Mountain West Outdoor Club News

Changes to Member Resources on the Website

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 22:34:23 GMT

Check out the changes to the Members Only pages. There are pages addressing FAQ of members in general, those who lead activities, and those who are officers. In the future, look for additional resources on hike destinations and trailhead locations.

Annual picnic is Sept. 8, 2025

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 20:52:18 GMT

Free for members, but you must register by August 25. If your plans have changed and you either 1) need to cancel your registration, or 2) have missed the registration deadline but want to come, please contact the club at MWOCID@gmail.com.

February 5 Monthly Meeting: no officers' meeting

Sun, 28 Jan 2024 18:16:28 GMT

The MWOC officers will not meet before the February 5th monthly members meeting. Please arrive at the Idaho Fish & Game Building by 7:00 PM for the slide show program.

Annual Picnic is SEPTEMBER 11

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 22:50:22 GMT

With hope that September will be cooler than August, our annual MWOC catered picnic will be Sept. 11th this year (the second Monday in the month). Watch for an emailed announcement near the end of July.

MWOC Officers' Meeting, 5/1/23, 5:30 PM, Armstrong Municipal Park

Sun, 30 Apr 2023 17:11:36 GMT

MWOC officers will meet at 5:30 PM, prior to the potluck, in the shelter at Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park. All members are welcome to attend.

MWOC Officers meeting 2/6, 6 PM, Fish & Game Bldg.

Fri, 03 Feb 2023 18:25:21 GMT

The MWOC officers meet at 6 PM on Monday, Feb 6, 2023, before the regular members' meeting. Both the board and members meetings are in the Fish & Game Building, 600 S. Walnut. Any member is welcome to attend the officers meeting.

July potluck on the 11th (2nd Monday)

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 16:19:46 GMT

Because of the July 4th holiday, our monthly potluck meeting will be JULY 11 (the second Monday) at 6 pm at the Kristin Armstrong Municipal Park shelter. See you there!

Monthly meeting on March 7 at Fish & Game Bldg. (no potluck dinner)

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 03:09:37 GMT

MONTHLY MEETING, Monday, March 7, 2022. Idaho Fish & Game Headquarters, 600 S Walnut St, Boise. (NOTE CHANGE OF VENUE.) Use south entrance. THERE WILL BE NO POTLUCK DINNER. Admin meeting at 6:00 PM, Presentation at 7:00 PM.

POTLUCK DINNER MEETINGS WILL RESUME OUTDOORS ON MONDAY, MAY 2, IN MUNICIPAL PARK. Stay tuned for more information on the April meeting

Check out the new MWOC logo!

Wed, 29 Sep 2021 03:14:27 GMT

The club has a new look! Check out the new logo at the top of the webpages. Members can order T-shirts with the new logo--watch your email on October 1 for more details.

The logo was designed by Boise's own graphic artist, Sara Spink.

An invitation from Judy Farnsworth for "Show and Tell" at October meeting

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:48:24 GMT

The program for MWOC October potluck is "show and tell". Judy Farnsworth would like you to send three to five pictures of your special event (trip, visits, activities, etc.). She’ll pull them into a slide presentation and then you can tell the club about it at the program. Email the original pictures to Judy. Her email address can be found in the member directory.

Monthly potluck moves indoors on Monday, Oct. 4

Thu, 16 Sep 2021 14:31:07 GMT

MWOC monthly potluck and member "Show and Tell" at the Maple Grove Grange

5:00 PM Leadership meeting (all welcome), 6:00 PM Socializing,

6:30 PM Eating and "Show and Tell" Program

Covid protocals: For the safety of everyone, those who attend the indoor potluck meetings must be fully vaccinated. Except when eating, attendees are asked to wear a mask

MWOC annual members picnic open for registration

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 02:07:32 GMT

Grab your Hawaiian shirt and get ready for some fun at the annual catered MWOC picnic on August 2. Please register yourself (no cost), other MWOC members in your household (no cost), and guests (only $20) by July 19. Click on the Events tab for more information. Come and party!

MWOC Facebook Page

Mon, 31 May 2021 16:31:05 GMT

Have you liked the MWOC Facebook page? If you have photos to share on Facebook, just send then to one of the officers (see newsletter for contact information). At this time, the MWOC Facebook page is open to the public to see but only "administrators" can post comments or pictures. (Best for privacy issues are pictures from a distance, from the "rear view" or, if close ups, verbal OK from subjects for posting.)

