Patty and Glen Engelking Honored as Wallowa County’s 2025 Weed Warriors
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, August 18th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
WALLOWA COUNTY – (Press release from Wallowa Resources) The Wallowa County Weed Board is proud to recognize Patty and the late Glen Engelking of Imnaha as the 2025 recipients of the Weed Warrior Award, honoring a longtime commitment to stewardship, hard work, and dedication to protecting the lands they loved.
Patty and Glen were a remarkable team.
Patty, a fourth-generation Wallowa County rancher raised in the Promise area, developed a passion for understanding invasive weeds after returning home to ranch in the county she loved. Through years of study, research, and hands-on experience, she became a trusted source of knowledge on weed identification and control. Glen became her willing partner in the battle.
Though only 5-foot-2, Glen was a giant in spirit. A heavy industrial mechanic, master craftsman, mentor, and problem solver, he approached every challenge with determination and ingenuity. He is remembered as someone who was always willing to lend a hand, share his knowledge, and help others succeed.
Together, they purchased a 433-acre ranch in Imnaha in 2011 and devoted themselves to improving the land. Weeds threatened the hay fields that sustained their cattle operation, but giving up was never an option. Patty did the research, Glen put plans into action, and together they built a weed management program rooted in persistence, responsibility, and hard work.
Their efforts extended far beyond their own property. Young people who came to work on the ranch quickly learned that working for the Engelkings was more than a summer job. The Engelkings, natural and highly impactful mentors, could not help but share their knowledge, encourage their workers and help them succeed in the task at hand as well as moving forward in life. As he had throughout his life, Glen especially delighted in teaching practical skills, encouraging curiosity, and passing along lessons learned through decades of experience.
When Glen passed away in 2025, Wallowa County lost a remarkable man. Patty lost her partner, teammate, and best friend.
Yet the work continues.
Armed with the knowledge they built together and the fierce determination that has always defined her, Patty continues tending the ranch and fighting the ongoing battle against invasive weeds. She carries forward a management plan, a shared legacy of stewardship, learning, generosity, and service.
The Wallowa County Weed Board proudly honors Glen’s memory and Patty’s unwavering commitment as true Weed Warriors.
