Idaho Trails Association is teaming up with Two Wolf Foundation for a women’s veteran trail project in late May, and we are so excited! Two Wolf Foundation was founded in 2022 by Executive Director Brian Flynn, whose own struggles after retirement from military service compelled him to help others going through similar challenges. (You can read more about Brian’s story here, as part of the Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership’s “In the Arena” series.)

Two Wolf’s mission is to serve the veteran community by offering continued support for combat veterans and former first responders seeking purpose and belonging through mobilizing them as teams to work toward the protection, conservation, and sustainment of public lands. They emphasize the elements of connection, service, and growth on their weeklong “missions” that combine an overland travel adventure, camping, and service work ranging from native habitat restoration to trail work. Flynn believes wholeheartedly in the healing power of the natural world, and combining an adventure with service work gives the chance to connect with the land on an intimate level.

Veterans come from all over the country to participate in these missions; Two Wolf raises the funds to eliminate the financial barriers of participation, offering volunteers a lifetime adventure, a chance to serve their public lands, and a chance to grow through connection with nature and with others.

This summer, ITA crew leader Alisa Rettschlag, herself a veteran, will join Two Wolf leaders Natasha and Mandy to lead a group of women on a trail project in Marsh Creek, at the headwaters of the Middle Fork Salmon River. This trip is ITA and Two Wolf’s first women-only veteran’s trip, and we are thrilled to be part of bringing servicemen and women and Idaho’s incredible public lands together.

Interested in being part of a future Two Wolf mission? Contact info@twowolf.org.

If you’ like to join us on an ITA Veteran’s Project, we have open spots on two this year:

2024 Ditch Creek – Veterans – Idaho Trails Association

2024 Yurt Trails Hennessey- Veterans – Idaho Trails Association