| If you're having trouble viewing this email, you may see it online BMWF Early Season Updates | |  Volunteer Adventures have begun! After three weeks of training and one 10-day Pro Hitch, our Crew Leaders started leading volunteers into the field in mid-June. So far, thirteen hardworking crews have rolled up their sleeves and dove into tackling some impressive blowdown, rootballs, and erosion on trails across the Bob.
As expected, our projects are facing a fair number of pivots as things become clearer on the ground. Many trips have had to change locations to where the Forest Service needs us the most. Please be prepared to be extra flexible this year if you're joining us in the Bob!
As always, this work is only possible thanks to all of you who contributed to the successful launch of another field season – THANK YOU!! We hope you have a happy and safe 4th of July weekend enjoying the best parts of the USA: our public lands and wild places. | | June Project Spotlight: Giefer Creek | | Over three days, this crew of eight volunteers cleared the entire Snake Loop trail #660, including more than 100 trees and plenty of brush from the corridor. This 5-mile loop is a lovely, quiet day hike along the Hwy 2 corridor that's now open and accessible thanks to these dedicated folks.
From one of our volunteers: "We separated into two groups and I spent the 3 days on Ellie's team. She was a wonderful teacher in the use of the saws and tools. Ellie also made the trip a better experience because of her willingness to support and cheer us on during sawing (crosscut and limbing) especially – I actually felt my 'skills' improve! She also stuck with me while hiking up to the pass as I'm a slower hiker. She made me feel part of the team. I am very grateful for the experience!"
Thanks so much to this group and ALL of our volunteers for donating their time and sweat equity to give back to the Bob! | | 2026 T-Shirts Have Arrived! | | We're so excited to share our fresh 2026 shirt design, courtesy of Whitefish-based artist Tarek Penser. Tarek created this handcarved linocut print of Granite Cabin inspired by his Artist Wilderness Connection residency in the Bob last summer.
We've also restocked mostly everything and added new designs in longsleeve sunshirts, new colors in toddler tees and onesies, and brought back dad hats. Just in time to gear up for your summer adventures!
Shop the full Bob Shop at bmwf.org/shop | | Are you visiting Big Prairie or Schafer Meadows this summer? We hope you'll grab a BMWF postcard to mail to your loved ones straight from the Bob! We've stocked both backcountry Ranger Stations with a series of postcards. When you write a note and address the pre-stamped cards, they will be carried out of the woods by horse and mule train to reach their destination.
This is one simple way that BMWF is hoping to engage the public in conveying just how special this place is. By sharing the tales of your adventures with your friends and family across the country, you help more people care about its stewardship and conservation. Thank you for helping us tell the Bob's story! | | Volunteers: Log Your Hours for America Gives | |  This summer, you can log your volunteer hours at america250.org/america-gives/ to honor our nation's 250th anniversary with a historic year of service. At the end of the year, they'll draw 250 winners from the volunteer pool who will choose an organization to dedicate a donation to.
This is a super simple, yet powerful way to represent this incredible community who gives so much to the Bob. THANK YOU for joining us out there! | | Community Events Join us at these fun upcoming events – and make sure to stop by our Bob Booth to say hey! Click each image to learn more. | | Great Fish Community Challenge: Save the Dates! | | We're so excited to have been accepted to participate in the Great Fish Community Challenge again from August 11th-September 11th. This valley-wide giving campaign is incredibly impactful for BMWF as well as the 80+ local non-profits who are part of it – this is a huge force for good in our community!
Volunteers are needed to help with the Launch Party on Tuesday, August 11th at Glacier Bank Park! Contact Laura Abernethy at laura@whitefishcommunityfoundation.org for more info and to sign up. | | Planning a Trip in the Bob? | | It's always good have a solid plan before heading into the backcountry – but this year's level of blowdown makes it especially important to have a plan B and C depending on what you encounter on the ground.
Make sure to check the Forest Service's interactive map and current trail reports on our website before your next adventure! We also highly recommend contacting the relevant Ranger District(s) directly for the most up-to-date info.
Learn more at bmwf.org/trails | | | |  |
