JACKSON, Wyo. — Students from the Youth Ambassadors for Wilderness program will participate in a panel discussion about their experience in the program and perspectives on public wildland management on Aug. 13 at the Murie Ranch in Moose.
The event will also include a celebration for the 2021 cohort open to the public from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Organized by the Wyoming Wilderness Association the Youth Ambassadors for Wilderness is a program offered to local Teton area high school youth every summer free of charge. The 10-day curriculum is built on the pillars of leadership, advocacy and stewardship, and is designed to inspire the next generation of conservation leaders. After several day hikes and in-classroom work this past week, students are currently on a four-day backpacking trip into the Gros Ventre Wilderness, with the program culminating in the Murie Ranch event.
Wyoming Wilderness Association Associate Director, Peggie dePasquale said, “The next generation deserves a chance to become aware and passionate advocates for their public wildlands, our goal is that all students who participate in the Youth Ambassadors for Wilderness program walk away as just that.”
In partnership with the Bridger-Teton National Forest and several conservation non-profits in the valley, including Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, the students interact and learn from both conservation advocates, elected officials, and a neutral federal land steward, Wilderness Ranger Louie Shahan.
