University of Wyoming senior Mady Fowler heard about Friends of Bridger-Teton’s internship through the 2025 interns, Lis Ressler and Kara Waskowiak. “They said it was fun and that they learned and did a lot,” Mady says. She is particularly drawn to the community aspect of FBT. “Being able to talk with local people about how they use the forest, their concerns for it, how they steward it, and what parts are important to them—I welcome the chance to talk to different users and stakeholders,” she says.
Mady is studying Environmental Systems Science and Environment and Natural Resources and grew up in Casper. She started exploring and appreciating the outdoors and public lands when she was in high school. She and friends would go hiking and camping and sometimes visit Alcova Reservoir. “The Bridal Trail on Casper Mountain is beautiful and super accessible,” she says. While interning for FBT, Mady is excited to hike, swim, and hammock. “I’ve never actually been to the Bridger-Teton before and am excited to have two months to really explore the area,” she says.
Favorite class: “I really enjoyed my negotiations class. It was about how to talk to different stakeholders,” she says. Mady also did a study abroad in Tenerife, Spain last winter. Off the coast of West Africa, Tenerife is the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands. It is home to Mt. Teide, a dormant volcano that is Spain’s tallest peak. “The island is affected by overtourism and also has water problems—there is not enough of it. We spent time looking at how different problems were interconnected and how it might connect and apply to the West,” she says. “It was very interesting.”
This internship is possible thanks to a grant from the Wyoming Community Foundation and in-kind donations from Pinedale’s High Country Suites.