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The Trip

The Bob Marshall Wilderness ("The Bob") is 1.5 million acres of federally designated wilderness. This system of lands, considered by many to be the crown jewel, provides clean air, water, and habitat critical for rare and endangered plants and animals. We'll be working with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, and this will be their first multigenerational trip. Technically, we will be working just outside of the Bob Marshall Wilderness, but it's possible to enjoy the Wilderness on days off, as well as pre- and post-trip. Straddling the Continental Divide, "the Bob" is comprised of towering limestone reefs (including the famous Chinese Wall), majestic mountains, lush forests, broad basins and valleys, and two Wild and Scenic rivers. It also is home to the best wildlife habitat in in the Lower 48 for elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black bear, and the threatened grizzly bear.

The Project

This trip welcomes young participants, ages 10 & up to bring along their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc. to help us all enjoy the benefits of exploring. This front-country project will be working out of the West Fork of the Teton River trailhead with access to the West Fork Cabin for cooking. There are a number of trails in this area that access the wilderness and we will be concentrating on rehabbing these trails. Work will be improving drainage, spot treadwork, brushing, and hand-pulling noxious weeds (for all you gardeners).

Itinerary

Participants will arrive on Sunday, July 1, with the first meal being Sunday dinner. Monday and Tuesday will be work days, and we may need to carpool daily to the worksite. Wednesday will be a free day to explore the wilderness and other areas. Thursday and Friday will again be work days. On Saturday we will depart after breakfast and our goodbyes.

Getting There

Participants are responsible for getting themselves to and from our campsite. Specific directions to our campsite will be included in a later mailing. The nearest airport is Great Falls, 100 miles away (a two-hour drive). Amtrak also goes to East Glacier. We are near Choteau, MT if you are considering driving. There is no public transportation available.

Accommodations and Food

We will be camping in the West Fork of the Teton River trailhead. Detailed directions will be sent in a later mailing. We will have access to the West Fork Cabin for cooking. We will be using vault toilets (outhouses). Come with an attitude that food is part of the adventure. Meals will be varied and are sure to please all. Our chef Luanne loves these trips, and prepares excellent menus and very tasty food. She will be sending a food survey to participants to learn appetite size, allergies, etc. If you do have allergies of any kind, be sure to include that on your Participant Approval & Medical forms. Participants all get to take their turn at being sous chefs to get firsthand experience in the kitchen. We will be in bear (both black & grizzly) territory so it will be necessary to practice backcountry food containment. Having access to a cabin for food storage and preparation will be especially helpful. Bears tend to shy away from humans, especially in groups. We will receive bear training from our rangers. They will also be carrying pepper spray. Daytime temperatures can reach high 80s with nighttime in the 40s.

Trip Difficulty

All participants work at their own pace -- after all, this is your vacation. All participants should be in good physical condition so we heartily recommend a conditioning program many months before this trip. There will be lifting, using hand tools, moving rocks, etc. Participants should be prepared for a possible two- to six-mile hike, over rough terrain, with elevation to the work project, carrying a day pack that contains rain gear, hat, lunch, water, tools, etc. Our rangers will train us in tool safety and how to safely use these tools.

Equipment and Clothing

Don't forget the camera. Dressing in layers will allow you to be comfortable. Long-sleeved shirts; long pants; over-the-ankle, sturdy, waterproof hiking boots; and rainproof (not resistant) jacket and pants are a must. Also two pairs of leather work gloves, Tupperware-type container with lid, cup, eating utensils, two water bottles, small hand sanitizer, and first-aid kit will be needed. A backpack to carry lunch, water, rain gear, etc. to our work project will also be needed. Participants are also responsible for tent, ground cover, sleeping bag & pad. A detailed equipment list will also be sent in a later mailing.

References

Check out their website, bmwf.org, for additional trail guides, topo maps and other info. You will have a day off, probably mid-week, to explore the area. Because we are at elevation, we also encourage arriving early to acclimate as well as explore this beautiful National Wilderness Preservation system.

Conservation

We will practice Leave No Trace procedures. We also will recycle, reduce waste, and learn to protect our backcountry spaces. If families can share tents, that will also help. The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources, both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff and encourages grassroots involvements. Our outings seek to empower participants toward greater understanding, advocacy, and participation in the goals of the Club.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Leader:

Linda Gerdenich is a semi-retired Public Relations Director, avid skier, cyclist, hiker and, most of all, proud grandmother of six. Living in Aspen affords wonderful cultural and outdoor opportunities for this retired ballerina who still takes twice weekly ballet classes. Leading family service trips, for more than 15 years, is a great joy since it allows us adults to learn so much from our younger trip participants.

E-mail: AspenLinda@gmail.com

Cook:

Luanne Nyberg is chef extraordinaire. She loves to cook (ask her about her great pickle sampling event), is an avid organic gardener and a lover of grandchildren, travel, and the outdoors. Recently retired from public service, this native Minnesotan has led or cooked a number of Sierra Club Service trips.

E-mail: lulu4050@gmail.com

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners