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The Birch Creek runs through the middle of the valley

BIRCH CREEK INSTITUTE

Restore     Rewild     Reform

Together, we shape the land that shapes us

About Us

Committed to Conservation

We are a non-partisan convener of policy dialogues at Birch Creek, Idaho, centered on conservation and nature-based initiatives to benefit both people, the planet, and the economy.

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Our Mission

"To provide a nature-based space for policy and thought leaders to share unfiltered dialogue about the future of our planet including conservation, biodiversity, sustainable economic development, and nature and wildlife."

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Our Vision

"A future where people and nature are united in purpose—where biodiverse landscapes, health and wellness, and ground-breaking ideas converge to drive innovative solutions for a thriving people, planet and economy."

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Our Journey

"Situated on ancestral lands of the Shoshone Bannock Tribe in the Birch Creek Valley, our institute on 1200 acres of protected land will host our first leadership conference this fall and will expand our offerings in the coming year."

The inaugural conference is set to launch in Birch Creek Valley from October 7th to 9th.

 

Following this foundational event, our next major conference will be in Washington D.C. in April 2026, marking a significant expansion of our reach and activities.

 

Our conferences are meticulously designed to encompass a rich array of activities and features, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging experience for all participants.

All of our conferences are set to feature:

Policy Development

Non-partisan convenings on conservation, sustainability,
rewilding, biodiversity, and revitalizing ecosystems.

Image by Nikola Jovanovic

Global Collaboration

Engaging tribal leaders, governments, private stakeholders, and local ranchers and farmers to
scale impactful conservation solutions.

Image by Ben White

Local Opportunities

Hosting nature-based retreats and educational
programs partnered with local communities.

Image by Gabriel Jimenez
Pine tree needles up close with dewdrops

Our Institute

A hub for thought leadership, the Birch Creek Institute hosts summits, convenings, and interactive experiences free from sound bites.

In a climate of rising partisanship and soundbites, we offer a unique nature-based experience for policy formulation that is meaningful, thoughtful, balanced and innovative. Our “conference room” is 1400 acres where policy discussions are truly informed by a living experience.

Through the power of place, we use the inspirational qualities of nature to catalyze innovative solutions to the planet's most pressing challenges.

Our Inaugural Conference October 7th-9th, 2025

The main entrance gate to the institute in Birch Creek Valley

The Gateway
to Conservation

Exploring Cultural Roots

Birch Creek Valley, located in Lemhi County, boasts a rich cultural history, including the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Native American heritage of the surrounding mountains and their natural resources.

Why Birch Creek?

Sage Grouse sitting in the foreground of a large field

A Critical Migration Coridor

Birch Creek Valley is a critical migration corridor, linking Yellowstone to the Central Idaho Wilderness, ensuring genetic diversity and ecosystem resilience for keystone species. This valley serves as a vital wildlife and genetic "highway," enabling species migration, resilience, and biodiversity.

The main building of the Birch Creek Institute
Beaver sitting next to river's edge
Bell Mountain sits behind a wide-open field of grass

Place as Purpose

The setting of the valley itself is integral to the experience. Birch Creek isn’t just a backdrop it’s the very subject of the conversation: a living, breathing example of climate resilience, land conservation, and ecological connectivity.

Though rooted in Idaho, the impact of Birch Creek is continental. Its conservation protects an unbroken ecological corridor essential to the future of biodiversity and resilience across North America.

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Birch Creek Valley in Winter

Creek

Our Partners

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Rewilding America Now

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Cornel University

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The Diamond Peak Mountain Ridgeline
Deepening Our Dedication to Fair and Open Collaboration
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What does lasting conservation look like in a rapidly changing world?
Support Us

Together, we find a way.
Let's shape a future where people, wildlife, and wild lands thrive together.

With your support we can:

  • Safeguard irreplaceable lands from development

  • Launch a catalytic space for conservation policy and environmental leadership

  • Empower communities to lead the next generation of conservation

  • Drive transformational dialogue by connecting policymakers, conservation leaders, Indigenous voices, ranchers and farmers, and global experts to co-create solutions rooted in both science and lived experience.

Leadership and Advisors

  • If you are interested in donating to our cause, you can follow the link below.

  • We can't do this alone and we welcome new partnerships or sponsorships to help our cause. You can reach out to our dedicated business development team and they will be happy to provide you additional information and onboard you to our Institute.

Get Involved

Information on the various ways in which visitors can contribute and become involved with us.

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