Leslie’s column

I continue to be fascinated by the people I meet when I travel around the country. They care deeply about Grand Teton and a trip to Wyoming is their ultimate escape; the place where they can truly catch their breath before tackling life again. I’ve lived a few miles from the park for nearly twenty years, and like so many of the local park lovers I know, I’m still struck by Grand Teton’s incredible appeal. For everyone who dreams about the next good hike or the park’s stunning scenery during the morning commute, these mountains provide some of the best moments life has to offer.

One of my favorite park friends lived on the East Coast for most of the year but always had her heart firmly planted in the Tetons. Deborah Howell passed away last winter, and I thought of her and her husband often this summer as I explored the trails they’d hiked together. She was an amazing woman who thrived on reporting a good story, and she will long be revered in the newspaper world. Deborah remembered the Foundation in her will; her presence and kindness will be felt here, too, for a long time to come.


Estate planning is one of many ways our donors are assuring the park will have a bright future and its unique features will be accessible for everyone. In the six years I’ve been with the Foundation, I’ve watched our network of friends continue to grow as more people acknowledge the challenges parks face and choose to improve education, trails, and the experience of millions of people. With our most ambitious project coming to an end this spring—the completion of the visitor center—we’ll not only toast the auditorium’s opening, we’ll celebrating the people who love this park. Thank you all for making a difference in Grand Teton!