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Education, Outreach, and Restoration on Lolo Creek

lolo WG logo

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

Project Description

With the goal of reducing the amount of sediment entering Lolo Creek and taking it off the TMDL impaired list, LWG will continue our involvement with project partners in the following ways:

  • Partnership Growth, Outreach, and Collaboration through greater involvement with the Lolo Community Council and Missoula Conservation District.
  • Grant Writing for Restoration and Water Quality Improvements: Continuing to find ways to collaborate with other local nonprofits to amplify our impact on the watershed. This includes writing at least three project and program-focused grants.
  • Education: LWG has provided watershed health related programs to Lolo Middle School students for the past 5 years. This year, our BSWC member established a new relationship with Woodman School, a small rural school 9 miles up Lolo Creek. She applied for funding to hire an education consultant and order materials to plan and teach a successful watershed health education program to 4th – 8th graders. The school staff and students immensely enjoyed their education field days and want to have us back next year.

Project Outcomes and Impacts

  • Partnership Growth, Outreach, and Collaboration: Maintained regular contact with the Missoula Conservation District through email correspondence and by attending monthly meetings to present the board with updates on future and potential project work and events. This engagement resulted in a strong partnership with MCD and some joint funding efforts. Provided updates and announcements of upcoming events on the Lolo Community Facebook page.
  • Grant Writing for Restoration and Water Quality Improvements: Applied for and received funding for a riparian planting project along Lolo Creek within Travelers Rest State Park, as well as funding for LWG to continue education and outreach at Woodman School. Applied for two other grants that were not funded.
  • Education: Applied for and received funding to continue a watershed education program at Woodman School. This included one day of in-the-classroom lessons on science and watershed history and an outdoor field day at a local ranch along Lolo Creek.

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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!