– Press release

Friends of the Inyo, a non profit organization dedicated to the preservation, exploration, and stewardship of the region’s public lands, recently welcomed Barbara Kelley of Bishop and Sam Roberts of Mammoth Lakes to its Board of Directors. “Friends of the Inyo is thrilled to welcome Sam and Barbara to the Board. Their experience and passion for the Eastern Sierra promises to be a great asset to the organization,” said Laura Beardsley, Executive Director.

Barbara Kelley

Barbara Kelley

A recently retired teacher, Barbara Kelley lives in Bishop with her husband Derrick. Although having taught various grade levels, subjects, and special education, her best memories involve being outside with her two daughters, teaching outdoor science, and instructing English in a remote village in Eastern Tibet.

Over the years, she also taught for outdoor education programs in Death Valley, Owens Valley, and Mono County. Her involvement with students in Tibet continues through her work with Machik, a non profit working to strengthen communities in Tibet. She was instrumental in establishing Ash Meadows National Wildlife Refuge, and is the former secretary of the Eastern Sierra Audubon Society. “There is no choice for me but to be passionate about the Eastern Sierra…It’s an honor to help give back to the land that has done so much for me.”

When Sam Roberts was three, his family moved to Cartago to be closer to the mountains, and his father’s work. Sam’s family loved the outdoors and vacations were always spent camping which eventually led to backpacking, rock climbing, and mountaineering.

Sam Roberts

Sam Roberts

His climbing adventures have taken him from the granite walls of Yosemite to the summits of Afghanistan. He has been a professional photographer for 25 years, first shooting outdoor adventures, then doing commercial and corporate work, and now mainly landscapes with his wife, Karen a fine photographer in her own right. Sam has been active in several conservation groups including the Sierra Club and the California Wilderness Coalition. “I’m looking forward to giving back to a region that has given me so much in my life”.

“Barbara and Sam bring enthusiasm and a breadth of knowledge in various areas that complement and further enhance our active board”, said Sydney Quinn, President.

For more information on Friends of the Inyo programs and upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, visit www.friendsoftheinyo.org.

 

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