Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Park SCA Alumni Gathering

   The weekend started for many with their drive through Yellowstone National Park.  For some it was a return to their old home, and for others it was a new experience altogether.

   The event was kicked off Sunday with an all-day tour of Yellowstone National Park guided by Yellowstone’s Supervisory Park Ranger, Steve Sarles.  While Sarles and SCA alum Emily Lawlor kept the group well entertained and educated during the drive, other alum added to the tour with their own unique knowledge of Yellowstone.  

   After the eventful tour that happened on Sunday, some people just couldn’t get enough of the wildlife of Yellowstone and got up early Monday morning to go to Lemar Valley, a popular area for wolf watching.  Mid-morning, 20 SCA alumni and staff joined Yellowstone employees to do trail work on the popular Bunsen Peak Trail, south of Mammoth.  Although the work day was short, participants saw the fruits of their labor by the end of the day as water bars, check dams, and trail brushing were completed for a good portion of the trail. 

   So dedicated to their work, volunteers took only minutes to clean up at camp before the evening program.  Inspiring and passionate speeches were given by SCA founder Liz Putnam, Deputy Superintendent for Yellowstone National Park Colin Campbell, SCA Executive Vice President for Strategic Planning and Development Valerie Bailey as well as Executive Vice President for Western Initiatives Jay Satz.  The Spirit of SCA award was also bestowed upon David McEvoy for his continued leadership, concern for the preservation and conservation of natural resources, and his use of his SCA experience as a pivotal point in his life.  

   The evening was welcomed in after a long day.  Dinner was provided from a favorite local establishment and festivities ended late in the evening with a campfire talk between alumni and Liz Putnam.

   The final day was in Grand Teton National Park where park staff, including many SCA alumni, welcomed Liz, SCA staff, and a few of the SCA alumni that joined us in Yellowstone.  Suzanne McDonald of the Grand Teton National Park staff organized a reception for SCA at the new visitor's center in Moose, WY.  Grand Teton National Park as a founding partner of SCA was a prominent and important theme during the day.  Once again Liz and Valerie gave passionate speeches about SCA's history and future.  Park Superintendent Mary Gibson Scott congratulated SCA on the 50th Anniversary and spoke to the continued partnership.  After the reception the group headed to Jackson, WY for a group lunch.  This was the final gathering in a very exciting weekend.