This summer, a few of our corporate supporters went above and beyond in their commitment to Grand Teton National Park by shutting down their offices and trading their keyboards for hand-saws and clippers. A day of trail work in Grand Teton is always challenging, but the reward of creating a lasting impact on the park makes it worth the effort. Both J. Singleton Financial—Raymond James and Grand Teton Lodge Company made substantial progress on trails in Grand Teton that needed some extra attention. We want to thank both partners for their important work to enhance GTNP!
J. Singleton Financial
The Raymond James Corporation and independent Raymond James offices provide annual support to many non-profit organizations throughout the world. During the month of August, Raymond James encourages its offices to focus on their local communities with hands-on involvement with a local organization under a program called “Raymond James Cares.” This year, the J Singleton Financial office in Jackson Hole selected Grand Teton National Park as their Raymond James Cares volunteer event. Judy Singleton, President of J Singleton Financial, has been a long-time supporter of the park and is working closely with the Jenny Lake Trail Program, so this was an easy fit for the team.
The J Singleton Financial-Raymond James team in Grand Teton.
On August 27th, the J Singleton Financial-Raymond James team put on their work boots and made their way to the east side trail along String Lake in Grand Teton National Park. Team members worked closely with GTNP Volunteer Coordinator, Angela Timby, hoisting clippers, hand saws and hack saws to widen the horse and hiking trail along the lake. The trails had become overgrown with brush and tree limbs creating hazards for hikers, horses and horseman. They worked to clear an 8 foot wide corridor along the trail removing limbs, bushes, ground cover, dead branches and smaller trees. The team hauled away armfuls of cuttings and was amazed by the results of their labor!
Grand Teton Lodge Company
Grand Teton Lodge Company (GTLC) has been actively volunteering in Grand Teton National Park (GTNP) all summer. Every year, GTLC sets a goal of 2000 volunteer hours for their employees. This summer GTLC had employee volunteers from every property in the park: Jenny Lake Lodge, Jackson Lake Lodge, Colter Bay Village, and Headwaters Lodge & Cabins at Flagg Ranch. Volunteers have come from virtually every department including line level employees to senior management.
The group from GTLC enjoying the view from their job-site in Grand Teton.
Each Thursday since mid-July, GTLC has had between 2 and 15 employees assisting with trail brushing and clearing at various locations in GTNP. The park service selected projects based upon need. Throughout the summer, GTLC employees have assisted with the trail around Emma Matilda Lake near Jackson Lake Lodge. Volunteers also had the opportunity to work on the trail leading to Phelps Lake, which is a favorite among many staff members, and the trail circling Jenny Lake, which is a very popular for many Jackson locals and visitors.
GTLC celebrated their commitment to enhance Grand Teton through volunteerism this past Saturday by participating in Vail Resorts’ annual Echo Day on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Vail Resorts’ Echo Day is in its fifth season and is a one-day, employee volunteer event that features a service project in each of the resort’s communities. This year’s Echo Day volunteer project included trail restoration at Blacktail Butte and invasive species removal along Antelope Flats. GTLC had a total of 31 local resort employees participate in this culminating event.