Our mission is to provide youth in Fremont County with opportunities to spend time outdoors and connect with nature. We believe nature is vital to mental and physical well-being and everyone should have the opportunity to experience the therapeutic effects of the outdoors.
The Treeline Project was built upon three core values: personal wellness, outdoor education, and community.
We believe that nature provides extensive therapeutic benefits from simply boosting a person's mood to helping relieve anxiety and depression. Each trip will facilitate opportunities to receive and take full advantage of these therapeutic benefits and improve one’s overall wellness.
We strive to allow Fremont County youth the access to the outdoors and enable them to enjoy it safely. Each trip focuses not only on how to utilize the outdoors for our wellbeing, but how to do so in away that is safe and respectful to nature. Our outdoor education teaches youth basic outdoor skills - from setting up camp to enjoying nature in a way that minimizes human impact to conserve it for generations to come.
We aim to create a community of people who seek wellness and a sense of belonging through the outdoors. Conservation is important to us as we want to make the outdoors a welcoming place for all and hope for connections made in the backcountry to last throughout the years. We are currently working with a variety of outdoor groups to not only bring more outdoor opportunities to individuals in our community but to also protect our backyard.
We believe that nature provides extensive therapeutic benefits from simply boosting a person's mood to helping relieve anxiety and depression. Each trip will facilitate opportunities to receive and take full advantage of these therapeutic benefits and improve one’s overall wellness.
The Treeline Project strives to allow everyone to feel like they have access to the outdoors and the ability to enjoy it safely. Each trip will focus not only how to utilize the outdoors for our wellbeing but how to do so in a way that is safe and respectful to nature itself. Our outdoor education consists of basic outdoor skills from setting up camp, cooking in nature, and keeping a clean camp, as well as, how to enjoy nature in a way that minimizes human impact and conserves it for generations to come.
The Treeline Project aims to create a community of people that desire gaining wellness through the outdoors and gaining a sense of belonging. We strive to have these connections made in the backcountry last throughout the years.
We also prioritize working with other outdoor groups that work towards conservation and making the outdoors a welcoming place for all. We are currently working with a variety of groups in order to make greater connections that will not only bring more outdoor opportunities to individuals in our community but to also protect our backyard.
The Treeline Project got its name in reference to the treeline on a mountain. This is the point where trees stop growing on a mountain due to harsh environmental conditions and a distinct line is created. It takes time, risk and effort to get to the treeline, but this is the point where hard work pays off and magnificent views are seen.
The Treeline Project was established in September of 2020 when it became clear to both of us (Joseph and Laurel) that the world was aching, our community was aching, we were aching and there was relief to be found right in our own backyard. Between career changes, family losses and global pandemic, we often found solace in the outdoors. We found peace in nature and knew that it needed to be shared.
We believe that nature is vital in wellbeing and access should be given to everyone. At The Treeline Project, we have combined our passions for the outdoors and personal growth to take people to the physical treeline, as well as, the “treeline” within themselves. It is time consuming, risky and takes effort to become a healthier version of ourselves. But it is so worth it in the end and everyone should be given this opportunity.
"The truth about the outdoors is that it has given me the chance to heal on more occasions than I can count. Struggling with mental health, substance abuse, and adjustment challenges, the outdoors always provided a healthy escape for me. I was very fortunate to have family, friends, neighbors, and even teachers that encouraged my growth as an outdoorsmen. I hope that I can return the favor for others wanting to strengthen their outdoor abilities for their enjoyment and well-being."
-Joseph Gonzalez
.jpg)
Joseph Gonzalez, LCSW
Being born and raised in Wyoming, Joseph has a deep passion for the outdoors and mental well-being. You can usually find him outside fishing, hunting, or hiking. Joseph earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Wyoming and currently is working as a contract mental health therapist on the Wind River Reservation.
Joseph is excited to share wisdom and lessons that were learned by personal experience or passed down to him by countless mentors, community members, and other professionals.
Laurel Brinkerhoff-Gonzalez
Laurel is a recent graduate from the University of Wyoming with a Master’s degree in Communication and Environment and Natural Resources. She has a passion for learning and communicating about science and nature. Her hobbies include mountain biking, fishing, hiking and cross-stitching.
From taking care of the llamas to managing social media, Laurel is behind it all and has helped bring this project to fruition. Laurel’s passion for the environment and conservation serve a vital role in The Treeline Project.
The Llamas
Our llama crew is made up of Ricky, Choncho, Guillermo, Elvis, and Cha-ka (aka Taco). These boys are young, but already proved themselves as seasoned packers. We strive to provide them with plenty of packing opportunities by hiking miles in different terrains. They allow us to pack in a comfortable camp into the backcountry and work as our personal security. They are curious creators, who are obsessed with treats and neck scratches.
We believe that llamas provide the help that livestock bring to backcountry travel, without the wear and tear on trails and campsites seen by horses and mules.
We are beyond grateful for our llamas and look forward to introducing them to the groups we take out and the people we meet on the trail.
