An interview with Grand Teton National Park Foundation President, Leslie Mattson
In 1997, a small group of advocates gathered together with this intention: “Grand Teton National Park should have a visitor center that rivals its magnificence.”
Ten years and and $25 million later, the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center was built —a state-of-the-art facility funded through a combination of congressional appropriation and private-sector gifts. The project garnered national attention and laid the groundwork for the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Over the years, the Foundation has championed numerous initiatives for park improvements, protection, research, and education. Today, through an array of innovative fundraising efforts, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation has raised more than $50 million for park projects.
On August 25 of 2016, the National Park Service celebrates its centennial birthday, which means it’s a perfect time to honor the impact of the National Park Service. It is also a time to lay the groundwork for continued conservation efforts and park enjoyment in the next 100 years.
To share in the celebration, we bring you the voice of Grand Teton National Park Foundation President Leslie Mattson who not only champions conservation and improvement efforts, but is also a dedicated educator and advocate for the organization.
Happy Birthday to the National Park Service from one of the 307.2 million who delved into your wonders last year.
Leslie Mattson, President Grand Teton National Park Foundation
PRE: Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be involved with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Leslie Mattson: I’m passionate about protecting this area’s beautiful open spaces. I spent 13 years overseeing the Jackson Hole Land Trust and joined the Foundation in 2004. Educating people about National Park support has been a great way to give back to a place that has played a huge role in my life. I want people to care about these special landscapes and be inspired by them.
PRE: Describe some of the primary efforts funded by your organization.
LM: GTNPF funds projects that enhance the Park’s cultural, historic, and natural resources as well as initiatives that improve visitor experiences and engage young people.
On an annual basis, we support wildlife research and protection, youth programs, and historic preservation. We are also approaching the end of a major capital campaign—Inspiring Journeys: A Campaign for Jenny Lake—to improve Grand Teton’s most iconic destination in celebration of the National Park Service centennial on August 25th. This $18 million public-private effort is restoring backcountry trails and front country visitor services for the next 100 years at Jenny Lake.
PRE: What initiatives are you most excited about/working towards in 2016?
LM: Our newest initiative is an effort to raise $23 million by the end of 2016 to help purchase state-owned land that lies in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. The parcel, known as Antelope Flats, is 640 acres and valued at $46 million.
We are working with the Washington DC-based National Park Foundation to raise half of the purchase price by the end of the year. The other half, $23 million, will come from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. If we do not meet our goal, the land could go to auction and has the potential to be developed.
Photo by Ryan Sheets
Elk are just one of many species of wildlife that utilize the Antelope Flats Parcel.
PRE: The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. Can you tell us about your new programming, and how these efforts support the goals set forth in the NPS 2016 Call to Action Plan?
LM: A main focus of the NPS centennial is engaging the next generation of park stewards who reflect the diverse population of the US. To achieve this goal, we are supporting two additional youth programs. Mountains to Main Street Urban Ambassador Program actively engages urban youth through leadership of young adults who are serving as park ambassadors. We also support a Student Conservation Association trail crew that is currently working to improve over 50 miles of trails in the park.
Photo by Elizabeth Koutrelakos
Incredible views on the Hermitage Point trail.
PRE: How can individuals and organizations can contribute to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation?
LM: Individuals and organizations can contribute to the Foundation by supporting a specific program area—like Prugh Real Estate who generously supported our winter grooming program last season—or by giving to our annual fund that helps cover the Foundation’s operations. In addition, individuals and organizations can give in-kind gifts, such as materials for our Jenny Lake renewal project or outdoor gear for our youth trail crew.
PRE: How else can people get involved with your organization?
LM: Get involved with the park. Throughout the summer and fall, there is a community volunteer day each Thursday where people can help improve trails throughout Grand Teton. We also post other activities and events throughout the year on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—follow along for the Foundation’s most up-to-date news.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/gtnpf/?fref=ts
Twitter – https://twitter.com/GrandTetonFdn
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/grandtetonfoundation/
Grand Teton National Park – https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm
October News from Prugh Real Estate
/in Jackson Hole Real Estate /by Prugh Real Estate370 S King Street
Nothing like it in Downtown Jackson Hole!
