Volunteer & Packer of the Year: 2024
We love our volunteers! Each year we’re thrilled to recognize a couple of the hardworking folks who go above and beyond for the Bob.
TRAIL DAWG OF THE YEAR: Steven Mahan
Steve was a first-time volunteer on our National Trails Day project this spring. He went on to register for three more projects to keep giving back to the Bob all summer!
What drew you to volunteering with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation?
Since moving to Flathead Valley, I have spent most of my time exploring in Glacier National Park. After doing a little of my own online research and reading a few books about people that helped shape The Bob, I decided it would be a cool place to explore. I did a few short hikes off Hwy 2 and decided I wanted to try my hand at volunteering with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation to dip my toe in the water for a new experience and adventure. National Trails Day was my first volunteer outing. I spent one full day on Tunnel Creek trail with a large group of volunteers and quite a few of the crew leaders. They introduced me to the tools of trade, and I enjoyed my time immensely. This wouldn’t be my last trip.
What has been your most memorable experience in The Bob this past year?
It would be hard for me to single out a most memorable experience as each trip I volunteered for had very different goals to achieve. But if I had to pick one, it would be the experience of traveling to the front range, car camping at the South Fork Campground, and clearing the trail to Deadman Hill. The food that was prepared by our crew leader, Francie, was outstanding. Her knowledge of what needed to be done and exactly how to do it was second to none. Also, the other volunteers on the trip were fun to get to know. Every single person had a great attitude and was willing to put in the hard work needed to complete our task. The campfire on the 2nd night when a winter storm was approaching was the perfect way to end a fulfilling day!
What piece of advice would you give to someone who is thinking about volunteering, but might not have much outdoor experience?
I suggest you start out like I did: a one-day trip to see what fun you have been missing. All the crew leaders I have met are knowledgeable, patient, and take the time to teach you how to use all the different tools that are needed and what should be done to complete the work in a safe manner. One could then take a trip that has car camping to even get a better feel for how things work. The Crew leaders and the volunteers are all there to help each other out. It’s all for one and one for all mentality. The hard work you put in and the friends you make along the way will have you coming back for more next season. I can’t wait until the new trips are listed in March or April
Do you have a favorite place in The Bob? If so, where?
I feel I haven’t even scratched the surface of exploring the Bob Marshall Complex. Clearing and hiking the trail to the top of Deadman Hill was top notch. The surrounding views were breathtaking. I’m looking forward to heading back over there this summer.
PACKER OF THE YEAR: Boone Jones
In 2024 we convinced Boone to lend his ample experience to our packer apprentices as one of our Master Packers. He came through by packing 13 trips for us, sharing plenty of know-how along the way.
What do you enjoy most about packing for the BMWF?
I like the opportunity to get out into the backcountry and I really enjoy the people I get to work alongside. The people and the locations make it great.
Do you remember a favorite trip you packed? If so, tell us a little about it.
I loved all of them. (Boone packed a trip into Green Forks in June when it was 28 degrees and snowing all day, and in July he packed a trip when it was 100 degrees and smoky. When asked, “You even loved those trips? You had to have been miserable and uncomfortable.” Boone replied in his jolly attitude, “Well, yes. I was outside doing what I loved and happy to be there, so yes, I loved those trips too.”)
How did you get into packing?
I grew up doing it. I grew up in Salmon, Idaho, and then we moved to the Flathead when I was 12. My parents used to take us kids out on pack trips then I got jobs working for outfitters. I worked for 'Big River Meadows Outfitting' in the Great Bear for a while, I recently retired from packing for the NPS in Olympic National Park. My wife is my first love; packing is my second.
Any advice for new packers?
Just get doing it. You can't learn it if you don't start somewhere and do it. You will go broke doing it, but if you are doing what you love, you are rich.