by Caroline Clawson, development assistant
On June 26th The Nature Conservancy and Wood River Land Trust hosted a community hoedown at the red barn in Rock Creek Canyon. We came together to celebrate an exciting protection success that will permanently protect the 10,400-acre Rock Creek property in the Wood River Valley.
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Rock Creek
landscape © Caroline Clawson
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Homesteaders (the Stewart family and the Schmidt family) living
on the land in the 1920s and 30s, along with some of their family members, joined
as to celebrate and were honored during the festivities. It was profound to see
the pride that showed on their faces knowing that one of the largest remaining
parcels in our valley will be protected for perpetuity.
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Rock Creek
homesteaders and family © DJ Muehle
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Collaboration between partners such as the Conservancy, Wood
River Land Trust, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and private
landowners such as the Rinker family, will enhance the protection of habitat
for sage grouse and other wildlife by creating large swaths of protected and
connected land, while leaving the land accessible for recreation and public
access.
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Nick and
Sharon Purdy with Toni Hardesty © DJ Muehle
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Hoedown
highlights:
- Toni Hardesty, Idaho State Director lassoing a steer-roping dummy
- Trying my hand at hatchet target practice; it’s harder than it looks
- Enjoying the music of the Kim Stocking Band with supporters
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Enjoying the
music © Sunny Healey
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- Dining on baked beans served from an old-fashioned dutch oven
- Seeing two moose in a long trot through the field next to the barn as the sky filled with colorful sunset
As I enjoyed the evening, I realized the lasting value of this
accomplishment. For the years to come Rock Creek will be special place for both
nature and people. Protection of this magnitude humbles me and makes the
day-to-day work that I do meaningful.
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