Katie | West Chester, PA

Katie is a corporate executive, wilderness backpack enthusiast and parent.

Why does wilderness matter to you?

Wilderness is a critical part of maintaining ecosystems for native plants and animals to live and thrive how the universe intended. Wilderness allows humans to see and interact with nature the way it was before serious human development. It’s a place I go to feel small and a part of something bigger than myself.

Why does wilderness matter to your community?

Wilderness is a place for us to disconnect, reconnect with ourselves and nature and to adventure and explore. It protects critical habitats and natural spaces for people to study and experience nature.

Share a story about a special experience you have had in wilderness.

I went on an epic backpacking trip with my best friend in the Jedediah Smith Wilderness. We swam in alpine lakes, we hiked our tails off, and we laid under the stairs and literally watched the world turn at night, we made breakfast on massive boulders lakeside, and ogled at the breath taking Teton vistas. It was a magical fun filled trip that is imprinted on my mind and I will picture the sights, hear the sounds, and smell the scents of the wilderness for the rest of my days!

What are your hopes for the future of wilderness?

That every piece of it is preserved because there will surely be no more land given to the wilderness cause, we can’t make more of it so we have to fight to keep what we have. And that all wilderness study areas achieve wilderness status.