Five Years on Wasatch Wildlife Watch with David Terrion

Dave on the trail with his daughter.

Our volunteer of the month David Terrion has been involved with Wasatch Wildlife Watch for five years, since our first project season. Wildlife Watch project lead Austin Green has nothing but good things to say about David:

“David is a five-year participant that has been with Wasatch Wildlife Watch from the very beginning. David is a Dedicated Hunter, and he establishes one of the most productive sites within Millcreek Canyon. His camera is always perfectly positioned, and David never misses a deadline, always being one of the first to complete his fieldwork.”

I asked Dave some questions about his work with Wasatch Wildlife Watch, and got some great stories about what it means to him to be a part of the project for five years:

What originally drew you to Wasatch Wildlife Watch?

I was drawn to the program because I was intrigued with the idea of studying wildlife and migration patterns in the Wasatch. I consider Millcreek Canyon to be my home, I’m humbled and honored to be studying wildlife there.

What is your favorite part about the project?

My favorite part of the project is being part of a such a valuable study, and having the chance to share the experience with my kids. After 5 years I have started to mark the passage of time, especially summers, with the duties and outings associated with the study.

Do you have any interesting/funny field stories, findings, etc. you'd like to share?

I’d love to share with you some of my favorite memories. It’s very rewarding to return to the same places every year with a purpose, using the same trees for camera placement each year. I have found a sense of intimacy and connection with these areas that I wouldn’t otherwise have. And it has been amazing to share that with my wife and kids. Our younger daughter was 1 the year we started, I carried her to all the sites on my chest. Now she’s usually the first one up the trail, racing our black lab. Our oldest daughter “found” a fairy garden on year 2 at one of the trail cam sites. We often visit that site throughout the year now, to check on the fairies.

David’s wife and daughters on a trail camera hike.

Why is wildlife conservation important to you?

Wildlife, and the natural world in general is a finite and fragile resource. Learning more about the natural world and how we can live in balance with it is our duty. And in the process it helps us learn more about ourselves as well. That’s why wildlife conservation is important to me.

What would you say to new volunteers on the project?

To anyone new to the program I want to say thanks for joining us. Austin and the rest of the team are awesome- don’t hesitate to ask them for direction or help. And, if you get a chance please tell them thank you for their hard work and for keeping this project going.