Passionate Leaders Driving Conservation Across the West

During NWTF’s 2025 Conservation Week, we shine a spotlight on remarkable leaders whose commitment embodies the spirit of NWTF volunteerism. 

Here are some volunteers keeping the mission alive and well in the West:  

Michelle McDonald, NWTF Washington State Outreach Coordinator 

McDonald, NWTF Washington State Chapter outreach coordinator, has made significant contributions to many aspects of the NWTF mission through her leadership at key events in the Evergreen State.  

“I began my NWTF journey fueled by a passion for conservation and a desire to engage the next generation,” McDonald said. “For several years, Washington had fewer than three chapters, so I dove in wherever help was needed — first as our state chapter secretary, then coordinating JAKES events and Women in the Outdoors events. 

“As our membership grew and new chapters sprang up across the state, I was fortunate to work alongside dedicated volunteers at the state level. Their support allowed me to transition out of the secretary role and channel my energy into what I love most: crafting events, mentoring emerging chapters and building dynamic outreach initiatives.” 

Some notable events she helped organize this year include the annual Washington NWTF State Chapter JAKES Day, an event designed to introduce young people to outdoor activities and conservation principles. Additionally, McDonald plays a pivotal role in the Cedar River Cleanup event organized by the South Sound Strutters chapter. Under her coordination, this initiative has garnered recognition, including the 2025 NWTF Conservation Field Day Award. The event, which has been held for the past six years, involves volunteers removing debris from the river, fostering collaboration between hunters and anglers and promoting upcoming NWTF activities. McDonald’s efforts demonstrate her commitment to conservation and community involvement. 

Through these events, McDonald has seen firsthand the life-changing power of the outdoors, especially looking back on one fond memory from one of her very first JAKES Day events. 

“There was a young girl who attended, and honestly, we weren’t sure she’d had a good time,” McDonald recalled. “She seemed quiet, maybe even a little unsure. But a few days later, a card arrived in the mail — from her. Inside, she’d drawn colorful pictures of all her favorite activities and wrote a heartfelt thank-you for hosting the event. That card meant the world to me. It’s been over eight years, and I still keep it tucked in my NWTF folder as a reminder of why we do this. There are so many moments like that — the look on a kid’s face the first time they fire a shotgun, draw back a bow or discover something new about the outdoors. It’s those sparks of joy, confidence and curiosity that make every event unforgettable” 

Through these events and conservation projects across the state, McDonald exemplifies dedication to conservation, youth education and community engagement, significantly advancing the mission of the NWTF in Washington State. As she continues her work into the future, McDonald hopes to continue to see the organization grow, not just in Washington, but across the country. 

“My hope for the future of this organization is to see even more people step forward — drawn by a shared passion for wildlife, community and tradition,” McDonald said. “To have a thriving network of engaged individuals working together to build strong, impactful programs that champion conservation and celebrate our hunting heritage.” 

Lori Miller, Southern Oregon Buglin’ Toms Chapter President 

When Miller first reached out to the NWTF, she was simply looking for advice on turkey hunting. What she found instead was a community, a mission and a new role that has since become one of the greatest passions of her life. 

“I thought I was just going to meet some folks who could help me learn about turkey hunting,” Miller recalled. “I got connected to Jolene Begley, a regional director in Oregon, and she invited me to a banquet. Before long, I was on a committee, and then I inherited the chapter as president. So, and I guess it was meant to be at that time, you know, and I took it, and I couldn't be happier. I love what I'm doing. I love watching the chapter grow. The committee is growing, and we're just doing a lot of stuff, getting the community involved, and it's just been fun.” 

Since stepping up as president of the Southern Oregon Buglin’ Toms Chapter in 2022, Miller has poured her energy into growing the chapter and embedding NWTF’s mission into the heart of her community. Under her leadership, the chapter has awarded scholarships to local students, sponsored community events, hosted the BB gun range at youth programs, participated in parades and even presented awards at the state taxidermy show. 

“Everybody around here calls me the ‘Turkey Lady,’” Miller laughed. “And I absolutely love it.” 

