Callahan named FSPW program coordinator

The Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness recently hired Cori Callahan to oversee the outdoor education and stewardship programs in the role of program coordinator. She will be working out of FSPW’s downtown office, although much of her time will be spent in the Scotchmans, teaching volunteers how to build trails and students how to identify animal tracks.

“With over 20 years of experience in trail building and outdoor education, we cannot wait for Cori to hit the ground running,” said Phil Hough, executive director of FSPW. “With such a qualified staff person working year-round, we’re excited to finally be able to reach more students and maintain more trails in the Scotchmans.”

Callahan spent most of her life exploring and working in the landscapes around the West. Originally from Oregon, she has had the privilege of working for non-profit organizations such as Southwest Conservation Corps and Outward Bound in Colorado, Utah, California, and Oregon. After attending college at Lane Community College in Oregon, she completed a bachelor of arts degree in environmental education at Prescott College in Arizona.

“I discovered the powerful nature of working with the land through my work with Northwest Youth Corps when I was a lost teenager,” said Callahan. “Ever since finding that deep purpose, I have dedicated my life to creating and sharing similar experiences with people of all ages, developing connections and (hopefully) a sense of awe in the world around us. It is an incredible privilege to witness and partake in those ‘aha’ moments!”

Since living in Sandpoint, Callahan has been reconnecting with the land, working at Moose Meadow Farm in Clark Fork. When not working with people in the woods, Cori can be found exploring by bike and boat with her dog Spatula, or cooking and practicing yoga at home. She plans to be a member of this community for the long-haul, with dreams of building a homestead and caring for the land.

“The access to water and mountains was an immense draw for my move to Sandpoint. That, and the people who live here, have inspired me to dig in roots here. My work with Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness will certainly create deeper connections with both the land and the people, and I am really looking forward to getting to know both better!”