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Expired: Celebrating the Clearwater Blackfoot Project

Join the Nature Conservancy for a hands-on work party and celebration Sept. 20

Expired

Bring the kids, your bike and your tools for some fun in the forest. In celebration of the Clearwater Blackfoot Project, the public is invited to Primm’s Meadow for a morning of hands-on restoration work followed by an afternoon of music, food and family-friendly fun on Sunday, Sept. 20, from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

The festivities mark the Conservancy’s purchase of 117,152 acres of former industrial timberland in the lower Blackfoot earlier this year. The Clearwater Blackfoot Project, extending from the Marshall Wildlife Management Area north of Seeley Lake to the Gold, Belmont and Blanchard Creek drainages to the south, comprises critical habitat for fish and wildlife. The conservation of these lands also offers significant new opportunities to ensure access for hiking, fishing, hunting and other recreational activities.

The Conservancy and its partners at Blackfoot Challenge and Five Valleys Land Trust are collaborating with the surrounding communities to develop a shared vision for the conservation, restoration and ultimate ownership of these lands – and to celebrate a remarkable conservation achievement.

Schedule

  • Work Party from 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m.: Volunteers will help cut and pile small Douglas fir trees that are encroaching into the ancient ponderosa pine grove. Please wear sturdy work gloves and boots, and bring loppers and bowsaws if you have them. Safety glasses or sunglasses are also recommended. Kid-friendly activities are provided by Missoula Insectarium and the Watershed Education Network throughout the day. **Volunteer spots are limited so please RSVP to the Conservancy at 543-6681 ext. 14 or [email protected].
  • Music and Celebration, 1-4 p.m.: Refreshments are on tap with bluegrass music provided by local band North Fork Crossing.
  • Cancellation – Info will be posted on the website should fire conditions force a cancellation.
  • Location: The venue is approximately 30 minutes from Missoula, off Highway 200. Gold Creek Road (USFS Road # 126) is located on the north side of Highway 200 between mile markers 9 and 10. Follow the signs on Gold Creek Road to mile marker 7 where parking is provided. From there, participants are encouraged to hike or bike the two miles to the meadow. Shuttle service is available to those who want it.

Find a map and more information on the “Field Trips and Events” page at nature.org/montana or contact Helen Jenkins at 543-6681 ext. 14 or [email protected].