An Outdoor Steward: It Means Taking Action

Perhaps you’ve caught the phrase in a magazine or on social media: a steward of the outdoors. It sounds fancy; it sounds important. And for those of us who live in Wyoming, where the land seems especially grand, beautiful, and useful, it might sound like something we want to try to be. But, it begs the question: who exactly is a steward of the outdoors?

“Being an outdoor steward means actively caring for and preserving the state's natural environment and wildlife,” explains Taylor Phillips, founder of WYldlife for Tomorrow (WFT), an organization uniting Wyoming tourism businesses with important conservation projects designed to protect wildlife habitats in Wyoming. “It involves not just appreciating Wyoming’s open spaces and rich biodiversity but also taking responsibility for their conservation. Stewards engage in sustainable practices, like responsible hunting, fishing, and other outdoor recreational activities, while also educating others on the importance of protecting natural habitats. It’s about fostering a deep connection to the land and promoting the balance between enjoyment and protection. Directly for us at [The WYldlife Fund] TWF and WFT, it means generating dollars to support conservation initiatives that protect our natural resources.” The WYldlife Fund is a partner foundation to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and specializes in grant agreements to help support wildlife conservation projects in Wyoming, such as WYldlife for Tomorrow, one of their signature projects.

“One of the most important things to remember as an outdoor leader is to balance human needs with ecosystem protection,” continues Phillips. “This involves recognizing that conservation isn't just about preserving land and wildlife, but also about finding sustainable ways for people to coexist with nature.”

“Wyoming is so special, with such inspiring, majestic landscapes full of possibilities,” said Molly Hughes, Executive Director of the Hughes Charitable Foundation. “The Hughes Charitable Foundation is delighted to do our part in preserving the land for tomorrow by supporting The WYldlife Fund and other hardworking organizations and outdoor leaders like it.”

We can all become stewards of the outdoors. It’s something for which we take action and towards which we strive, through awareness, education, and practice. It doesn’t always require money, and it can happen on an individual level, every day. Picking up litter, researching proper backpacking procedures, or teaching your friend sustainable fishing techniques - these little actions add up. And just think of how much more vibrant Wyoming would be if we all took the time to act like a steward of the outdoors.