About Us

With more than 15,000 acres of conservation property in Western Montana, MPG Ranch stewards large, undeveloped landscapes for wildlife habitat and the enjoyment of future generations. We conduct research and collaborate with other local organizations and researchers that design and implement outreach and public education events.

Our researchers specialize in restoration and ecology. We seek new ways to restore lands affected by invasive weeds, herbicide use and other management practices that create disturbances while protecting the lands for future generations.

MPG works closely with local conservation groups and researchers to offer educational opportunities to students of all ages. From educational tours of the ranch, to teaching college courses in genetics and hiring interns, we seek to inspire and train the next generation of scientists to protect landscapes.

Mission

MPG Ranch promotes conservation through restoration, research, education and information sharing.

Conservation Goals:

1. The description of ecological roles of species

2. Develop strategies to decrease invasive species

3. Improve land restoration practices

4. Support and train conservationists

5. Inventory flora and fauna present on the Ranch

Research and Restoration

MPG Ranch sponsors scientists who guide restoration efforts and seek to understand the ecology of organisms present from microbes to mammals and trees. These scientists have published 34 peer reviewed scientific publications in the past five years. For more information on our research efforts, please click here or contact [email protected]

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Ranch History

MPG Ranch was purchased from the Schroeder family in 2009 and after more than 100 years of agricultural and livestock use. The Schroeder family first homesteaded in the area in 1881 when Montana was a territory of the U.S. and much of the Bitterroot Valley area was open range for livestock. Over the course of many generations and a series of boom and bust economic cycles, the family acquired more land which they used to raise both sheep and cattle.

The Schroeder family has a history of being very active in the community, ranging from holding seats in the Montana legislature to founding local conservation districts. They were also a very progressive family; one of the Schroeder women was among the first class of women to receive her degree in economics from the University of Montana, Missoula in 1917.

MPG Ranch recognizes the important history of the land and works with the Schroeder family on a regular basis to better understand how the ranch was managed both historically, as well as in recent years.

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Employment

MPG Ranch is always accepting resumes from individuals with science and restoration backgrounds, To see current vacancies and submit a resume please click here.