The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness family has grown in recent days.
With three new positions filled, the Friends are ready to roll into a great summer — getting people into the Scotchmans – swinging Pulaskis, learning about local flora and fauna and exploring new corners of the Scotchman Peaks.
“We are thrilled to have such a talented and enthusiastic staff this summer,” said Kelsey Maxwell, current staff member at FSPW. “With unique and diverse backgrounds, we know they are going to bring new and exciting ways to get folks out exploring our wild backyard.”
First up is Amy Pearson, a professor and poet inspired by the natural world. As the full-time Northwest Montana coordinator, she’ll direct programs and community events for the Scotchman Peaks-adjacent communities in Montana. Between her Ph.D. in organizational communication, experience as the former president of Montana Wilderness Association’s Flathead Chapter and deep roots in the West as a fifth-generation Montanan – Amy is ready to hit the ground running for FSPW.
Likewise, Patrick Shea has spent several years working for wilderness causes. He grew up in North Carolina, helping his grandfather maintain trails as a volunteer trail adopter. For the last four summers, he’s worked with the Youth Conservation Corp in central Idaho, along the Continental Divide, in Yellowstone, and in North Carolina. From June through August, Patrick will bring his maintenance expertise to Scotchman Peaks trails. This summer, FSPW volunteer crews will improve miles of trails, keeping wilderness open for everyone.
Last but not least, Henry Jorden is already a familiar face to the FSPW family. Previously serving as the Lincoln County outreach coordinator, Henry stepped back to part-time work while pursuing a master’s degree at Columbia University focused on wilderness therapy. This summer, he moves into a new role with the Friends as trail stewardship coordinator. He will oversee FSPW’s robust summer programs including volunteer-led hikes in the Scotchmans and the trail ambassador program — which seeks to keep hikers and goats safe on the trails. With past experience managing FSPW’s winter outdoor education program, Henry will be bringing more family-fun and educational events into the Scotchmans this summer.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting year, and Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness is thrilled to have the right team for the job.
