The beginning of 2022 ushered in a number of significant organizational changes and transitions for WRFI. Notably, we had to say farewell to two incredibly pivotal board members who have given so much of themselves to WRFI over their many years of service. Dr. Libby Metcalf, Associate Dean of Undergraduate Affairs at the University of Montana and our outgoing Board President, has spent the last six (plus) years guiding and supporting WRFI in all aspects of board operations. Dr. Daniel Spencer, Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Montana, former WRFI instructor, and long-time WRFI board member, also terms off the board this coming month. Both Libby and Dan have been integral in shaping WRFI and have helped make it the organization it is today. We are so grateful to them both for their vision, wisdom, dedication, and counsel through the years. We wish each of them the best on their next adventures!

We also have some big new additions to the WRFI team to announce! As Dan and Libby step down, WRFI welcomes in-coming Board President, Katelyn Hepburn, an attorney and WRFI alum (Baja ’07) who has served on the board for the last three years. We’re also thrilled to announce two new members of the WRFI Board. Helen Rolston-Clemmer, a professional photographer, accountant, and outdoor enthusiast, as well as Peter McDonough, Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Climate Change Studies Program at the University of Montana are both joining us and we couldn’t be happier.

With these recent transitions, there’s been no shortage of work to be done at the WRFI office. We’re feeling spring in the air and are so looking forward to getting outside and supporting our team and our students through what is shaping up to be another incredible field season!

COURSE HIGHLIGHT: CYCLE THE ROCKIES

Summer | June 14 - July 11, 2022

This month, we're highlighting our Cycle The Rockies: Energy and Climate Change in Montana course! This course, which follows a roughly 700-mile cycling route across Montana, offers an incredible opportunity to gain unique perspective on the past, present and future of energy and climate change in the West, all while gaining 6, 300-level college credits!

For a little overview, the course starts in ranch lands and coalfields near Billings, MT, touring through various renewable energy facilities on the central plains and eventually ending up in the center of energy policy debates in the state capital, Helena. From there, students cruise on along the Rocky Mountain Front, through the Blackfeet Nation and finally over the Continental Divide to Glacier National Park. Throughout the course, we will explore the ecological, social and economic issues associated with energy use and production and climate change. We'll traverse an ever changing landscape, from rolling plains to rugged mountains, stopping along the way to meet people deeply involved in energy and climate issues. All of this, and you'll learn the ins and outs of bicycle touring in a supportive community and beautiful landscape! No previous experience bike touring necessary - you'll learn it all in this course.

As always, we'd love to share more details (*cough gush*) about this course so feel free to call to the office for more info! You can also check out some stories straight from the field on the WRFI blog, such as Cycle The Rockies 2021 student Rachel French's blog post, 600 Miles Later.

Can't make it to an info session? We'll also be hosting virtual office hours every other Friday for anyone who wants to pop in for a quick question or casual chat with WRFI staff and alumni. Check out the events calendar on our website for a full schedule of drop-in office hours.

Energy & Climate Change in Montana | June 14 - July 11, 2022

CONSERVATION ACROSS BOUNDARIES *1 space remaining!

Summer Semester | June 16 - July 27, 2022

RESTORATION ECOLOGY *currently full. Accepting waitlist applications.

In the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem | June 20 - July 10, 2022

ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS*currently full. Accepting waitlist applications.

Climate Change & Visions of a Sustainable Future | July 20 - Aug 9, 2022

Human/Land Relations | Aug 24 - Oct 25, 2022

COLORADO PLATEAU: FALL SEMESTER *4 spaces remaining!

Desert Canyons & Cultures | Sept 13 - Nov 14, 2022

After a successful inaugural year, WRFI is excited to collaborate again with the University of Montana's Summer Programs Office to offer a Summer Explorations course for high school students. Participants will earn college credit for a summer field experience with WRFI. The course will take place from July 16-29, 2022, and will allow students to earn two University of Montana credits in Environmental Studies.

This program will be open to high school students who are at least sixteen years old, and who will be entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year starting in the fall of 2021. Cost is $2,800 and will include lodging, meals, and programs fees. There is no application fee and scholarships will be available. The priority application deadline is April 24, 2022. Visit this link to apply online.

Executive Director with Montana Outdoor Science School

Visiting Native American Studies Professor with The University of Montana

Several Positions with The Idaho Conservation League

Field Coordinator with Montana Conservation Corps

Multiple Field Instructor Positions with Adventure Treks

Multiple Positions with Community Food and Agriculture Coalition

Multiple Positions with Garden City Harvest

Summer 2022 Wild Gift Fellowship with Wild Gift

Foundation Manager with Grand Canyon Trust

Visiting Assistant Professor in Conservation Policy and Science with University of Montana Environmental Studies Program

Visiting Assistant Professor in Environmental and Indigenous Justice with University of Montana Environmental Studies Program

THE WRFI STORE IS ALWAYS OPEN

Spring is a great time to stock up on new gear to keep you hydrated all summer long! Need a new Nalgene? We have lots in stock ready to go home with you!