WILD ROCKIES

June 2025 Newsletter

You're Invited: End of Summer Party 2025

August 23 | Missoula, MT | 2-9pm

WRFI is excited to invite you to our End of Summer Party on Saturday, August 23rd at the Confluence Center in Missoula, MT! The afternoon will be full of activities. Stop by from 2-5pm to bid in our silent auction, jam-packed with goods from local businesses and artists. Join us from 5-7pm to hear from our 2025 Restoration Ecology + Environmental Ethics Section 2 students as they present their final course projects. They will share stories and information from the transformative three weeks they spent exploring western Montana and learning about important environmental issues! From 7-9pm, the End of Summer Party will be rocking the house as we celebrate another successful summer of WRFI field courses! There will be food, music, and messages from WRFI leadership. Please join us!

Other Upcoming Events

Cycle the Rockies + Restoration Ecology Section 1 Final Presentation

Free Cycles • 732 S 1st St, Missoula, Montana

Tuesday, July 8th, 5pm MT

In-person calendar link

Virtual Zoom link

Note: WRFI's Spring Raffle wraps up this day! Buy your tickets before or at this event!

Conservation Across Boundaries + Environmental Ethics Section 1 Final Presentation

Confluence Center • 119 W Main St, Missoula, Montana

Thursday, July 31st, 5pm MT

In-person calendar link

Virtual Zoom link

Special Announcement: WRFI x The Shadows Run

New Podcast Series Airs July 20th!

When WRFI discovered that Montana Afoot and Afloat 2021 alumna Eva Happy had started a podcast to facilitate meaningful conversations, we immediately knew we wanted to be involved. That is why WRFI is thrilled to announce a collaborative series within Eva's show, The Shadows Run, kicking off on July 20th with an episode featuring our Executive Director, Matt Baker-White! Matt and Eva will be diving in to discuss yes, WRFI, but also other questions about conservation, experiential education, and more. Don't miss it!

To listen to the episode that inspired this collaboration - Eva's conversation with her WRFI Instructor, Natalie Dawson - follow the link to Spotify below or search for episode 24 of the podcast wherever you listen.

Learn more about Eva herself before the series is released by checking out her Impact Story further down in this newsletter!

Final Reminder: Enroll by July 1st

To Lock In 2025 Prices

Submit your WRFI application and enroll in a 2026 course prior to July 1st to lock in 2025 pricing!

Questions about applications and course pricing can be directed to Kelsey, our Student Experience Manager, at kelsey.wellington@wrfi.net.

Our team is ready and excited to guide you through this process so that you can think outside the classroom and have the best summer ever in 2026. Apply today!

Fresh From the Field: Maya Hesse

The Painful Truth of America's Colonization

"What steps can we take to mend the lasting effects of colonialism and create a more equitable future?"

Waking up to the real history of America isn’t easy—but it’s necessary. In her powerful reflection, Maya Hesse shares how a trip to Navajo lands and stories from a Navajo speaker peeled back the romanticized version of colonization she grew up with. She confronts the genocide, stolen lands, and enduring trauma of Indigenous communities—and issues a stirring call for white settlers to use their privilege for justice.

Dive into her journey of truth, responsibility, and hope.

WRFI Impact Stories

Meet Our Instructor Team!

Ash brings their varied experiences in the world of environmental studies to WRFI courses in a way that sticks with students long after their time in the field is done. Students consistently say that Ash challenges them to critically examine their beliefs, brings new perspectives to every conversation, and encourages everyone to think outside of the box. On top of that, Ash is known to care deeply for each of their students and is a pro at ensuring everyone’s safety + comfort while boosting their moods in the backcountry. We are lucky to have an instructor like Ash on the team!

Featured Opportunity: Leadership Training for Emerging Leaders

Hosted by Plenitud VT | August 11-16, 2025

Plenitud VT’s Leadership Training for Emerging Leaders is a six-day immersive experience in Newbury, Vermont from August 11–16, 2025.

The leadership training will be hosted at Plenitud's NEW campus, located on a beautiful 100 acre farm in Newbury, Vermont. This Leadership Training will be rooted in the servant leadership model, and is designed for emerging leaders ages 17–23 who are ready to deepen their impact and leadership skills through personal development and community driven work.

Program Highlights:

• One-on-one mentorship from a diverse leadership team
• Hands-on service learning & sustainability projects
• Guidance developing your individual project(s)
• Daily wellness practices (yoga, mindfulness, and nutritious meals)
• Outdoor experiences like hiking, bonfires, and group reflection

Participants will leave with renewed confidence, clear vision, and concrete leadership skills for their academic, professional, and personal journeys.

Application Deadline: July 21, 2025

Cost: $1,950 — Early Bird: $1,650 if you apply by June 15

(Fees cover meals, lodging, and on-site transportation.)

Location: Newbury, Vermont 

Let us know if you apply and we can put in a good word!

Summer of Change:

New Books to Inspire Environmental Change

Looking for something to read this summer? May we suggest this awesome list from The Revelator? A combination of pertinent information, hopefulness, and action items, it's a great list to get you thinking about some big topics of our modern times. Let us know if you read and love any of these!