A Love Letter to the GVLT Family

From GVLT Associate Director EJ Porth

As my friend Shakespeare once wrote, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.” It really is the perfect sentiment for my bittersweet news. After 11 wonderful years at GVLT, the time has come for me to walk a new trail and start a new professional adventure. The organization is in an incredible position, which makes it simultaneously hard to leave and the right time to leave. The team at GVLT is the most skilled, strategic, thoughtful, and passionate group of people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working alongside. They’re poised to take this mission to the next level. Impactful and sustainable organizations need new, fresh ideas and opportunities for emerging leaders. The time is right for us both. I remain deeply committed to GVLT and continue to believe that conserving open land and building trails are critical to preserving our quality of life as our community and landscape change.

While I’ll certainly miss contributing to this legacy of trail and conservation projects, what I will miss most of all is the GVLT family. The relationships I’ve had the pleasure of building with many of you have been the joy of my time at GVLT. It is our common ground, our shared values, and our love for this place that bind us together. I’m so proud of the ways that together we provide connection and optimism for a community in transition. I’m not leaving Bozeman, so I won’t be a stranger, and I’ll still frequent as many GVLT events as they’ll let me. I look forward to bumping into you all in the months to come. Until then, happy trails and see you on Peets Hill soon!