Local Students Give Back to Open Space

This year, students across the valley have shown their commitment to conservation by supporting Jackson Hole Land Trust’s community open spaces through grants, crowdfunding, and volunteering. Through both the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program and the Jackson Hole Middle School Sustainability Club, we’ve seen how students are more invested than ever in supporting access to open space in our community.

Forty local high school students from five different schools chose to award a grant to R Park as part of the Community Foundation’s Youth Philanthropy program. After carefully reviewing the grant application, which included a written statement and a video, a student committee granted $3,000 towards a vital water infrastructure maintenance project at the park. The grant partially funded a siphon clean-out that improved Snake River water flow into R Pond. The siphon clean-out required specialized hydro-vacuum equipment to clear debris from the siphon conveyance that connects the R Pond to the adjacent Snake River. By including students in the decision-making process, they demonstrated their interest in prioritizing the wellbeing of R Park to the benefit of our community.

The Jackson Hole Middle School Sustainability Club has also partnered with the JHLT to support community conservation, with a $2,000 fundraising goal. Spearheaded by the two eighth-grade leaders, Lily Heineken and Jacque Miele, club members made an educational video at R Park to enhance their campaign. They further collaborated with JHLT staff to establish an online fundraising page and QR codes for their posters. Additionally, on Earth Day, students from the club rallied at High School Butte for an hour of trash pick-up and property stewardship.

The JHLT is thrilled to have support for R Park from local students. The engagement of young people in our community highlights the importance of open space connection across all generations. Please join these local students in supporting the future of R Park.