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“We are excited about the great diversity of these conservation projects and the positive impact this work will have on the livability and future of the Gallatin County area,” said Jerry Grebenc, community program manager for the Sonoran Institute and administrator of the grants.
The following organizations were awarded with grants:
Bozeman High School:
Mandeville Creek Education and Water Restoration Project ($6,250 awarded). Mandeville Creek, which crosses Bozeman High School property, no longer follows its original path; is partially entombed in culverts, and is devoid of waterway vegetation and trout-spawning areas. High School students will be engaged in planning, fundraising and on-the ground-restoration activities. The work includes:
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Replacing lawn with native trees, shrubs and grasses and sedges.
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Creating a base-flow channel with a 30-40 foot floodplain.
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Restoring pool and riffle habitat for trout.
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Reducing overland storm flow through the use of vegetative strips; and
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Removing 150 feet of culvert to open three miles of the creek to fish passage.
For more information about Bozeman High School, go to: www.bozeman.k12.mt.us/bhsonline/
Bridger Ski Foundation:
Gallatin Valley Community Winter Trails Project ($6,250 awarded). The Bridger Ski Foundation grooms over 60 miles of winter cross country ski trails in five locations in Gallatin County. To better achieve its mission, and to meet the goals of its Community Winter Trails Program, the Foundation seeks to increase public awareness about the value and benefits of this program, and how it will enhance the lives and the livability of people in the community. To accomplish this, the Foundation will expand its outreach and promotions to the media, its partners and other key trail advocates. For more information about the Bridget Ski Foundation, go to: www.bridgerskifoundation.org/
Interactive Water Use & Resource Center (IWURC):
Measuring and Compiling Groundwater Use Rates from Domestic Wells. ($6,250 awarded). The project involves collecting groundwater consumption rates for 10 residential properties in the Gallatin Valley, in order to establish baseline data. The data will help to estimate groundwater removal rates and create a groundwater use model that would have multiple applications. For more information about IWURC, go to: www.iwurccenter.org/
Sage Gardeners:
Providing Accessible Garden Beds to In-need Seniors ($6,250 awarded). Sage Gardeners plans to use the funding for its Montana senior gardening program; specifically the Retirement Community Project. They will design, build, fill, replenish, and assist in maintaining accessible raised organic vegetable gardens to aging seniors with low to moderate income in Montana. The Retirement Community Project involves providing raised beds to senior communities such as nursing homes, senior living complexes (HUD developments), and senior assisted living facilities. For more information about SAGE Gardeners, go to: www.sagegardeners.org/
Grebenc indicated that the Sonoran Institute set up an advisory committee made up of local individuals to assist in reviewing the applications and awarding $25,000 in grant funds.
The Sonoran Institute inspires and enables community decisions and public policies that respect the land and people of western North America. The Institute is a nonprofit organization that is working to shape the future of the West.
For more information, visit www.sonoraninstitute.org.
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