JACKSON, Wyo. — The Teton Leadership Center and Central Wyoming College invite the community to “Wild Hearts for WildPlaces:Turning Adventure into Action” on Tuesday, Feb. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Teton County Library Ordway Auditorium.

This free event will explore how outdoor professionals and enthusiasts can channel their passion for nature and adventure into meaningful careers and environmental advocacy. With growing threats to public lands and climate policy, outdoor education has never been more critical.

“This isn’t just about careers—it’s about stewardship,” says Sue Muncaster, Executive Director of the Teton Leadership Center. “We’re connecting outdoor skills and passion for nature with activism to empower the next generation of environmental leaders.”

The event is designed for young adults wondering how to enter an outdoor pathway, mid-career pros wondering what’s next after guiding/patrolling/instructing and any outdoor enthusiast wondering how to volunteer or become an ambassador. 

Featured speakers:

  • Abby Warner (Executive Director, Teton Nordic Alliance): Bridging outdoor recreation and stewardship advocacy.
  • Scott Kosiba (Executive Director, Friends of the Bridger-Teton): Mobilizing communities for public land protection.
  • Carl Pelletier (Director, Jackson Hole High School’s Outdoor Recreational Management Program). Engaging youth in outdoor career opportunities, stewardship, and empowering them with skills to turn their passions into a future. 
  • Darran Wells (Professor of Outdoor Education and Leadership, Central Wyoming College): Academic pathways in outdoor education and leadership.

Event highlights:

  • Panel discussion moderated by Sue Muncaster, Executive Director of the Teton Leadership Center
  • Q&A session for attendees to explore career, volunteer, and advocacy opportunities.
  • Networking with local organizations championing environmental causes.

Location and details:

Teton County Library Ordway Auditorium | 125 Virginian Lane, Jackson, WY
Free admission | Light refreshments provided

About the organizers:

The Teton Leadership Center empowers organizational leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to create a sustainable and prosperous future.

Central Wyoming College’s Outdoor Education & Leadership program combines wilderness expeditions, outdoor skills courses, natural history, and a liberal arts curriculum to equip students for a wide variety of outdoor careers. 

Together, they aim to inspire actionable stewardship in a changing political and environmental landscape.