History of Campaign for Sawtooth National Park, Feb. 4, 2021, 6 PM

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:35:16 GMT

The Fettuccine Forum, Boise, hosts periodic programs on the history of our area. On Thursday, Feb 4, 6PM, there will be a Zoom presentation on the failed attempt to create a Sawtooth National Park in the early 1900's and the evolution of the management plan since that time. Free pre-registration is required. https://www.boiseartsandhistory.org/eventlistitem?id=3BC283838B0175CAEF2C0B838AD17137.

Link to Jan 19, 2021, Ridge to Rivers Zoom meeting recording

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 23:33:27 GMT

If you were unable to watch the Ridge to Rivers Zoom meeting on January 19, you can see that presentation here https://www.ridgetorivers.org/media/2293/virtual-presentation.pdf

Yahoo Groups emailing ends Dec. 15, 2020

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 04:18:08 GMT

DECEMBER 15, 2020 ~ YAHOO GROUPS TERMINATED Yahoo sent out this notice on October 18: “We're shutting down the Yahoo Groups website on December 15, 2020 and members will no longer be able to send or receive emails from Yahoo Groups."

If you need help posting an email through the club's Wild Apricot account, just ask any officer or activity leader for assistance.

Message from MWOC officers re: resuming weekly hikes

Fri, 22 May 2020 18:38:06 GMT

Dear Mountain West Club,

At the MWOC officers meeting last Monday, we discussed the possibility of cautiously beginning weekly hikes starting Tuesday June 2nd. We thought that in Idaho we will enter "Phase 3" by that time and we could do group hikes beginning then. Given that we also felt that social distancing and group size limitations should still be observed. We would suggest that if the group is larger than 10 that a 2nd leader be appointed and asked to begin the second group 10-15 minutes later (yes that means standing around and talking!). For the distancing part, face masks at least at the beginning and attempts to walk 6 feet apart would still be desirable. Jim Wolf observed that 6 feet is a hiking pole plus and arm's length. Also in the short term avoid "shuttle" hikes, only loops and out-and-b

Get outside and stay healthy!

Wendell Martin

Mountain West President

February 2020 slideshow available to view as PDF

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 21:56:45 GMT

Go to the Members Only page to view or download the files. Each PDF is between 80 - 100 MB in size (i.e., jumbo).

Thanks to Peggy Killen for all her work putting together the slide show. Job well done!

New Photos on Homepage

Wed, 04 Mar 2020 20:29:46 GMT

Thanks to Alvena Kinkade for submitting the wonderful new photos rotating on the MWOC homepage!

Members' Marketplace has been retired

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 20:17:29 GMT

Because the Members' Marketplace saw little usage, this feature has been deleted from the website starting today, February 3, 2020.

Bicycle for sale: New posting in Member's Marketplace

Sat, 25 May 2019 21:47:46 GMT

For sale: Women's stepthru Cannondale bicycle, size S, Model Adventure. Go to Member's Marketplace for details and photos (you must login to view).

DECEMBER TRIVIA CONTEST

Mon, 10 Dec 2018 17:39:15 GMT

Go to the Directory page to find the December Trivia Contest question. You need to login with your email address and password to view the Directory page. If you don't have a password, click "Forgot password" to create one.

You may be a winner!

November Trivia Contest

Thu, 08 Nov 2018 17:35:08 GMT

Go to the Become a Member tab and view the November trivia question. Click on the link under the question to go to the answer submission form. Good luck--you may be a winner!

October's TRIVIA Question

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 04:35:24 GMT

Log on and go to the Resources: Hike Destinations page to find the question. Send your answer to the link listed. Thanks to Anne Schorzman for running the contest!

2019 MWOC Officer Nominations

Sat, 06 Oct 2018 04:34:10 GMT

If you are interested in being an MWOC officer in 2019, or know someone who would be a good officer (and is willing), please contact any current officer with your nominations before November 1, 2018

REI Events

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 22:12:02 GMT

You can search for events sponsored by REI in Boise at this link: https://www.rei.com/events. The link can also be found on the MWOC Resources page!

Ski/snowboard film at Egyptian, Sept. 21

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 16:46:40 GMT

TGR and REI are showing the film Far Out, about skiing and snowboarding, at the Egyptian Theater on Sept. 21. Here is a link for more information: https://www.tetongravity.com/films/far-out/tour/boise-premiere-of-far-out-presented-by-rei.