Three blocks from the Town Square and two blocks from Snow King, this 3-unit contemporary Nona Yehia-designed residence on the corner of King and Kelly offers a main home with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, hydronically-heated concrete floors, clerestory entry way, gas fireplace, private hot tub with deck, upstairs living with stunning views of Snow King, Cache Creek and High School Butte to the west.
An attached two-car garage with high ceilings allows for abundant storage as well as full height storage rooms below the garage. The fenced yard with gas fire pit is perfect for cool summer nights or warming up in the winter. And the property has its own technical, snow load engineered greenhouse for growing plants and food year-round. The two accessory units offer rental income or extra space to house extended family or guests. Attached to the main building is a two-bedroom, one-bathroom accessory residential unit on the garden level. An additional detached studio/one-bedroom with its own two-car garage has its own access off the alley to the north. $3,900,000 MLS 20-3157
2020 Prugh Real Estate Snapshot
Total Transactions: 105
Total Sales Volume: $ 230,476,458
Average Sales Price: $ 2,328,044
Sales Per Day: $ 786,609
1 Sale Every 2.79 Days
*As of October 20, 2020
Featured Listings
High School Butte public access protected in partnership with Jackson Hole Land Trust
/in Jackson Hole Neighborhoods, Jackson Hole Real Estate /by Prugh Real EstateIn the News: New Virginian owners prepare for makeover
/in Jackson Hole Real Estate /by Prugh Real EstateJacksonHoleNewsandGuide_20200826_A002_0
JacksonHoleNewsandGuide_20200826_A024_0
In the News: Town lubricates way for sale of Virginian
/in Jackson Hole Local, Jackson Hole Real Estate /by Prugh Real EstateLocal’s Guide to the Top 5 Campgrounds near Jackson Hole
/in Jackson Hole Local /by Prugh Real EstateThis summer, campgrounds across the country are seeing spikes in visitation because of the pandemic. RV sales and rentals are skyrocketing as families seek to venture out of their homes while staying safe. Camping has been named a lower-risk activity and more and more people are seeking out outdoor recreation experiences for their summer vacations. Since Jackson Hole is prime camping location, we are here to share our Top 5 Jackson Hole Campgrounds with you.
Atherton Creek Campground, Bridger-Teton National Forest
A 21-site campground located on the bank of Lower Slide Lake, approximately 30 minutes from the Town of Jackson. This handicap accessible campground features a boat ramp, sites for tent and RV camping, picnic tables, vault toilets, and drinking water. Given its proximity to Jackson, some locals will make a daytrip to Slide Lake to paddleboard, canoe, or go fishing. For more information, click here.
Lizard Creek Campground, Grand Teton National Park
The Lizard Creek campground is 11 miles south of Yellowstone and eight miles north of Colter Bay Village in Grand Teton National Park providing easy access to both parks. The campsites are in a spruce and fir forest on the shores of Jackson Lake. All sites at Lizard Creek are “first-come, first-served.” For more information, click here.
East Table Campground, Snake River Canyon
East Table Campground features 19 single-family sites overlooking the Snake River Canyon only 30 minutes south of Jackson. This is a great basecamp, if you plan to go rafting on the river. Arrive early to snag a spot, as all the Bridger-Teton campgrounds are on a “first come, first served basis.” For more information, click here.
Turpin Meadow Campground, Bridger-Teton National Forest
The picturesque Turpin Meadow Campground is located 17 miles East of the Moran, WY Junction on the Buffalo Valley Road. Its prime location between Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park make for a great spot for multi-day excursions. Turpin Meadow Campground is outfitted with 14 standard campsites, 4 pull through sites, 2 double-unit vault restrooms, and 1 single-unit vault restroom. For more information, click here.
