As a small acreage farmer in the Portneuf Valley, I have spent the last several weeks buzzing from one task to the other, getting the farm ready for the season. When stopping to take in my surroundings, I enjoy the contrast of snow melting on the peaks into green foothills. The coming of spring brings a certain sense of change and new growth to my bones and I grow giddy with anticipation for all things blooming. I love this corner of the world and my roots here are deep. Like many of you, I grew up in these mountains, scrambled around on these cliffs, fished along these rivers and skied along these ridges. And now, as I dig my toes into the freshly turned soil | and plant my spinach seeds, I find great peace in working to grow good food for this Valley.
I am thrilled to be a new board member on the SSRLT. My interest in the conservation of this region goes beyond aesthetics. My dedication for the conservation and protection of southeast Idaho is rooted to the quality of life so many of us treasure. It is the very heart of this amazing region. The sense of place so many of us feel as we buzz around day to day, taking joy in living in a place that still fulfills our senses. We don’t have to travel hours on end to seek solitude, watch in awe as the red tailed hawk soars in the thermals above, or feel that high desert wind on our cheeks. It is right out our back doors. And yet, this place we call home is still so vulnerable. With this lies my commitment to you, the Land Trust, and a call to action for all of us.
Our land is at risk, our watersheds, wildlife habitat, and working lands are in jeopardy, and our quality of life--the heart beating through this region’is being swiftly gobbled and transformed irreversibly. The time is ripe to work with one another to conserve and protect our lands through Southeast Idaho. By working together with landowners, community organizations, and others committed to good stewardship, we have the chance to protect this region and the lands we all love and enjoy. Thanks for your support of your local Land Trust. I hope to see you at our spring and summer events! |
