Class of 2025

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.

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!

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. 

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.

Barb Beller

Nancy Gail Peterson

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. 

John Beller