THE ALPINE EXAMINER
June 9, 2025
NATURALIST BLOG
Alicia Lindbom, 2025 Summer Programs Coordinator
Getting to the heart of what matters in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area
Welcome to our 2025 SIHA crew!
Hello to our 2025 Summer Crew! The Redfish Visitor Center isn’t open quite yet, but summer season 2025 has begun for us here at SIHA with training in full swing. Let me introduce our new crew! College students, graduates, returners, and volunteers – we’ve got a great group this year and are excited to continue to get to know them. Look for them this summer behind the Visitor Center desk, at trailheads, roving the campgrounds, and at the Stanley Museum. This is going to be a great season!
THE 2025 MUSEUM CREW:
Isaac Falen was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho and is currently attending the University of Idaho with a major in history and a minor in anthropology. Before he started at U of I, he was a nuclear engineer in the Navy and then a commercial diver. This will be his first time doing work related to his passion for history and is really looking forward to being a Historic Specialist for SIHA!
Eoin Gleeson is originally from Ireland but has lived in the United States for over a decade. He has resided in Washington, Montana, and now Idaho, where he studies History and English at the University of Idaho. With an interest in public history and engaging with various audiences, he is excited to be able to share in his passion with visitors to Stanley and to gain experience in the field. In his free time, he enjoys trying new foods, exploring new places, and playing his guitar.
THE 2025 NATURALISTS:
Rory ‘Cush’ Cushen is originally from Florida and is returning for his second season as a Naturalist with SIHA! He graduated from Florida Gulf Coast University in 2023 with a degree in Environmental Education. He’s taught in both formal and informal settings, but prefers the informal because that’s where nature happens! He’s excited to be back as he feels the SNRA is the most beautiful place in the world. Last summer provided so many great unfettered experiences with Mother Nature, but he knows he barely scratched the surface. Cush is an avid birder, hiker, writer, and photographer. When he’s not at work at the Visitor Center, you may find him at the Thursday Street Dance or shooting pool at the Rod and Gun, and he hopes to get out into the backcountry as much as possible!
Bailey Cole is super stoked to be a naturalist for SIHA this summer! She was born and raised in Hailey, Idaho, a town about an hour south of Stanley. She’s currently finishing her last semester at Boise State, graduating in May with her bachelors in Environmental Studies and a certificate in Environmental Education. In her free time, she enjoys skiing, hiking, camping, horseback riding and hanging out with friends! She’s excited to meet the new crew and spend the summer in the Sawtooths!
Sara Vanderwyk is a junior at the College of Idaho, where she is double majoring in environmental science and marketing. She grew up in the rural town of Garden Valley, Idaho, where her love for the outdoors first took root. Whether hiking, backpacking, downhill, or cross-country skiing, Sara loves spending time outside. She’s excited to live in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, getting to know a new ecosystem, and learning alongside a passionate team. Sara is looking forward to connecting with visitors and sharing her insights.
Eddy Black grew up in Idaho and has visited the Sawtooths most of his life. Eddy is returning this year for his second season as a naturalist. He recently graduated at Utah State University with a double major in Environmental Studies and Recreation Resource Management. Eddy enjoys skiing, hiking, foraging, and backpacking and is very excited to explore more areas of the Sawtooths. He is a firm believer that everyone should get outside in nature and is excited to meet new people this summer.
Alicia Lindbom is SIHA’s 2025 Summer Programs Coordinator. This is her second year with SIHA and she can’t wait to explore more, meet more visitors, and help our staff and organization have a great summer!
The Redfish Visitor Center and Stanley Museum will be open June 13th! Stop by and meet the crew!
