Today, I’ll be heading west once again for a Higher Calling Wildlife® outreach expedition in Colorado and Wyoming, and I couldn’t be more excited.
For many people, a trip to the Rockies is about incredible scenery, wildlife viewing, and outdoor adventure. For me, it’s about those things, but it’s also about something deeper. Every trip is an opportunity to connect people—especially young people—with wildlife, conservation, and hope.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be spending time in and around Estes Park, Colorado Springs, Denver, and other areas of Colorado. We’ll be photographing wildlife, exploring some amazing landscapes, and working on several outreach projects designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists, wildlife photographers, and outdoor communicators.
One of the things I’m most excited about is helping young people learn about photojournalism and wildlife storytelling. Wildlife photography is much more than taking pictures. It’s about telling stories that connect people with nature. A powerful image can inspire someone to care about conservation, appreciate wildlife, or even change the direction of their life.
I’ve seen that happen firsthand.
One of the reasons mountain goats have become such a special focus for our family and for Higher Calling Wildlife goes back to an experience we had several years ago atop Mount Blue Sky.
At the time, I was scouting locations for a wildlife outing we were planning for young people. My daughter Faith, who was 16 years old then, was with me as we explored the mountain and looked for opportunities to photograph wildlife.
During that scouting trip, she photographed a mountain goat.
Neither of us knew it at the time, but that image would go on to win a major national photography award.
For me, the story was about far more than a photograph. Years earlier, when Lea and I made the decision to adopt Faith, I felt the Lord put something on my heart regarding her future and how wildlife and the outdoors would become part of her story. Watching her grow as a wildlife photographer and seeing that image receive national recognition felt like the fulfillment of something God had spoken long before.
I eventually wrote about that experience here on Higher Calling Wildlife. Earlier this year, that article received First Place in Faith-Based Inspirational Writing at the 2026 Press Club of Southeast Texas Excellence in Media Awards.
That mountain goat encounter became one of those defining moments that reminded me why we do what we do. It also helped spark an even deeper appreciation for mountain goats and the high-country environments they call home. Ever since then, they’ve been among the wildlife species we most enjoy photographing, studying, and sharing with others.
Experiences like that are why these expeditions matter.
I’ve seen kids gain confidence through photography. I’ve seen young people discover a passion for conservation. I’ve watched children who were struggling find peace and purpose through experiences in the outdoors. Sometimes all it takes is a single encounter with wildlife or one meaningful moment in nature.
Those moments are why Higher Calling Wildlife exists.
This trip will include opportunities to document some of the incredible wildlife that makes the Rocky Mountains such a special place. Whether it’s elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, birds of prey, mule deer, or some unexpected species we encounter along the way, we’ll be sharing photos and stories throughout the journey.
We’ll also be working on projects designed to help young people understand how photography and journalism can be used as tools for conservation. Too often, young people are told to consume content. We want to teach them how to create it—to tell stories that matter and use their talents to make a positive impact.
Another major highlight of the trip will take place in Dubois, Wyoming, where we’ll be partnering with the National Bighorn Sheep Center to teach a day of Big Camp Bighorn. Helping young people learn about wild sheep conservation and the incredible animals that inhabit some of North America’s most rugged landscapes is something I care deeply about, and I’m honored to be part of that effort.
Wild sheep have played a significant role in my conservation work over the years, and every opportunity to introduce young people to their story is a blessing.
As always, this expedition is about more than wildlife.
It’s about relationships.
It’s about mentorship.
It’s about conservation.
And ultimately, it’s about helping people see the wonder of creation and recognize that their lives have value, purpose, and meaning.
None of this would be possible without the support of people who believe in the mission of Higher Calling Wildlife. Through your prayers, encouragement, and financial support, we’re able to continue reaching young people through wildlife conservation, photography, outdoor education, and storytelling.
If you’d like to help support future expeditions and outreach efforts, we would greatly appreciate it. Every contribution helps us create opportunities for young people to experience wildlife, learn about conservation, develop creative skills, and discover hope through the outdoors.
You can donate at the link below.
https://kingdomzoo.donortools.com/my/funds/85742-2026-Colorado-Higher-Calling-Wildlife-Expedition-Fu
Most of all, I would appreciate your prayers as we travel and carry out this work. I’m looking forward to sharing photographs, wildlife encounters, stories, and lessons learned from the mountains in the days ahead.
Stay tuned.
The Rockies are calling once again, and I can’t wait to see what God has in store.
Chester Moore
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Email Chester at chester@chestermoore.com.