Creating transformative conservation and community impact in Teton Valley, Idaho.

Teton Creek Corridor 

Join us in shaping the Teton Creek Corridor. This collaborative project, led by four local nonprofits and key partners, leverages their diverse skills to achieve high-impact community conservation around Teton Creek. 

Thanks to the joint efforts of Friends of the Teton River, Teton Valley Trails and Pathways, Teton Regional Land Trust, Valley Advocates for Responsible Development, and LegacyWorks, the project has already achieved remarkable results.

Now, we are thrilled to venture into a new geography of opportunities, including extended flood mitigation and stream repairs, additional trail elements, agricultural preservation, and enhanced open spaces for wildlife. Together, we can make a significant difference in the Teton Creek Corridor.

Scroll down to learn more.

WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

We are a collaborative, leveraging our unique strengths to achieve exponential outcomes that were once deemed impossible. As we celebrate our progress, we must also acknowledge the challenges ahead, especially the need for sustained funding beyond the initial investment.

By supporting us, you can play a crucial role in developing public trails, extending flood mitigation and stream improvement, preserving vital conservation areas and agricultural land, ensuring wildlife access to open spaces, and promoting responsible development that aligns with community needs and natural spaces.

FINANCIAL NEED

To ensure the success of the next steps in the project, our team is determined to raise $1,150,000+ to support vital aspects such as planning, capacity building, stewardship, and nimble opportunity funds for the collaborative. This funding is essential not only to drive our current initiatives but also to leverage additional high-dollar grants and implement other crucial project elements.

There is an urgent need to act now due to increasing development pressures and changes in water management that threaten the opportunities before us. By addressing these challenges promptly, we can safeguard the future impact and conservation potential of the Teton Creek Corridor. Your support is crucial in seizing this moment to secure this vision for our region.

Planning

$150,000 allows collaborative project planning to continue defining future phases. 

Capacity 

$200,000 supports continued partner organization involvement in this collaborative project. 

Stewardship

$300,000 enables ongoing stewardship of land, water, and recreation projects on the Teton Creek Corridor.

Opportunity Fund 

$500,000+ allows the Teton Creek Collaborative to pursue opportunities to enhance this community project as they arise.

“The Teton Creek Corridor aims to build out the collaborative systems, experience, and fundraising model to allow for future large-scale, community driven projects.”
— Dan Verbeten, Executive Director, Teton Valley Trails and Pathways

KEY PROJECT ELEMENTS 

Stream Function and Flood Mitigation:

  • Stabilize an additional three miles of Teton Creek streambed to reduce flooding risk for private property and the City of Driggs.

  • Improve stream function and habitat for Yellowstone Cutthroat Trout (YCT) and other regional species. 

Trail Connectivity and Recreation:

  • Expand public trails connecting the City of Driggs with the regional pathway system.

  • Enhance recreational and transportation access with voluntary landowners, providing outdoor opportunities for residents and visitors.

Conservation and Agriculture:

  • Place high conservation value properties under protective easements, preserving critical habitats.

  •  Sell agricultural land to local farmers under a Buy-Protect-Sell program, safeguarding our agricultural heritage.

Wildlife Habitat and Ecosystem Connectivity:

  • Provide wildlife with access to open spaces, especially during the winter months.

  • Preserve  riparian areas, home to diverse species and vital connections to nearby habitats like public lands.

Responsible Development and Community Engagement:

  • Foster responsible and sustainable development in the region.

  • Protect open space and legacy farmland in proposed developments -  encouraging clustering and reducing buildable areas in protective overlays.

FUNDRAISING GOALS

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

Donate: Your financial contribution will directly support project implementation, staff time, creative problem-solving, and nimble execution. Every donation counts and brings us closer to achieving our vision.

Volunteer: Explore volunteer opportunities to actively engage with the project. Contribute your skills and time to make a difference on the ground.

Visit the Corridor: The Teton Creek Corridor Pathway is open for public, non-motorized use from May 1st - Dec 1st. 

Parking is available at 5th St. Park or at N 1000 E, just north of the Driggs Cemetery (see map).

SUPPORT OUR WORK

The Teton Creek Corridor Collaborative is not a single organization but a unique alliance of multiple organizations working together. In the spirit of our collective efforts, we have established an account with CFTV (Community Foundation of Teton Valley), an affiliate of CFJH (Community Foundation of Jackson Hole), which serves as our collective fund repository.

To ensure transparency and equitable decision-making, funds are utilized through a consensus voting process. This means that all four partners must agree on how the funds are spent before any disbursement takes place. By entrusting the funds to CFTV, we ensure a responsible and accountable management of resources for the collaborative's projects and initiatives.

When you click the button below, you’ll be taken to the Community Foundation’s donor portal, with Teton Creek Corridor Collaborative selected as the organization to contribute to. Follow the donation instructions on the portal. Please contact us for significant donations.