A classroom with a view
Bitter Root Land Trust helps local youth take the lead on riparian restoration project.
This blog originally appeared in the spring issue of Legacy, the newsletter of the Bitter Root Land Trust.
Behold the next generation of conservationists!
This spring, Bitter Root Land Trust in Hamilton, Mont., worked with local Girl Scout Troop 3647, Boy Scout Troop 1962 and students from Hamilton High School’s “Classroom Without Walls” ecology class to restore a variety of native trees along the North Fork of Bear Creek. The habitat restoration project is on Graze and Roam Ranch, a 115-acre conservation easement that was protected with the land trust in 2013.
Volunteers planted 160 new trees, set a couple hundred willow live stakes (harvested with gracious permission from Bitter Root Irrigation District), and protected dozens of existing tree sprouts that had been suppressed by browsing animals. The restoration area was fenced to protect the plantings until they can hold their own with the abundant deer and elk in the neighborhood. Project funding was contributed by the Bitterroot Audubon Society — a longtime Bitter Root Land Trust partner — along with a generous donation of reusable browse protector fencing from MPG Ranch.
Once the trees mature, they’ll complete the almost continuous tree canopy that shades the North Fork of Bear Creek, while providing food and cover for wildlife.
“We see a way that we can operate our cattle ranch and do the restoration at the same time — benefitting our needs as well as the natural landscape and the wildlife that uses it,” said Joe Senger, owner of Graze and Roam Ranch. “This project is an opportunity for true synergy, and we think it’s going to be pretty powerful when it’s all said and done.”
Sage, a senior at Hamilton High School, said of the experience, “My favorite part about working on the riparian habitat was seeing all of the different kinds of birds that live in this protected area, especially learning about new species I didn’t know about. Making a difference on this preserved land is important to us.”
Bitter Root Land Trust is thankful for all their wonderful volunteers and partners, and landowners Joe and Brenna Senger, who helped to bring this project to life. If you are interested in learning more about the project or Bitter Root Land Trust, contact BRLT communications director, Stephanie Sipe, at stephanie@bitterrootlandtrust.org. For more information about Graze and Roam Ranch, visit grazeandroam.com.