2016 MCC Recap

February 7th, 2017

By: Joshua LisbonEducation Director

Montana Conservation Corps Youth Crew Report Session 1: 6/12/16 – 6/17/16 Session 2: 7/17/16 – 7/22/16

This summer, two Montana Conservation Corps (MCC) Youth Crews worked at MPG. Each crew stayed for one week and focused on three projects. They cleared invasive kochia from low elevation restoration sites, removed barbed wire, and pulled houndstongue. The crews also dedicated a couple of hours to help collect native seeds.

The crews cleared kochia near the entrance of the ranch so native grasses could establish. The youth spent 14 hours on this project, returning to this one-acre plot repeatedly over 4 days.

The removal of old fence has been an ongoing project at MPG. This summer it finally came to a close as the crews removed the last remaining mile of barbed wire. They dedicated 29 hours to this project over 4 days.

The crew cleared 6 acres of houndstongue in the Northern Floodplain, Sheep Camp Draw, and North Draw

This partnership between MPG and MCC is part of MPG’s continuing mission to engage youth in science and conservation, and inspire future generations.

About the Author

Joshua Lisbon

Joshua graduated from the University of Montana, Missoula, in 2009 with an M.A. in Intercultural Youth and Family Development. Joshua has designed and implemented wilderness and experiential-based education programs for various agencies since 2001. He has worked in Missoula since 2005 predominately with disadvantaged populations providing challenging and empowering programming for youth and adults alike.At MPG, Joshua works to coordinate with local agencies and school districts as well as the university to connect students and members of the community to MPG’s work. He also recruits and mobilizes volunteers to accomplish various projects for the ranch. In his free time, Joshua enjoys exploring Montana’s wild places. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoys any pursuit that keeps him connected to the natural world.