My name is Jayden Rehwalt (she/her). I live in Boise, where I’m a senior at Boise State University studying Environmental Studies. I work as an undergraduate research assistant for Dr. Libby Lunstrum on an Indigenous-led ecological restoration project. I also love traveling! At the time of writing this I am on a trip backpacking through Norway.
I first learned about the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) during my junior year of high school when I was looking for ways to get involved in local climate action. A friend told me about the Youth Salmon Protectors (YSP) group, which was focused on advocating for the removal of the lower Snake River dams to save Idaho’s salmon populations. I was immediately hooked.
Not only was it inspiring to meet a group of peers who shared my values, but I also felt empowered knowing my voice could make a difference. I made lasting friendships and started to feel like I was part of a movement bigger than myself. It was through this work that I discovered ICL’s broader mission to protect Idaho’s environment, which motivated me to stay engaged. I was struck by how much the organization’s mission resonated with my own values.
I’ve lived in Idaho my entire life, and so has my family for generations. My upbringing on the whitewater of Idaho’s rivers and the open rangelands of my grandfather’s ranch gave me a deep appreciation for this state’s unique beauty and the traditions that come with it. Those experiences have shaped who I am and made me realize how important it is to protect Idaho’s natural spaces for future generations.
ICL’s work to conserve these landscapes felt like an extension of my own love for this state. Becoming a member allowed me to give back and support an organization that’s working tirelessly to ensure Idaho remains the special place I grew up in, a place defined by its wild rivers, open spaces, and vibrant communities.
YSP gave me a community to be a part of and helped me build a voice in advocacy when I needed it most. As students and young people, we aren’t normally given a chance to be a part of the conversation but ICL gave me that chance at a young age.
Being an ICL member gives me the sense that I’m contributing to something much bigger than myself. As a full-time student, it can feel overwhelming to think about tackling large environmental challenges, but being part of ICL means I’m supporting an organization that’s actively working on those issues. Whether it’s protecting public lands, fighting for sustainable energy, or working to save Idaho’s salmon, ICL is making real progress. By supporting their efforts, I feel like I’m helping to build momentum for change, even when I can’t dedicate as much time or resources as I’d like.
Additionally, I love supporting Idaho’s local communities. One of the things I love most about Idaho is its diversity, both in terms of landscapes and communities. Our state has everything from pristine rivers and rugged mountains to rolling farmlands and the sagebrush steppe. I feel lucky to have grown up surrounded by so much natural beauty.
But it’s not just the landscapes that make Idaho special. It’s the people. Idahoans have a strong sense of community, and I’ve seen that kindness and resilience firsthand throughout my life. Whether it’s neighbors helping each other out or communities coming together to tackle challenges, there’s a shared sense of responsibility that I admire deeply.
For the future, I hope Idaho can continue to grow while preserving the things that make it unique. That means protecting our natural spaces and embracing solutions to challenges like climate change in ways that benefit all Idahoans. I want future generations to experience the same connection to this state that I’ve had, the freedom to explore its rivers, hike its mountains, and be part of its incredible communities.
My biggest piece of advice is to start talking to people. Many of the opportunities I’ve had, like joining YSP, came from conversations with friends or peers. Don’t be afraid to try something new or step outside your comfort zone, you never know where it might lead. Conservation is a broad field, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who just cares about protecting the environment there’s a seat at the table for everyone. Our shared love for conservation bonds us together and it’s always so fun to see new people getting involved on the issues that they are passionate about.
ICL has been a huge part of my journey. In high school, YSP gave me direction and purpose. This past summer, I worked as an Andrus Scholar and saw firsthand the dedication and passion of the people at ICL. That experience inspired me and gave me the tools to pursue a career in environmental advocacy. I’m so grateful to ICL for helping me hone my skills and align my passions with meaningful action, especially as I am moving into building a career in this field.