Class of 2025

Jordan Fisher

I've spent the last 7 years working on the business side of conservation, leading and supporting marketing and fundraising efforts for organizations like the National Park Foundation, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace USA, and Access Fund. 

I currently lead The Nature Conservancy's global Digital Marketing. My husband and I moved to Teton Valley in the spring of 2023 to be closer to nature. When I'm not at my desk, you can find me fishing, biking, skiing, climbing or on the couch with a good book or my latest knitting project. I'm thrilled to join the Class of 2025 to learn more about the natural ecosystems of Teton Valley and give back to the community.

Linda Edson

Hi fellow naturalists,

I’m a retired Elementary school teacher - both traditional and Montessori- who has always  used the outdoors as a classroom. I also was very involved in our local Nature Center in Pittsburgh near where we used to live.

Living here now in our beautiful Teton Valley, I enjoy hiking, bird watching, fishing, kayaking, skiing, basically everything in the Valley! I also volunteer at the Teton Valley Food Pantry. I am really looking forward to learning much more about our Valley and all that grows here - and being able to give back. Thank you for this opportunity!

Nancy Gail Peterson

I moved to Driggs in 1978. In 1994 I co-founded Family Safety Network. Currently I garden a lot, kayak flat water, ski xc and lift assist. I volunteer with Pierre’s Pedal Project, coordinating the Spin Again loaner exercise bikes. 

Heidi Blischke

I’m a retired hydrogeologist that worked for consulting firms and Oregon DEQ doing primarily environmental cleanup projects in the Northwest.  I’ve lived in Teton Valley full time since 2015.  I enjoy most outdoor activities.  Recently I completed development of a groundwater/surface water model for the upper Teton River Watershed as in-kind services for a Henry’s Fork Foundation WaterSMART Grant. 

I am interested in the Master Naturalist Program to learn about the flora and fauna in the area and have another way to give back to the community through volunteer work.

Pam Muncaster-Ney

My name is Pam Muncaster. I live in Teton Valley with my husband Rick. I am a registered nurse who was raised to love and respect the outdoors. I have 3 grown children and 2 pups who share my love of Mother Earth. I enjoy many activities which get me outside, no matter the season, to enjoy the beauty of our unique valley. I strive to be a good steward of our natural resources and am excited to be part of a program that will increase my knowledge and awareness of our ecosystem and allow me to actively participate in projects which support the conservation of the Teton Basin.

Rick Ney

Growing up outside of Denver, I always cherished the breathtaking view of the Rocky Mountains from our family home. As a family we did not spend much time in nature, opting for museums, galleries, theater and symphonies.  It wasn’t until I met Pam and became a parent that I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors. Sharing those magical moments in nature with our children has strengthened our family bonds in ways I could never have imagined. The times I share the outdoors with our family are magical and have enhanced our relationships. I am a semi-retired Colorado high school art/photography teacher.  I currently work with both national and local non-profits doing photography based projects. I also enjoy stepping in as a substitute teacher at Alta elementary school. After spending more than 20 years visiting family in Teton Valley, Pam and I finally made the decision to move here in the summer of 2021.  I'm eagerly looking forward to further immersing myself in the natural environment, satisfying my curiosity, and contributing to the community.

Kelley Cooper

I’ve been coming to Teton Valley for 20 years now, to visit my mom, and finally moved here a year ago. Grew up in Ketchum and spent summers in the woods, the Sawtooths, Pioneers and White Cloud Mtns. backpacking, and reveling in the recuperative forces of nature. My mother worked for Nature Conservancy for years and I watched as the issues unfolded; migration routes south of the Pioneer Mtns., clean water issues at Silver Creek, ranch easements for rejuvenated riparian areas, etc. 

Since moving here, I’ve noticed I grit my teeth when I hear what happened to a wolf in Wyoming, or a wolf den in Yellowstone, or my mother’s neighbor's triumphant show of the pelts of 2 wolf packs, killed by himself; 'shoot, shovel and shut-up', seems to be the going attitude around these parts. I asked myself, why not get educated on what’s going on in the natural world around here?;  instead of getting mad, get informed. And in so doing I might be able to contribute for the good of the community that has now become mine.

