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Capacity Building and Conservation in the Lake Helena Watershed

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This project was funded by a Capacity Support Grant from the MWCC Watershed Fund.

Project Description

Together with new and existing conservation partners, LHWG will create a conservation education program to plan and implement projects highlighted in the LHWG Strategic Plan and the City of Helena Water Wise pamphlet. The program will include distributing copies of the Water Wise conservation pamphlet to local residents; developing and implementing water conservation workshop(s); and reviving the Lake Helena Watershed Festival from a Covid pandemic hiatus. The goal is to evaluate a conservation program along with outreach for the LHWG that will bring awareness to the community and ways to start addressing water quantity and availability questions.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

  • Planned and delivered four well-attended conservation workshops with local partners on the following topics: rain barrels, xeriscaping, irrigation, and backyard compost systems to reduce waste and increase soil health. 
  • Distributed 1,850 Water Wise Pamphlets to residents, nurseries, and homeowners’ associations. 
  • Hosted a re-envisioned 2022 Lake Helena Watershed Festival, which included 15 educational booths featuring 10 local conservation partners, live music, face painting, a raffle, and balloon tying. More than 500 Helena area residents attended the August 2021 event.
  • Expanded social media outreach by creating an LHWG Instagram account and a weekly social media blog featuring conservation tips and tricks related to water, soil, and climate and incorporating resources from local conservation partners.
  • Published a 2022 LHWG Annual Newsletter to be mailed to 700 subscribers. Topics include volunteer highlights, the watershed festival, willow restoration projects, conservation workshops, arsenic testing programs, and more.

Become part of MWCC’s NEW 406 Water Crew!

We aren’t at 406 members yet, so we’ll keep going! Joining at just $5 a month is one of the most impactful ways to convene and connect Montana’s community of water conservation practitioners from around the state. By joining the Crew, you will be contributing directly to Montana Watershed Fund initiatives, like professional development funding that provides stipends for travel, food, lodging, and registration for trainings and conferences.
“As a small nonprofit with limited funds, attending the Montana Annual Water Resources Association Conference is not an opportunity I would have had without a professional development award. Attending this conference helped me make connections that have helped me grow the Sun River Watershed Group and provide better benefits to our community.” -Tracy Wendt, Sun River Watershed Group Executive Director
Learn more about how joining the Crew today safeguards Montana’s landscapes, wildlife, and thriving communities!