Metzmaker recognized for conservation work

Flathead Audubon recently presented its Conservation Achievement Recognition to Jan Metzmaker of Whitefish at its annual meeting in May.

Metzmaker was recognized for her lifetime of dedicated community service and inspiring conservation work in the Flathead.

Originally from Connecticut, Metzmaker graduated from the University of Missouri in 1973. After her first summer job at Lake McDonald Lodge, she signed on with Glacier National Park’s first all-women’s trail crew.

She later became an operator at the Park’s water treatment plant and a co-owner of Glacier Wilderness Guides, the first company to provide local guides for hikers in Glacier Park.

After moving to Missoula, Metzmaker became a water-quality specialist with the Lolo National Forest and completed her graduate degree in environmental studies at the University of Montana.

After she met and married Pete Metzmaker, they settled in Whitefish where they raised their twin sons. Her husband was a science teacher, coach and referee at Whitefish High School, and they continued to work as guides in Glacier Park during the summers.

Metzmaker became the first staff person for Citizens for a Better Flathead. She also served on the Whitefish City Council and became the executive director for the newly created Glacier Fund in 2000.

The nonprofit was the fundraising partner of Glacier Park. During Metzmaker’s directorship, the Glacier Fund dispersed more than $1 million, established the Park’s first citizen science program, funded restoration of dozens of trails and historic cabins, and brought back the historic red tour buses.

Recently, Metzmaker and Diane Medler worked with Flathead Audubon to develop a birding guide to encourage self-guided activities throughout the Flathead. Completed in 2013, the guide can be found at area motels, visitor centers, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters, and by contacting Flathead Audubon.