The name came from a desire to encompass the things the organization stands for, and the place that makes its existence possible, without having another Yellowstone Something or Other. Lava Creek is the name of the last major Yellowstone caldera eruption that took place 630,000 years ago, and is responsible for much of the landscape that surrounds us. However, much has happened since that eruption, including erosion through water and glacial processes, and more recent geologic activity.

Hmmm…Caldera eruptions…lava, erosional processes due to water…creek, water cycles and rock cycles; of which lava and creeks are key components. Further pondering points to the fact that planets aren't very appealing without some form of rock, and life as

we understand it can't exist without water…Cycles of water and rock leading to cycles of life…lava creek.

Lava Creek is also a small stream that exists in the northern part of Yellowstone National Park that flows in to the Black Canyon of the Yellowstone River, one of the most magical places on Earth. Already a work in progress, many of the ideas for this organization coalesced during an incredible spring trip with a group of good friends and an amazing group of West Yellowstone public school students. We crossed Lava Creek daily on that adventure, during which we were all inspired by the magic and majesty of Yellowstone, the companionship of great people, and incredible daily experiences that even the most veteran explorers in our group were astounded by…

The water in Lava Creek begins its journey to the ocean from the mountains of the Washburn range, where it flows into the Gardner River, on to the Yellowstone River (the longest free flowing river in the lower 48 states), then through the Missouri and in to the Mississippi River. When it enters the ocean in the Gulf of Mexico, it has traveled well over 3,000 miles to the backyard of my birthplace in Louisiana, only to find its way back again some day…

Teaching and learning are part of a social and cultural cycle that has lead the most capable and powerful apex species the planet has ever witnessed. What tools and knowledge will we provide for the next generation? How will we define our future? What legacy will we leave?

From Water and rock, to Cycles and circles, the connectedness of things…for me it all seems to lead to Lava Creek.