None The Nature Conservancy in Wyoming Press Releases Search All Press Releases Pam Dewell Phone: (307) 335-2133 E-mail: pdewell@tnc.org

Tensleep Preserve’s 10th Anniversary

Tensleep Ranch, WY — October 1, 2001 — Faced with limestone and hand-coped logs and surrounded by conifers and sandstone ledges, the new Learning Center Lodge at the Tensleep Preserve opened its doors this summer in time to celebrate the preserve's tenth birthday. Nearly 250 supporters joined Conservancy staff for tours, hikes, games, a BBQ supper and an evening of dancing at the June Dedication Day celebration.

The opening of the Learning Center Lodge marks the beginning of a new era for Tensleep. The preserve is now capable of providing a greater variety of programs to a wider audience than ever before. This past summer, these programs ranged from conservation projects focused on bats, raptors, birds and forest ecology, to natural history programs on wildflowers, geology and a sense of place. With its energy-efficient design and creative use of salvaged materials, the Lodge has garnered a significant amount of publicity, and has, consequently, won over the hearts of local residents.

We would like to thank Phil Shephard and Ann Humphrey for their nine years of service to the Tensleep Preserve. Both Phil and Ann contributed an immense amount of time and energy towards maintaining and enhancing the preserve. We wish them well as Phil continues his work with the Conservancy’s Oregon Chapter. Assistant Preserve Manager, McRee Anderson, and Programs Coordinator, Chandra Dow, will be taking over for Phil and Ann.