Member of the Month: Jeff Callister

We are excited to spotlight Jeff as our Member of the Month! Jeff has been a TFNU member for the past few years, and his story is a wonderful reminder of why trails matter and how they connect us to nature, family, and community.

What inspired you to become a member of TFNU, and how have the trails and this community impacted your life or outdoor experiences?

I spend a fair amount of time on the trails here in Northern Utah (of course, never as much time as I would ultimately like to be out on the trails :) ) It's where I go to escape life. I call it trail therapy, and it is good for my heart, mind and soul! I'm a firm believer in the idea that nature heals, so I try to get out as often as I can! One day it hit me that I needed to do what I could to give back and support those working so hard to maintain such amazing trails and access for all to enjoy! It was at that point, I decided to become a member of TFNU. It's just one simple thing I can do to assure that the trails I enjoy so much are well maintained and enjoyable for all that want to use them, including future generations!

I was born and raised in SLC, Utah, but have lived in Ogden for the last 21 years. I have fallen in love with where I live, and am grateful for the easy access to local trails, that are just minutes from my house! There is such beauty to be found in our own backyard, and each season presents the trails in a way that it often seems like it's my first time exploring the trail! They are ever changing, and it's always a surprise as to what you may see or experience while on the trails. The trails are where I go to find peace and they have also served to bring me closer to friends and family. Sharing miles on the trails has helped me improve relationships with my own children and other family members and they have also helped me find many new friends in the trail community! Some of my favorite trail memories come from recent years in doing the TFNU Peak Challenge. This challenge served as a great way to get us together, and out on the trails. Sometimes we'd go as a group, and sometimes I go solo. Either way, life is just better on the trails!

How long have you been a member?

3-4 years!