After working 31 years as a wildlife biologist at one of the most treasured natural areas in Idaho–the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Robin Garwood (née Spahr; MS, Raptor Biology, ’90) retired on December 30, 2022. Garwood said the most enjoyable parts of her career were: working in a beautiful landscape with interesting habitats and species; developing and conducting long-term monitoring of species of concern such as northern goshawk, great gray owl, and wolverine (a few favorites); conducting habitat restoration with whitebark pine and aspen; and working with and learning from several very intelligent and dedicated biologists and botanists. Garwood said a highlight was finding the first documented bald eagle nest on the Sawtooth NRA–this is a species dear to her heart, as her MS in Raptor Biology was on bald eagles. Garwood was one of the first graduates of the Master of Science Raptor Biology program at Boise State, which launched in 1987, and the only Raptor Biology student to have legendary raptor biologist Karen Steenhof as her advisor.
After some initial post-retirement relaxation, Garwood plans to look into volunteer opportunities in the Wood River Valley and do some international travel for birding/wildlife viewing in the coming years. The Raptor Research Center staff at Boise State University congratulates Garwood on her amazing career and wishes her the best during retirement.
