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New Mexico native and passionate career Forster, Mary Stuever, joins us to discuss land management, forest fires, and conservation of Philmont’s precious and beautiful landscape.  Mary initially pursued a Philmont staff experience for two reasons: to summit Baldy and to prepare to hike the Continental Divide. Like many of us, Mary’s passion for Philmont grew, and she returned for many seasons, spearheading several positive initiatives that remain in effect today.  Mary was a co-author of the original Philmont Field Guide, initiator of the Visiting Forester Program, architect of Philmont’s Demonstration Forest, and has participated in many PSA treks and programs alike. Mary discusses the devastation of the 2018 Ute Park fire with a heavy heart, and continues to provide education and consultation to the Ranch in areas of land rehabilitation and protection against future fires. Mary was the recipient of the 2019 PSA Silver Sage Award (alongside the Philmont Fire Department), in recognition of her work to raise Philmont’s awareness and need for year-round forestry programs. Mary’s lively spirit and stories of joy and sorrow, make this episode especially reflective and humbling. Thank you Mary, for all you have done, and continue to do. 

Mary’s Philmont history:

1976 and 1977 – Rayado Woman treks

1978 – Philmont Ranger

1982-83 – Philmont Training Ranger

1984 – Contractor, Co-author of the Philmont Field Guide 

2005, 2007, 2008 – PSA Treks

2009 – Field tested the Visiting Forester concept

2010 – to Present: Visiting Forester Program Coordinator 

2015 – PSA Trek: Sole Sista’s 

2018 – PSA Volunteer Vacation

2021 – PSA Philbreak

To learn more, seek out The Forester’s Log by Mary Stuever, available on Amazon or perhaps at your local bookstore (who will be happy to order it for you), or at the National Scouting Museum (at Philmont) bookshop.

Mary encourages listeners to support the Philmont Staff Association - Ute Park Fire Recovery Fund.

**Correction: The architects of Philmont’s Demonstration Forest are Arnie Friedt and Harry Morrison.