Dear Wood River Land Trust Community,
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news of my retirement as President and Founding Executive Director of the Wood River Land Trust after an incredible 27-year journey. It has been an honor and privilege to lead this organization and witness its growth and success.
Starting and growing an organization is akin to navigating the exhilarating rapids of a river. It requires a unique set of skills, unwavering courage, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing currents. Throughout my tenure, I have embraced the mantra "read and run," which encapsulates the essence of our journey.
Just like skilled whitewater rafters, we faced challenges head-on, carefully assessed the currents of change, and made strategic choices that propelled us forward. We built a culture of unity and collaboration, valuing the power of connections and celebrating our collective achievements.
As I pass the torch, I do so with immense pride in our transformative impact on the Wood River Valley. Together, we have shown that with dedication, passion, and a willingness to embrace change, we can conquer any rapid that comes our way.
I am forever grateful to my incredible team for their unwavering support. It is your unwavering commitment and hard work that has driven our success and made the Wood River Land Trust the force it is today.
As I embark on this new chapter in my life, I am filled with excitement for what lies ahead. I have no doubt that under new leadership, this organization will continue to thrive, preserving and protecting the natural beauty of the Wood River Valley.
I would like to leave you with a quote that has inspired me throughout my tenure: "read and run." Let these words serve as a reminder that by embracing the adventure, embracing the rapids, and embracing the unknown, we can achieve remarkable things.
Thank you for being part of this extraordinary journey. Together, we have made a lasting impact on our community and the environment we hold dear.
My best,
Scott Boettger
President and Founding Executive Director
A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
This year, we’re celebrating a significant milestone: the 30th anniversary of the founding of the Wood River Land Trust. As our board and staff reflect on three decades of conservation achievements, we are filled with a deep sense of pride and gratitude for the impact we’ve been able to make with our community.
Too often we can get pulled into the day today grind of deadlines, meetings, and the next project. But when I visit our preserves, walk along the river, and see people enjoying these places on a daily basis, I am humbled by the impact of our work together. I hope you’ll join me this summer in visiting a preserve and sitting for a moment to reflect on how all this has come to be – just regular people from our community coming together time and again to create a better future.
As we look back on what’s been accomplished, we also look ahead with determination and optimism. The challenges facing our Valley are real. How we grow affects our wildlife corridors, the health of our river, and our access to natural areas. The things we hold dear – our foothills and mountains, rivers and streams,
and our connection to each other – are at riskif we forget how interconnected we are with the land and water we depend on and love. But we remain optimistic, because if the past 30 years have shown us anything, it’s that through persistence, hard work, and partnership, we can make a difference.
Our work continues to be focused on three key areas:
• Protecting and Maintaining Wild Spaces and Happy Places
• Restoring Systems and Connections
• Delivering on our Promise of Perpetuity.
In this newsletter you’ll see how your support is helping do all this, in multi-faceted ways.Our traditional land protection efforts are going strong. With your help, we closed on two new projects this winter. That’s two more important properties permanently protected. In addition to our tried and true work, you’ll read about our new tool for conservation: our Community Planning program. You’ll get updates on projects that are restoring creeks to their floodplains, and innovative partnerships aimed at helping imperiled pollinators. And, you’ll read about the work being done to make sure the special places we protect in perpetuity are healthy and remain available to all members of our community.
As we celebrate our past achievements and look to the opportunities that lie ahead, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has contributed to the success of the Land Trust. Your support, dedication, and passion have been the driving force behind our conservation efforts. We are grateful for your continued partnership.
Thank you for being an important part of this journey.
Amy Trujillo,
Executive Director
CELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF CONNECTING WILD SPACES + CREATING HAPPY PLACES
This June, the Wood River Land Trust marks an extraordinary milestone—30 years of conservation and community enrichment in the Wood River Valley.
Founded in 1994 by a small group of concerned citizens, the Wood River Land Trust has become an essential part of our community. Together, we have created and opened 16 public nature preserves that provide the backdrop to our daily lives; protected almost 28,000 acres of wildlife habitat and working lands; restored over 19 miles of rivers and streams; and fostered a love for natural habitats and open spaces to ensure these places are cherished for generations to come. As we celebrate the achievements in our past, we’re also looking toward the future, focusing on continued preservation accomplishments and commitment to the Wood River Valley.
We couldn’t have done any of this work without committed people like you. We’re looking forward to celebrating with you this summer, as we continue looking toward the next 30 years of conservation.
Please join us at these upcoming events this year, as we celebrate what is possible when our community comes together to protect the places we love.
Celebrating our Accomplishments
Blue Grouse Preserve
Boxcar Bend Preserve
Colorado Gulch Preserve
Cowcatcher Ridge Preserve
Draper Wood River Preserve
East Fork Preserve
Howard Preserve
Independence Creek Preserve
Porcupine Creek Preserve
Quigley Farms Conservation Easement
Rinker Rock Creek Preserve
Sellgren Trail Conservation Easement
Simons/Bauer Preserve
Trail Creek Preserve
Valley Creek Preserve
Warm Springs Preserve
Expanding the Hailey Greenway
This spring, thanks to the generosity and support of our community, the Wood River Land Trust was able to add over 30 acres to the Colorado Gulch Preserve.
Through your generosity and unwavering commitment to conservation, we have been able to secure this important addition to the Hailey Greenway, ensuring its preservation for all of us and for future generations.
Our focus now turns towards evaluating the best opportunities for enhancing the habitat as well as the potential for trails and access. Over the coming year, we will be closely observing the land through different seasons, gathering valuable insights to inform our management plan. From winter wildlife closures to carefully directing trails through less sensitive areas, we are dedicated to implementing management strategies that balance the protection of this habitat for wildlife with providing access to our community.
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we invite you to join us on the journey ahead. Whether through volunteering, spreading the word, or contributing to future projects, your support is invaluable in ensuring the long-term preservation of this property and other treasured landscapes throughout the Wood River Valley.
Thank you to all who made this possible!