Carving Out A Home Away From Home
Growing up in Quito, Ecuador in the Andes where he thrived in the outdoors, the University of Idaho is like coming home for wildlife resources major Landon Moore.
While his home base is now Harker Heights, Texas, when Moore was looking for a school, he wanted to be close to the mountains. But what really struck him about the University of Idaho was a personal phone call from the associate dean of the College of Natural Resources to follow up his application.
“The decision was really made right then,” says Moore, adding other factors were involved, such as price and size, but the personal touch was the cement. “There’s a real familial feel at the University of Idaho, I know my professors, my advisor…I still maintain that core group of friends from my first year.”
Because of the relationships he has fostered, in addition to his academics, at the University, Moore was selected for a volunteer position releasing endangered harpy eagles in Panamá. He also worked at Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness Area as a field technician and was the assistant manger at
Taylor Wilderness Research Station.
While Idaho has given Moore a taste of home, he returned to Ecuador as part of a study abroad experience that also included New Zealand. Working with the International Programs Office, Moore was able to complete his Spanish and Wildlife requirements at the two locations.
In addition, Moore holds a student leadership position at the Campus Christian Center, tutors with the Tutoring and Academic Assistance Program and works in the
Stillinger Herbarium helping digitize their collection. He is also active in the
Idaho Student Chapter of the Wildlife Society and attended the Western Student Wildlife Conclave three times.
“It’s a good time to get to know people and make contacts,” says Moore. “The University really helps you connect with your major field.”
It isn’t just the people he’s met in Idaho, it’s also the ability to forge relationships with raptors. Obtaining his falconry license at age 14, Moore volunteered with the WSU Raptor club for two years and currently practices falconry alongside his studies.
“I practice falconry and hunt at all, for that matter, to participate in the environment that sustains me,” says Moore. “It's choosing an intimate relationship with creation and The Creator, and I find that fulfilling.”
