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Author and photographer Matt Leidecker to give free presentation on “Exploring the Sawtooths” at The Center Redfish & Gallery

Ketchum, ID—Idaho River Publications award-winning publisher, photographer and guide Matt Leidecker will give a free presentation on “Exploring the Sawtooths” on Thursday, July 18, at 8 p.m. at the Redfish Center amphitheater at Redfish Lake in Stanley.

Leidecker is the author of “Exploring the Sawtooths– A Comprehensive Guide to the Sawtooth Mountains.” For part of his research, he biked 221 miles, hiked 360 miles and his wife Christine hiked 140 miles for a total of 721 miles and total vertical feet of 157,000 feet by the Leideckers.

“My book provides a perspective of the Sawtooths you will not get anywhere,” Leidecker said. “The history and geology in the Sawtooths is amazing from early mining and trapping routes to geological discoveries.”

             Leidecker’s presentation will include a brief historical and geologic background to the Sawtooth Mountains before talking about the process of researching and writing his guidebook. He will also share stories and many stunning photos from his own Sawtooth explorations, and highlight some of his favorite hikes and adventures in the range.

Leidecker also partnered with the Sawtooth Society, which is a conservation organization whose mission is to “preserve, protect and enhance” the Sawtooth NRA. The Sawtooth Society is the cover sponsor of the “Exploring the Sawtooths–A Comprehensive Guide to the Sawtooth Mountains” and the organization is featured with their name and logo on the front page. Information about the Sawtooth Society and their mission are included inside the book.

Leidecker will also discuss about hiking with his family and provide a few vignettes to inspire anyone who visits the Sawtooths to take a hike. The presentation will have a Q & A session at its conclusion and “Exploring the Sawtooths–A Comprehensive Guide to the Sawtooth Mountains” is available for purchase at The Redfish Center & Gallery.

Leidecker was raised in the resort community of Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho. He began exploring the mountains around his home while on outdoor program trips with The Community School.  He received an undergraduate degree in geology from Middlebury College in 1996.  A guiding career that began in 1991 on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River eventually led to the publication of Leidecker’s first book of photography, “Impassable Canyon, A Journey Down the Middle Fork of the Salmon River” in 2002 (Sun Valley Press). In 2005, he formed Idaho River Publications, which published Leidecker’s first waterproof guidebook to the Middle Fork of the Salmon River. His first hiking guidebook, “Exploring Sun Valley” was published in 2010. Matt lives in Hailey, Idaho with his wife Christine and two children Sarah and Max.

            For more information, visit Matt Leidecker’s at www.mattlphoto.com or contact matt@mattlphoto.com.

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