Her impact extends well beyond banquets and local outreach. Miller also serves as secretary on the OregonNWTF State Board and is a key leader in larger conservation efforts. One of her most rewarding projects has been volunteering at the All Hands, All Brands for Your Public Lands event in the Ochoco National Forest, where she donned chest waders and worked alongside partners to build beaver dam analogs. These structures slow streams, retain soil moisture and create vital wildlife habitat — hands-on conservation at its finest. 

Some of Miller’s fondest memories as a volunteer come from the friendships she has built within NWTF. Attending the NWTF National Convention in Nashville was a turning point. 

“You don’t just make friends; you make family,” she said. “It’s incredible to be surrounded by thousands of people who share the same passion. I never expected to find something that has become one of the best parts of my life.” 

Looking ahead, Miller hopes to continue growing NWTF’s presence in the West.  

“Turkey hunting wasn’t really big out here when I started, but that’s changing fast. The culture is growing, and I want to see NWTF’s footprint grow right alongside it. The more members we have, the more resources we can put back into conservation, and that benefits everything: turkeys, deer, elk, riparian habitats and our forests.” 

From running her local chapter to wading into streams to rebuild wildlife habitat, Miller has embraced every opportunity to serve and continues to prove that NWTF volunteers are the heart of conservation. She embodies what it means to be a volunteer: resourceful, passionate and dedicated to making her community — and the outdoors — better for the next generation. 

Joe Foster, NWTF Idaho State Chapter President 

Fifteen years ago, when Foster was building a greenhouse on his property in southeast Idaho, he wasn’t expecting a simple roadside conversation to change the course of his life.  

“When I moved to my current residence about 15 years ago, a biologist from Idaho Fish and Game, Don Jenkins, and the NWTF Idaho State Chapter president at that time, Ed Bullock, stopped on the road near the greenhouse I was building and talked about growing things for habitat improvement. That escalated quickly to a tree yard, new planting techniques and training / demonstration place for IF&G, NWTF, Master Naturalist and others.” 

The exchange sparked an idea that quickly grew into a thriving tree yard that today produces more than 1,000 trees and shrubs each year for conservation projects across the state. 

Foster, who now serves as both the Idaho NWTF State Chapter president and the president of the Southeast Idaho Chapter, has turned his property into a hub of conservation innovation and education. His tree yard, maintained with the help of dedicated volunteers, supplies wildlife managers at Idaho Fish and Game with trees for planting on public lands. These plantings create crucial roosting habitat for wild turkeys and improve winter range for big game. 

“We have been at this long enough now that habitat improvement locations are making a real difference for wildlife and great examples of what is possible for ongoing and future projects,” Foster said. 

When faced with challenges like the harsh, arid conditions that limit tree survival in Idaho, Foster searched for solutions rather than settling for setbacks. He, in partnership with the Idaho Fish and Game, introduced Groasis Waterboxxes — innovative planting tools that increased tree survival rates from just 20% to an impressive 80%. His willingness to experiment and adapt has made him a go-to partner for agencies, conservation groups and volunteers alike. 

But Foster’s impact extends well beyond habitat. He has a passion for sharing his knowledge with others, whether it’s mentoring new hunters, educating conservationists or engaging youth in hands-on learning. From hosting habitat trailer demonstrations to organizing on-site seminars, he’s helping to build the next generation of conservation leaders. 

“Other community and civic groups are taking an interest in modeling our efforts increasing urban pollination and forest projects,” Foster said. 

An accomplished photographer, Foster also captures the beauty of the wild turkey and Idaho’s landscapes through his lens. His photos have been featured in NWTF publications and even in Idaho Fish and Game’s wild turkey management plan book, further amplifying his contributions to the mission. 

In recognition of his creativity and leadership, Foster received the Innovation Award at the 47th annual NWTF Convention and Sport Show in Nashville. The award celebrates volunteers who develop exceptionally creative strategies and novel approaches that encourage positive impacts to conservation, outreach and education — qualities Foster has demonstrated time and again. 

Looking to the future, Foster hopes the NWTF continues to grow as a leader in conservation and research. 

“I hope that the NWTF develops as the go-to organization for projects related to habitat, research and as a resource for education on all things related to conservation.”