Granite Creek in the Bridger-Teton National Forest
Granite Creek Campground, Bridger-Teton National Forest
Nestled along the scenic Granite Creek, this campground boasts 51 sites. Granite Falls is a short walk north of the campground, and about 0.7 miles north of the campground is the Granite Hot Springs Pool. Multiple hiking trails are nearby. No reservations necessary, as all of the Bridger-Teton campgrounds are on a “first-come, first served basis.” Granite Creek Campground is located 33 miles, 48 minutes south from the town of Jackson, Wyoming. For more information, click here.
Remember to stay safe by wearing a mask when you can’t maintain 6 feet distance between others, and check with local entities ahead of your trip to get the latest information on the area’s public health status and regulations.
Looking for more camping resources? Check out Campendium and Recreation.gov.
Shop local, our community needs us
/in Jackson Hole Local, Uncategorized /by Prugh Real EstateDuring these uncertain times, it’s more important than ever that we as locals do our part in supporting the many small businesses that make Jackson Hole such a special place to call home. With tourism declining in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, our local businesses need our patronage in order to keep their doors open and their employees on the payroll. The Prugh Real Estate team is 100% on board with this effort, even as we work from home and practice physical distancing. You too can make an impact from the convenience of your home!
Restaurants are making it as easy as possible to order takeout with online ordering, contact-free curbside pickup, and some even offering free (or low cost) local delivery.
Here’s How You Can Help
Jackson’s business community is going above and beyond to meet the evolving needs of the local population by offering online alternatives to their regular services – from online yoga and workout regimens to free programming to entertain our children during spring break. We’re in this together. Let’s rally hard to keep Jackson Hole’s small businesses viable.
“Virginian Lodge listed for $60 million” coverage in Jackson Hole News&Guide
/in Jackson Hole Real Estate /by Prugh Real EstateVirginian Lodge listed for $60 million _ This Just In _ jhnewsandguide.com
JacksonHoleNewsandGuide_20200122_A001_0
Our favorite spots to apres-ski in Jackson Hole
/in Jackson Hole Local /by Prugh Real EstateWhy we love Jackson Hole in the fall
/in Community Happenings, Jackson Hole Local /by Steve DeFalcoPhoto credit: Visitjacksonhole
Jackson Hole’s “off-season” comes with perks for locals and visitors alike. As tourism wanes from the summer months, many restaurants in the valley offer shoulder season discounts while showing their support for the community’s nonprofit organizations (think: dining out for a cause).
Here’s a roundup of our favorite off-season dining deals:
Pizzeria Caldera: 2-fer Everyday: Buy one 12-inch pizza and get your second for $2. That $2 will go to the three local non-profits Pizzeria Caldera is supporting with your help. Special is available for dine-in or carry out.
Orsetto Italian Bar and Eatery: Starting October 1, buy one entrée, get the second for $2. The $2 will support a local nonprofit.
Blue Lion: Two-for-one entrees start Wednesday, October 23. Closed on Tuesdays through December 3.
Trio: Two-for-one dinner entrees will be available nightly, October 21-November 16. Mention the deal to your server. Closing November 17-December 4.
Rendezvous Bistro: Buy one entrée during dinner and get the second for $2, now through November 24. The $2 will be donating to a rotating local nonprofit. Closed Sundays and Mondays in November.
Gather: Two-for-one entrees start October 21. Must mention the deal to your server.
Since a number of restaurants will close for a period of time during the fall, we highly recommend calling in advance to avoid disappointment.
Grand Ambitions for Grand Teton National Park
/in Jackson Hole Local /by Greg PrughAn interview with Grand Teton National Park Foundation President, Leslie Mattson
In 1997, a small group of advocates gathered together with this intention: “Grand Teton National Park should have a visitor center that rivals its magnificence.”
