When Scott Borden and Mallory Logan became friends, they never imagined, in their wildest dreams they would one day be working together to release a children’s book. Fifteen years later, that is exactly what they did.
The book is “Squeak! Goes Climbing in Yosemite National Park” and it all started with Scott’s passion for the great outdoors. Scott Borden was encouraged to attend Western Colorado University by family friends because of his affinity for all activities involving the outdoors, the class sizes and the programs offered. Scott graduated in 2005 with a B.A. in Biology and Environment & Sustainability. He then completed his M.A. in Environmental Education at Prescott College in 2008 and his Ph.D. in Business Administration at the University of Exeter in 2017. Scott returned to Western Colorado University to teach in the Outdoor Industry MBA program, eventually earning his place as the Director of the program. Scott now lives in Arkansas with his family and teaches at the University of Arkansas. He is still an avid mountain biker, fly fisher, rock climber and hiker; he never misses a chance to take his sons out on an adventure.
Scott first got the inspiration for Squeak! five years ago while visiting Yosemite National Park. He wanted to tell the story of rock climbing but also introduce children to nature, safety and conservation.
“This book is intended to teach the next generation about safety and nature but it is also an intergenerational piece that will teach kids about conservation and female empowerment.” – Scott Borden
Borden’s mission was to educate children about the safety of climbing and the importance of taking care of the natural environment around you. The book even includes a glossary about the safety gear needed while rock climbing but also introduces children to the variety of animals one can run into while adventuring in Yosemite National Park.
Shortly after the project was kicked off, Mallory Logan was invited to join as the illustrator. Scott and Mallory have been friends ever since attending Western together and as an accomplished business owner, designer, marketer and illustrator, it just made sense.
“I always dreamed of illustrating a children’s book and was really excited for the opportunity. It was a dream come true.” – Mallory Logan
Mallory graduated in 2009 with B.A. in graphic design. She is the owner of RoShamBo, a Gunnison graphic design firm. Logan is also on the Gunnison City Council as Mayor Pro Tem, she is Vice President of the Gunnison Valley Regional Housing Authority Board, she is on the Board of the Gunnison Valley Observatory, a member of the Sustainable Tourism & Outdoor Recreation Committee, a sports enthusiast training for the Grand Traverse and a mom.
“One of the most important things I learned while at Western was the value of community. Western was the gateway to knowing my friends and having the opportunity to work on this project.” – Mallory Logan
Squeak! is a fully alumni fueled project. “Squeak! Goes Climbing in Yosemite Park” was published by a Western Alum, Luke Mehall. Another close friend of Scott and Mallory’s, he was happy to help launch the book. Luke is a publisher at The Climbing Zine, author of five books and host of the podcast “Dirtbag State of Mind” and lives in Durango, Colorado. Since the release of the first book, a second book, “Squeak! Goes Backcountry Skiing” was published through Beacon Guidebooks, a Gunnison based, locally owned guidebook company.
In an effort to help with conservation, 50% of the proceeds from each book go to Access Fund and Protect Our Winters “POW”.
Squeak! Goes Climbing in Yosemite National park can be ordered online here.
It can also be purchased at the Climbing Museum and Ansel Adams Gallery in Yosemite National Park.
Squeak! Goes Backcountry Skiing can be ordered online here.
