Amanda Gardner

Executive Director of White Clouds Preserve

East Fork Salmon River, Idaho

September 17, 2024

“Hungry & Out of Work? Eat an Environmentalist.”

Amanda Gardener found this welcoming sticker at the transfer station shortly after she moved to Custer County, Idaho. It was obvious to Amanda that ranchers in the area were not throwing their doors open for the environmentalist movement.

Amanda is the Executive Director of White Clouds Preserve, a nonprofit organization focused on stewardship, education and community connection in rural Idaho. We stayed on the property for a couple of days before getting to speak with Amanda, and we were overflowing with curiosity about the preserve. The lodge we stayed at sits above the East Fork Salmon River, along a valley bottom surrounded by mountains. White Clouds works to host a range of wildlife- elk, coyotes, salmon, to name a few. They also host organizations like Americorps and other education groups who stay at the lodge for retreats. The preserve is a small spark of conservation embedded within a vast expanse of cattle ranching.

Amanda wears many hats in her community and has used those connections to build the perception of the preserve, and even make a few friends. Amanda started working at the local bar to meet people in her community in a casual setting. She is also one of three full time employees of the Custer county fire department.

As we’re sitting in the chair circle (chircle) and saying goodbye to Amanda, a silver truck pulling a horse trailer rolls across the side of the valley. Amanda waves. It’s Justin, her ranching neighbor, and she's certain he is waving back.

by Annika Schwartz