Donnie Laughlin grew up in the Black Hills, studied theology at Concordia College, St. Paul, Minnesota, and studied philosophy at the University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, and the University of Texas at Austin where he was also an instructor of philosophy.
Laughlin is a phenomenologist, carpenter, builder, environmental activist, instructor, researcher, and consultant, in short, an entrepreneur of diverse interests and enterprises.
As co-editor and co-publisher, Laughlin participated in the amazing, far-reaching and huge effort that made MONTANA TRAILS.
One of several co-founders of Friends of the Bitterroot, Laughlin again participated in an astounding community effort and has served as vice-president, president, and member of the Steering Committee.
Joining the Board of the Wild Rockies Action Fund in the early ’90s, he initially served as vice-president, then president, and currently serves as secretary.
Donnie Laughlin is the author of ZENAS SLOANE’S LETTERS FOR THE EARTH, 1982, FIELD GUIDE TO WILD THINKING, Badger Press, 1998, plus articles for MONTANA TRAILS and numerous conservation organizations.
Currently, an adjunct instructor of carpentry in the College of Technology, University of Montana, Missoula, Montana, Laughlin is also working on a Field Guide For Dealing With Immune System Disorders.
Laughlin lives with his family in the sagebrush hills of the Bitterroot Valley in Montana.