Here's the link to the trailer: https://goo.gl/c1auau

Is your Directory information correct?

Sun, 26 Aug 2018 17:49:11 GMT

Members, please take a moment to update your directory information if you have changed email address, telephone number, etc. Click on "Login" in the upper left hand corner of the webpage and enter your email address and password (if you don't have a password, click "Forgot password" and follow the instructions emailed to you).

Directories will be emailed to the membership in October. Make sure your contact information is correct! Thank you.

Answer to July trivia contest

Fri, 13 Jul 2018 15:46:36 GMT

July Trivia Contest Question: Which one of the following statements is false?

1. The Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.

2. Thomas Jefferson and John Adams both died on July 4, 1826.

3. No one who signed the Declaration of Independence was born in the United States of America.

The correct answer is #1. The Declaration was signed over a period of several weeks. Although #3 is true (the USA did not exist at the time the Declaration of Independence was signed), all but 8 of the signers were born in the colonies that later became the USA.

Check out July newsletter for the newest Trivia Contest

Sat, 23 Jun 2018 16:40:54 GMT

The July Trivia Contest has begun! Check out the Resources: Trip Leader Guidelines page for the question and answer submission link.

June Trivia Contest Answer (and winner)

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 17:50:45 GMT

Question: Where is the confluence of the Boise and Snake Rivers?

Answer: The Boise River enters the Snake River at the Idaho-Oregon border, west of Parma and three miles (5 km) south of Nyssa, Oregon.

Congratulations to Jim Kazakoff for submitting the first (and most complete!) correct answer.

Watch for future contests--you could be a winner too!

Mailed hardcopies of newsletters

Wed, 16 May 2018 22:53:13 GMT

If you are still receiving mailed hardcopies of the MWOC newsletter, but receive them electronically as well, please consider discontinuing the hardcopy delivery. Maybe we can save a tree!

Contact Laura Jenski to change delivery status. Thanks!

JUNE TRIVIA CONTEST

Wed, 16 May 2018 22:44:24 GMT

Go to the Events page to find the question and a link that will send you to a form to submit your answer. (This should be easier than clicking to send an email through your own email provider.) Good luck--you may be a big winner!

MAY TRIVIA QUESTION

Wed, 25 Apr 2018 02:40:40 GMT

Go to the Places of Interest page to find the question. Send your answer to the link listed. Be the first person to send the correct answer and win a special prize. Runner-ups will be announced at the Monday night potluck. (Hint: Three lines or dots along the top banner means there are more webpages to view.) Answer to April fill-in-the-blank Trivia Question: The Ridge to Rivers Trail System is over 190 miles long.

April Trivia Contest

Wed, 28 Mar 2018 03:53:26 GMT

Check out the News webpage and click on the link to answer the April trivia question. You may be a winner at the next potluck meeting on April 2! (Hint: The three lines or dots along the banner at the top of the webpage will take you to more webpages or menu.)

New Trivia Contest

Wed, 28 Feb 2018 21:31:22 GMT

Look on the Resources page to find the question and a link to submit your answer. Winner(s) will be announced at the Monday night potluck. You might get lucky and win a prize! Good luck.

Annual Slide Show--see Resources

Thu, 08 Feb 2018 22:35:57 GMT

If you missed the annual slide show on Feb. 5, or if you simply want to see the slides again, click on the Resources tab. There you will find a link to a PDF version of the slides. Warning: It is a very large (70 MB) file and will take a considerable amount of time to load. But the pictures are well worth seeing. Thanks to Judy Farnsworth for putting the slide show together, and to all the contributors!

Boisetrails.com is new link under "Resources"

Fri, 26 Jan 2018 18:37:37 GMT

We've added a link to a helpful website to get updates (and add your own updates) on individual trail conditions: www.BoiseTrails.com. Click on "Resources" and go to "Hike Destinations."

Friends of Deer Flat

Tue, 09 Jan 2018 04:41:42 GMT

If you are interested in joining the Friends of Deer Flat, you can find information by clicking here. Here is a link for the 2018 application for Friends of Deer Flat.

Alvena's photos on Home Page

Fri, 22 Dec 2017 18:57:45 GMT

Thanks to Alvena Kinkade for supplying photos for the club's home page slideshow. You can see more of Alvena's photos, and those from other members, on the club's Photo Gallery page (you must login in to view Members Only content).

