LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Community is at the core of Cache Valley’s natural beauty, present both in its diverse ecosystem and in efforts to protect and appreciate it. The Jardine Juniper, featured on the cover, is estimated to be around 1,500 years old and represents the history, resilience and unmatched splendor of our valley and the Uintah-Wasatch-Cache National Forest. As an onlooker to Indigenous Shoshone people, trappers, Mormon pioneers and continued growth of Cache Valley, the Jardine Juniper has borne witness to the importance of perseverance and preservation. Within these pages are stories of our community’s commitment to education, research, discovery, support, outdoor recreation, art and innovation. Above all, I hope this issue of Highlander inspires us to persevere through hard times and setbacks in an effort to preserve the place we call home.        

— Maya Mackinnon