If you take a look at our programs over the past year, you’ll notice one trait they all have in common. That trait is volunteer participation. Every education, outdoor recreation, or fundraising event involves community participation at each level. Some volunteers stand out especially brightly.
That’s why we take the time to spotlight those that give back to the Scotchmans in our Volunteer Spotlight.
This winter has been defined by one volunteer in particular: Juli Thurston. Juli has been involved with each and every program the Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness have hosted over the colder months. She was an integral part of our remote Winter Tracks curriculum, leading lessons on identifying animal tracks for all three virtual events. Her lessons incorporated concrete information, personal stories, and plenty of student input. The next time a 5th grader from Bonner, Lincoln or Sanders county shouts out the name of an animal track along the trail, Juli just might be to thank.
Juli’s passion for saving the wild Scotchman’s doesn’t end with youth. She led multiple winter hikes into the Scotchmans for folks of all ages. She has also already signed up to lead not one, not two, not three, but four hikes over the summer as well! You can sign up for her hikes on our website. Act fast though, hers are often the first to fill up.
When she’s not out on the trail, Juli plays a pivotal role in the Sanders County community as an Extension Agent with Montana State University. She has also been an FSPW board member since January 2021 where she has helped to coordinate events like the Incredibly Wild Online Auction.
Thank you Juli for dedicating so much time to sharing your love of the outdoors with others!