Lookouts of the Boise National Forest

Tue, 05 Dec 2017 04:09:15 GMT

You can see Joe Bergstrom's slide show about lookouts of the Boise National Forest by clicking the link under Resources. Thanks, Joe, for a great presentation at the Dec. 4th potluck meeting!

Book Club #3 Reading List

Sun, 26 Nov 2017 14:12:28 GMT

The following list of books is the reading list for the coming months for MWOC Book Club #3:

Indian Creek Chronicles, by Pete Fromm

Soul of an Octopus, by Sy Montgomery

Desert Queen, by Janet Wallach

Astoria, by Peter Stark

Totem Salmon, by Freeman House

The Island Within, by Richard Nelson

"Contact Us" link now fixed

Tue, 21 Nov 2017 21:06:08 GMT

Apologies to those of you who tried to use the "Contact Us" form on the MWOC website. Your messages weren't getting through because of a "Settings" error. We've got it fixed and should get your messages directly into the club's email account. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Fish & Game Volunteer Opportunities

Mon, 06 Nov 2017 04:23:14 GMT

Contact Peter Ott at peter.ott@idfg.idaho.gov, 208-334-2115.

Sun., Nov. 12, 9 am-3 pm, Big Game Survey Training
Thurs., Nov. 16, 9 am-2 pm, Broadcast Seeding Maynard Gulch/Table Rock
Sat. Nov. 18, 8:30 am-4 pm, Seedling planting

Thanks to Ada County Landfill

Thu, 02 Nov 2017 21:28:37 GMT

Thanks to Ted Hutchinson, Deputy Director of the Ada County Landfill, for spending more than 2 hours giving MWOC members a tour of the extensive landfill operations. The landfill website is: https://adacounty.id.gov/landfill. And thanks to Anne and John Olden for organizing the trip. Who knew trash could be so fascinating?

Bylaw updates: membership and timing of officer elections

Sun, 22 Oct 2017 01:42:41 GMT

At the December 2017 meeting, members will vote on updates to the Bylaws, regarding membership changes and the timing of officer elections. Go to "Resources" for links to the updates Bylaws.

MWOC Officer Elections!

Thu, 28 Sep 2017 16:38:23 GMT

Interested in running for a MWOC office? All positions are open – President, Vice President, Treasurer, Newsletter, Membership. Or if you would like to nominate someone you are welcome to as long as you have his or her permission to do so. Please contact Rod Haars or email the club at MWOCID@gmail.com.

Air Quality Information Website

Fri, 08 Sep 2017 22:13:38 GMT

Compliments of Mary Brown: I know some people are probably having a significant issue with the air quality. Others may just be trying to decide where to plan their next adventure. Either way it could be a helpful website. I sent the link to my daughter in Missoula because their girls are actually having a hard time breathing right now, and they're trying to decide where to escape for the weekend. https://www.airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state

Member directory

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 21:46:38 GMT

Don't forget that you can find directory information for other MWOC members in the Members Only section of the website. You will need a password to login to the directory. To create a password, click on the Login icon, enter your email address, and click "Forgot password." If you need assistance, contact Laura Jenski.

Are you getting your email communications from MWOC?

Wed, 19 Jul 2017 21:40:24 GMT

If you have been having trouble receiving email messages from Yahoo Groups, please contact Cheri Worsley. If you're having trouble logging into the MWOC website or receiving email messages from the MWOC's "wild apricot" domain, please contact Laura Jenski.

Buy/Sell/Swap outdoor gear at Members' Marketplace

Fri, 09 Jun 2017 16:54:03 GMT

MWOC is testing a page on the website where members can post outdoor items they wish to buy, sell or swap. Go to: Members Only > Members' Marketplace to post or view. Want some help posting items? Email the administrator at MWOCID@gmail.com.

We want your input on MWOC website

Sun, 26 Mar 2017 22:12:00 GMT

We want your input into features of the MWOC website. Please contact Laura Jenski for information.

Calling all activity and trip leaders!

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:52:20 GMT

Planning a MWOC excursion? Or thinking of an excursion where you would like to invite like-minded souls? Send Judy Farnsworth the particulars and she'll publish it in the next monthly newsletter.

Air St. Luke's Membership

Mon, 20 Mar 2017 21:50:11 GMT

A reduced Air St. Luke’s yearly membership rate is available to MWOC members on request. Contact information: stlukesonline.org/air or 208-706-1000