Welcome to The Steppe!

This blog was made to be a continuum of The Steppe podcast… which interestingly enough has not been made yet.

But why have a podcast and blog at all?

First, let me tell you a little about myself. My name is Kayla and I’m a native Idahoan currently getting a graduate degree in Conservation Biology. I also work in conservation, volunteer in conservation, and generally eat, sleep, and drink conservation. I believe this stems from my habitat – Boise, Idaho is one of the fastest growing cities in America. The hills and valleys that I grew up in are, in parts, unrecognizable. My husband proposed to me at the peak of one of our favorite hikes. Now that same spot is home to a multi-million mansion and introduced grasses.

And I get it. There is lots to love about Idaho, and many reasons why folks would want to move in. But, as we grow our city – we need to think about ways to keep the same culture and opportunities available that originally brought the new folks, and kept us old-timers.

To me, one of the most beautiful sights in the world is a sunrise through the branches of the iconic sagebrush.

I want to help others see that beauty as well.

I want to share the stories, the ideas, the species, and the surprised that the sagebrush steppe offers with the world. I want you to feel the value and benefit of having wild, open spaces even within arid climates and even if our colors are more brown than green.

I hope that once you see the value, you will want to keep it around.

-Kayla