Meet Marley Pankratz, one of our newest staff members here at Teton Conservation District!
As our Administrative Manager, Marley leads the administrative operations at Teton Conservation District, overseeing financial systems and working closely with staff and community partners to advance the District’s mission and vision. Marley studied Natural Resource Conservation at the University of Idaho, where she helped launch an environmental education program for local students. She first came to Jackson to work on the river and spent nine years with Teton Whitewater in various management roles.
When she’s not at the office, Marley loves floating the river, riding bikes, and experimenting with film photography. Want to learn more about Marley? Enjoy this Q&A with her!
Marley hanging out by her favorite spot on the river.
Sunset float on the Snake River.
Marley admiring a Western Red Cedar tree in White Salmon, WA.
What is one conservation issue you feel especially passionate about?
Clean water and healthy watersheds!
If you could live in any natural ecosystem, what would it be and why?
If I could live in any natural ecosystem, I’d choose a temperate rainforest. Really anywhere there are western red cedar trees, ferns, moss-covered ground, and water nearby. Those enormous trees feel ancient and alive all at once!
What outdoor place in Teton County feels most special to you?
There’s an eddy on the Snake River that has been a special spot for me since my first summer living in Jackson. It’s my favorite place to read a book, find some rocks, watch osprey fish, and cool off on those torturously hot July days. Many laughs, tears, sunburns, and good memories have been had there.
Geared up to go rafting in Westwater Canyon on the Colorado River.
What was your first job in conservation?
I helped run an outdoor environmental education program while I was in college. It started in 2020 to get kids outside and fill in some social and educational gaps during the pandemic. We were outside regardless of season and weather and got to do some cool hands-on learning activities because of that. We had lots of guest teachers who worked in various natural resource fields, and it felt like I was learning right along with the kids and got some good perspectives on what different careers in conservation looked like. I only gave one kid an existential crisis after a Leave No Trace lesson so I would say I overall it went okay.
Baseflow sampling in Flat Creek with David Lee, TCD Water Resources Specialist.
Do you have a go-to outdoor activity on your day off?
I love a good swim or float down the river! My favorite is a sunset float in the National Park on the Deadman’s to Moose section of the Snake.
What’s a fun or embarrassing childhood story you’re willing to share?
When I was 9 years old, I did a YMCA summer camp called ‘Mosquito Camp’ where we went out and learned how to do some outdoorsy stuff. We spent one of the days learning how to fish and let’s just say that I wasn’t really taking to it. One thing leads to another, and I end up casting a line that hooks into another girl’s ear. I was completely mortified and embarrassed and much to the relief of everyone I know, I haven’t touched a fishing rod since.
Teaching a group of students for the Nature Explorers program at the Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute in Moscow, ID.