Wolftree administration changes

Wolftree, a leader in environmental education and stream restoration projects in the Sisters area, has undergone a change in leadership.

Blake Lowery and Ashley Burry-Trice have been running the show in Sisters for over two years, building up a field-oriented educational program with Rima Givot, science teacher with Sisters High School.

Ashley also focused on in-depth stream studies with Becky Barrett in Redmond High School, and made it possible for high school juniors and seniors participating in the projects to receive college credits with OSU.

Blake and Ashley said they cannot offer enough thanks to everyone in the Sisters area who supported their work through Wolftree.

Sisters' loss is Montana's gain - both are headed for the University of Montana to pursue graduate work in the field of environmental studies.

The incoming leaders of the Sisters Wolftree organization bring with them an assortment of varied careers. Bess Ballantine - who hails from Tennessee - will be the field manager. She is a graduate of the University of Oregon in geography, and has been in the Sisters area since 2003. She also spent time with AmeriCorps in New Zealand working with high schools in environmental studies.

AmeriCorps is a federal program created under President Bill Clinton in 1993; participants conduct projects ranging from education to environmental cleanup.

Rachel Manzo, who will be the project manager, has had a three-year career with Oregon Museum of Science and Industry, doing everything involving teaching natural sciences in the field - like making pancakes for students on a one-burner propane stove balanced on three rocks at 10 degrees.

The organization will continue its outdoor education efforts in the Sisters School District with the start of a new school year.

Wolftree's office is located at 215 N. Cedar St., or visit them at http://www.beoutside.org.