WRFI's Executive Director Reflects on 2024 So Far

Hello WRFI world!

I'm super excited to share a mid-year update with you all as we celebrate 30 years of WRFI field courses in 2024.

WRFI is in the middle of our 30th season, with various courses in the field. We’ve already wrapped up our spring courses (Colorado Plateau, one of our longest-standing programs, and Southwest Climate Studio Art, our newest course!), as well as Cycle the Rockies and the first section of Restoration Ecology in the past few weeks. Currently, Conservation Across Boundaries is in the Canadian Rockies visiting with guest speakers and preparing for their second backpacking trip in the Mt Jumbo region of British Columbia; and in just a few weeks, our collaborative program with UM’s Summer Explorations, Restoration Ecology Section 2, and Environmental Ethics will head out to points across Montana to round out the summer season. Every time I hear our students tell stories and describe their learning, I'm inspired by the work we do here at WRFI!

We’re also prepping for our 30th year celebration here in Missoula in just a few weeks on July 26th, 27th, and 28th. We’ll be floating the Clark Fork river, connecting with friends old and new over an evening BBQ, and hearing presentations from Conservation Across Boundaries on Sunday evening. If there’s any chance you’re able to join us, we’d love to see you—Some of WRFI’s founders, early instructors, and long term supporters will be at the celebration, along with many other WRFI folks. We're really excited to be bringing the WRFI community together--it's the first time we've had such an opportunity in a long time! See below for more details about the weekend, and please do register to come!

In addition, WRFI is proud to be building on our fundraising successes in our Campaign for WRFI. Last year, our community of supporters raised over $100,000 in Phase One of a three-phase campaign to stabilize WRFI as we recover from the impact of COVID. This year, we have raised an additional $70,000 towards our Phase Two goal of $200,000, and have secured nearly half of our Phase Three funds pledged over the next five years!

I'm so honored to be a part of this amazing community at WRFI and am so looking forward to seeing you all at our 30 year celebration in just a few weeks!

See you soon!

30th Year Celebration Info

WRFI Impact Stories

Gabby's Intro Post in The Westrn

Fresh From the Field: Owen Kotula

Conversations and Coal

Read the Post Here

As soon as Owen biked onto the property of a large coal factory in Montana, he knew those working there would likely hold different political beliefs than he and his Cycle the Rockies classmates. After a tour of the facility and an honest conversation with them, however, he was surprised by just how much they had in common. Follow the link above to read it in full!

“...a 'just transition' has been valuable and essential in understanding the whole climate puzzle."

2025 is on the Horizon!

Join WRFI for an Unforgettable Experience

2025 Courses

Colorado Plateau

Southwest Climate Studio Art

Cycle the Rockies

Conservation Across Boundaries

Restoration Ecology

Environmental Ethics

Montana Afoot and Afloat

Now that our summer is in full swing, with most of our courses either completed for the year or currently in the field, it's time for us to begin setting our sights on the upcoming season. If you've seen the photos, read the blogs, or attended any of the final presentations this year, you know how incredible the stories from our students have been. From backpacking through stunning red rock canyons during Colorado Plateau, to creating imaginative portfolios during Southwest Climate Studio Art, to cycling between coal plants and local communities during Cycle the Rockies, there has been no shortage of adventure on our courses.

If you want to join us on these adventures next year, now's a great time to start making preparations! We're ready to answer any questions you have and to find the course that is the best fit for your interests and academic goals. Fill out an initial application today and reach out to Kelsey, our Student Experience Manager, if you have any questions.

Email Kelsey

"I can't begin to explain the feeling of what it's like to know that a change has happened inside of oneself. I am so thankful for the opportunity to explore such a special part of the world with such amazing people. I am so thankful for every pair of eyes, every voice, and every moment I got to experience on this journey. I could have never expected what would come to be when I first signed up for this course, meandering through the many unique places I found myself within. All I can be is grateful for my new friends, my new mentors, the world, and the growing perspective I've come to find in my own life.”

-Sam Ryan, Colorado Plateau '24

WRFI Job Board

American Forests (Remote) — Senior Manager, Forest Climate Adaptation

Mountain Pride (Vail Valley, CO) — Community Engagement Coordinator

Eagle County Government (Vail Valley, CO) — Conservation Project Manager

American Forests (Colorado or New Mexico) — Director, Southern Rockies Forest Restoration

Forest Stewards Guild (Santa Fe, NM) — Southwest Project Coordinator

American Conservation Experience (Flagstaff, AZ) — Conservation Crew Leader

American Conservation Experience (Lacombe, LA) — Wildlife Control and Biology Member

Wild Rockies Field Institute is a 501(c)3 organization. Your gift is fully tax deductible. Our Federal Identification Number is 81-0487425.

DONATE