Ten years and and $25 million later, the Craig Thomas Discovery and Visitor Center was built —a state-of-the-art facility funded through a combination of congressional appropriation and private-sector gifts. The project garnered national attention and laid the groundwork for the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Over the years, the Foundation has championed numerous initiatives for park improvements, protection, research, and education. Today, through an array of innovative fundraising efforts, the Grand Teton National Park Foundation has raised more than $50 million for park projects.
On August 25 of 2016, the National Park Service celebrates its centennial birthday, which means it’s a perfect time to honor the impact of the National Park Service. It is also a time to lay the groundwork for continued conservation efforts and park enjoyment in the next 100 years.
To share in the celebration, we bring you the voice of Grand Teton National Park Foundation President Leslie Mattson who not only champions conservation and improvement efforts, but is also a dedicated educator and advocate for the organization.
Happy Birthday to the National Park Service from one of the 307.2 million who delved into your wonders last year.
Leslie Mattson, President Grand Teton National Park Foundation
PRE: Tell us a bit about your background and how you came to be involved with the Grand Teton National Park Foundation.
Leslie Mattson: I’m passionate about protecting this area’s beautiful open spaces. I spent 13 years overseeing the Jackson Hole Land Trust and joined the Foundation in 2004. Educating people about National Park support has been a great way to give back to a place that has played a huge role in my life. I want people to care about these special landscapes and be inspired by them.
PRE: Describe some of the primary efforts funded by your organization.
LM: GTNPF funds projects that enhance the Park’s cultural, historic, and natural resources as well as initiatives that improve visitor experiences and engage young people.
On an annual basis, we support wildlife research and protection, youth programs, and historic preservation. We are also approaching the end of a major capital campaign—Inspiring Journeys: A Campaign for Jenny Lake—to improve Grand Teton’s most iconic destination in celebration of the National Park Service centennial on August 25th. This $18 million public-private effort is restoring backcountry trails and front country visitor services for the next 100 years at Jenny Lake.
PRE: What initiatives are you most excited about/working towards in 2016?
LM: Our newest initiative is an effort to raise $23 million by the end of 2016 to help purchase state-owned land that lies in the heart of Grand Teton National Park. The parcel, known as Antelope Flats, is 640 acres and valued at $46 million.
We are working with the Washington DC-based National Park Foundation to raise half of the purchase price by the end of the year. The other half, $23 million, will come from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. If we do not meet our goal, the land could go to auction and has the potential to be developed.
Photo by Ryan Sheets
Elk are just one of many species of wildlife that utilize the Antelope Flats Parcel.
PRE: The National Park Service turns 100 on August 25, 2016. Can you tell us about your new programming, and how these efforts support the goals set forth in the NPS 2016 Call to Action Plan?
LM: A main focus of the NPS centennial is engaging the next generation of park stewards who reflect the diverse population of the US. To achieve this goal, we are supporting two additional youth programs. Mountains to Main Street Urban Ambassador Program actively engages urban youth through leadership of young adults who are serving as park ambassadors. We also support a Student Conservation Association trail crew that is currently working to improve over 50 miles of trails in the park.
Photo by Elizabeth Koutrelakos
Incredible views on the Hermitage Point trail.
PRE: How can individuals and organizations can contribute to the Grand Teton National Park Foundation?
LM: Individuals and organizations can contribute to the Foundation by supporting a specific program area—like Prugh Real Estate who generously supported our winter grooming program last season—or by giving to our annual fund that helps cover the Foundation’s operations. In addition, individuals and organizations can give in-kind gifts, such as materials for our Jenny Lake renewal project or outdoor gear for our youth trail crew.
PRE: How else can people get involved with your organization?
LM: Get involved with the park. Throughout the summer and fall, there is a community volunteer day each Thursday where people can help improve trails throughout Grand Teton. We also post other activities and events throughout the year on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter—follow along for the Foundation’s most up-to-date news.
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/gtnpf/?fref=ts
Twitter – https://twitter.com/GrandTetonFdn
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/grandtetonfoundation/
Grand Teton National Park – https://www.nps.gov/grte/index.htm