River Osborn

I’m a born and raised Rocky Mountain gal, originally from Salt Lake City. I moved to Teton Valley in 2006 straight out of college for an internship with Wyoming Game and Fish. Though no longer professionally working in the sciences, it remains close to my heart.  I balance professional pursuits with a deep love for travel and adventure, all while managing the joyful chaos of wrangling three teenagers and our family dog, Roger. I’m taking this class to honor my commitment to being a lifelong learner and to shake the dust off my Ecology degree.

Other notables include: Botany and fire ecology enthusiast, avid crossword puzzler and Wordle devotee, and Oula Fitness dance instructor. 

Lynn Grams

After living, working and raising a family in Alaska for 43 years, last summer I decided to move to Driggs and arrived at the end of October last year. In Alaska, I worked for Alaska State Parks, National Parks Conservation Association, and Alaska Geographic bookstore, the store associated with the Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve visitor center.

I'm really looking forward to learning more about this area and volunteering for public lands.

Claire Brandhorst

Hello! My name is Claire, and I’ve lived in Teton Valley for a few years now by way of Colorado and Washington, though I’m originally from Massachusetts. Growing up, I loved being in and learning about nature, which lead to me majoring in Geology in college. While I work as a baker, much of my life is still lived outside and I have a deep passion for learning about the natural world around me. I’m excited to continue my education through the IMNP! 

Liz Covairt

My husband and I fell in love with Teton Valley after discovering Grand Targhee’s abundant snowfall and uncrowded slopes. We returned for summer mountain biking and were hooked. Four years ago, we made the permanent move and never looked back. I am excited to learn more about the ecosystems, animals, and plants as well as the organizations helping to preserve and protect the natural beauty that surrounds us. I am a retired Air Force meteorologist, avid cyclist, snowboarder, and art lover who dabbles in landscape painting. I am looking forward to getting involved with other like minded community members. 

Caitie Quinn

Hi! I've been rambling around outside since I was a young kid in the woods of Maine. I have a degree in Conservation Biology and have worked, lived, and played outdoors...forever! I enjoy learning about the natural world and how things are connected and am so excited to continue my education about the GYE and create new connections within our community. When I'm not working for Teton Valley Trails and Pathways, I'm generally outside on two wheels or two skis. I love winter, kites, other people's dogs, Scrabble, and savory baked goods.

Barb Frank

I am a retired professor from Idaho State University (my degree is in biochemistry). Steve and I moved to Driggs full-time from Idaho Falls a few years ago. I enjoy many outdoor activities and learning about the natural world. I look forward to learning more about the ecology and biology of this area and volunteering on projects that directly enhance the beauty of the Greater Yellowstone ecosystem.  

Steve Frank

Barb and I have lived in eastern Idaho for many years where we raised our two sons. I am retired from the Idaho National Laboratory where I was employed as a chemist. We do about anything outdoors and look forward to learning and volunteering with the IMN program. 

Eric Blischke

My name is Eric Blischke.  I am a retired environmental scientist who has been living in Teton Valley full time since 2015.  I was drawn to Teton Valley by the magic of the natural world that surrounds us and the many recreational opportunities that exist.  I feel very fortunate to live within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where I am able to hike, ski, bike, boat and bird in and around the Teton Mountains.  I am excited to learn more about the plants and animals that inhabit this area and the mountains and other geological features that define our region. 

Dawn Smith

Originally from Maryland, I spent the past 35 years in rocky mountain ski towns and developed a connection to the mountain environment through recreation and work with sustainable development and construction.  While in Breckenridge, I became involved in local government planning and continued my involvement in Bozeman, Big Sky and now Driggs.  I spend free time skiing, mountain biking, hiking, camping and enjoying the natural environment. A personal goal is for governments and citizens to prioritize and protect the natural environment, reduce CO2 emissions, provide a healthy environment for humans and wildlife and support a stable economy.  I believe that education, awareness and personal connection are the pathways to achieving a community that contributes to and benefits from the whole.  

Barb Beller

John Beller