enjoy reading Marlena's blog and getting a glimpse of the future of wilderness stewardship. Read the blog here: https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/7/rediscovering-old-roots

Special thanks to Veva, Allegra, Rob, and Liam for joining us on our first youth trip! ✨️👏

The SBFC Youth Wilderness Expedition Program is funded in part by: The 2024 National Forest System (NFS) Trail Stewardship Partners Funding National Wilderness Stewardship Alliance, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s Outdoor Fund Grant, the Lamb Foundation, Ravalli Electric Co-op, Missoula Electric Cooperative, Blackfoot Communications, and private donors. Thanks to all for helping make this program possible!

🍳🥾🌲 Nothing beats a meal prepared in the backcountry! Check out these mouth-watering dishes our team cooked up while immersed in the wilderness this week. From hearty breakfasts to savory dinners... Delicious!

What's your favorite wilderness meal? Share your go-to recipes in the comments! 👇✨

Exciting News! Our first Youth Wilderness Expedition just wrapped up! 🌲🌟

A crew of four amazing youth, alongside Wilderness Ranger Fellow Marlena and our Youth Program Director Ian, returned from an unforgettable adventure in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness yesterday.

Stay tuned for more stories and insights from their incredible week in the wild. In the meantime, check out these photos capturing the fun and exploration! 📸✨

Thanks to everyone who supported our inaugural year of the Youth Wilderness Expedition program with your gear donations, financial support, and sponsorship! We have more Youth Expeditions coming up in the next few months!

Check out these amazing group photos from our most recent hitches in the Selway and the Frank! Our dedicated crews have been hard at work, maintaining trails and ensuring our wilderness areas remain pristine and accessible for everyone to enjoy.

Swipe through to see the smiling faces of our Wilderness Ranger Fellows and trail crew leaders who make it all possible. Their passion and teamwork are truly inspiring!

Calling all outdoor adventurers and wilderness lovers! We've got the perfect present for your outdoorsy dad – one of our new t-shirts!⁠
⁠
✨ Soft, lightweight, and stretchy for ultimate comfort on every trail or trek. ⁠
✨ Flattering fit that moves with you, no matter the activity.⁠
✨ Two exclusive new designs by talented Idaho-based artist .⁠
⁠
Treat your dad to a gift that combines style, comfort, and a love for the great outdoors. Click the link below to make this Father's Day one to remember! 🌲⛰⁠ ⁠https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/shop⁠
⁠
OR become an SBFC monthly donor at just $10/month, and you'll not only support our amazing programs but also score a FREE t-shirt of your choice! ⁠https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/donate⁠
⁠
⁠
P.S. Not just for dads! Great for moms, kids, grandparents, or anyone!

It's Tales from the Trails Tuesday! Today's blog post is from Bailey, one of our dedicated Wilderness Ranger Fellows. In this post, Bailey takes us through her recent training hitch, a critical period where she learned the ropes and discovered the nuances of packing for the wilderness (spoiler: too much salt, not enough coffee!).

Read the blog for more of Bailey's story: https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/6/spring-training

🌲🐾 Check out some of the critters our crews saw on their hitches last week!

The Selway and the Frank are full of interesting scaly, slimy, and furry creatures! From wee snails to majestic mountain goats, our wilderness areas never cease to amaze.

Thank you to our National Trails Day volunteers who worked on Sheafman Creek Trail in the Bitterroot National Forest!

This crew crushed it-- they cleared 59 trees out of the trail corridor in one day of work!

We love our volunteers!

Our Wilderness Ranger Fellows had a great first hitch working in the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness!

One of our teams of Fellows spent last week immersed along the Middle Fork of the Salmon River up Little Loon Trail #4004 in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This trail hadn't seen a trail crew since 2003!

Read more about their hitch in this week's Tales from the Trails blog, authored by Wilderness Ranger Fellow Tom! https://www.selwaybitterroot.org/sbfcblog/2024/6/sky-n-trees