This week at basecamp, we welcomed Patagonia Dillon’s Activism Team Lead Brendan Clark, and his wife, Sandra, for a few days. Since our inception over 25 years ago, Patagonia - with its gear donations, access to Catchafire, and ongoing financial support - has been one of our most important supporters.  BFC's gear room, aka Siberia, is full of Worn Wear Patagonia gear to help us stay warm when we are out in the field looking out for the Buffalo. Patagonia's Dillon Outlet Store has always ensured that BFC's field based conservation and advocacy stay strong and alive!  Thank you!

Patagonia Dillon's Brendan Clark (left) & wife, Sandra (right), attempt to spot Buffalo

A great thing about a company like Patagonia, is they encourage their staff to volunteer with the organizations they support.  In having Brendan and Sandra join us, it's our opportunity to give the people who sustain and support us the field and community experience that makes Buffalo Field Campaign so unique.  Giving those who make our operation possible the opportunity to take part in it is extremely important. Regardless of what can be read about our field operation in updates like these, joining us in the field is the only way to truly know what it feels like to be there for the Buffalo, and in doing so, being a part of something greater than oneself.

Insights into BFC's Grassroots Advocacy & Field Based Conservation 

Brendan Clark, Patagonia Dillon's Activism Team Lead

During my two-day volunteer experience with the Buffalo Field Campaign (BFC) in West Yellowstone, Montana, I engaged in hands-on conservation efforts focused on monitoring wild Buffalo and maintaining the campaign’s field operations. My responsibilities included observing and documenting Buffalo movements, assisting with maintenance of the living spaces, and participating in daily briefings to discuss findings and strategies. Activities & Responsibilities:

• Field Monitoring & Patrols:
  • Conducted on-the-ground monitoring of buffalo herds, noting their locations, behaviors, and interactions with the environment.
  • Assisted in documenting potential threats such as human interference, predators, or weather-related challenges.
  • Reported findings to the team during evening meetings.
• Living in the Cabins:
  • Adapted to rustic living conditions, sharing space with other volunteers and campaign members.
  • Followed sustainability practices to minimize environmental impact.
• Snow Removal & Cabin Maintenance:
  • Helped clear snow from cabin roofs to maintain structural integrity and ensure safe living conditions.
  • Assisted in general upkeep of the cabins to support the campaign’s long-term operations.
• Evening Meetings & Debriefs:
  • Participated in team discussions to share observations from daily patrols
  • Collaborated with other volunteers and staff to strategize for the following day.
  • Learned more about BFC’s mission, challenges faced by wild buffalo, and advocacy efforts.

Key Takeaways:

• Gained firsthand experience in wildlife monitoring and conservation efforts.
• Developed a deeper understanding of the challenges facing wild buffalo in Yellowstone.
• Contributed to essential maintenance tasks that support ongoing conservation work.
• Strengthened teamwork and communication skills through collaborative efforts with other volunteers and BFC members.

This experience provided valuable insight into grassroots wildlife advocacy and reinforced the importance of field-based conservation efforts.

 Main Lodge common room and buffet line

BFC Kitchen...where we feed the people who Stand with the Buffalo!

Map Room aka bunk house