Montana Conservation Corps

09/03/2026

MCC crews recently got outside with us to restore nearly two miles of the upper section of the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail. This project will ensure the long-term sustainability of the trail, improve safety and accessibility, and reduce public exposure to poison ivy.
The Lee Metcalf Wilderness - Bear Trap Canyon Unit became the BLM's first designated wilderness in 1983. Spanning 6,347 acres, it offers stunning views and activities such as whitewater rafting, fishing, and (of course) hiking along the Bear Trap National Recreation Trail.
✅Read more: https://ow.ly/aSC650ZEVvj

09/02/2026

In lieu of another post talking about how our Big Sky Watershed Corps applications are open, here's a first-hand account of what makes this program so meaningful to our members.

Written by Hope Sampson, "In Service of a Wild Place" speaks to a central piece of the BSWC program: "I sincerely hope that everyone has the opportunity to witness the grandeur of a wild place at some point in their life, and have it change them. All who experience these places are better for it, whether they realize it or not."

https://www.mtcorps.org/engage/blog/individual-placement-program.html/article/2026/09/01/in-service-of-a-wild-place

09/01/2026

We've raised $25,450 so far during the Great Fish Community Challenge! Will you help us meet our $50,000 goal? With your help today, we can do it!

If you've already given, thank you! Please share with your friends to keep the momentum going!

08/26/2026

Montana Conservation Corps has opened 2027 Big Sky Watershed Corps Member Applications!

Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) is an AmeriCorps program that assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals. This is an amazing professional development opportunity; alumni of this program are currently serving in professional level conservation positions across Montana, the Rocky Mountain West, and beyond.

These are competitive positions, and we encourage all interested applicants to apply early!

Location: Host site placement locations vary across Montana in town size, organization type and size, project work, and more.
Program Dates: 01/4/2027 - 11/12/2027
Living Allowance: $1,200 biweekly
AmeriCorps Education Award: $7,395 upon completion of the program
Member Assistance Program: Free access to confidential mental health services, medical advocacy, financial assistance, legal assistance, life coaching and more.
FREE Health Insurance
Other Benefits: Training in relevant job skills, networking and mentorship, supportive coaching staff, community and cohort connections, and more!

BSWC members work throughout Montana with a partner agency referred to as a “host site” during a year-long extensive experience. You will gain first hand skills with resource management, community engagement, and education while making a measurable difference in local conservation efforts, along...

08/25/2026

If you have already given for the Great Fish Community Challenge, THANK YOU!

Your gift will help young people connect to a sense of purpose through discovering future Pathways. They'll begin to envision future professional pathways and build connections with expert conservation leaders. As this MCC member shared:

“I learned that I might want to do this as a career. I know now that I like more outside work than a desk job.”

Can you help us get to our goal of $50,000? And consider supporting other essential Flathead Valley community organizations as well!

Donate here: https://whitefishcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2354

08/19/2026

The Great Fish community challenge is still live! Read this blog from one of our Youth Program leaders about their time with their crew this summer for a first hand account of how experiences with MCC create lifelong skills.

It's because of your generosity that we can provide these kind of confidence-building experiences. Help us keep supporting our youth!

https://www.mtcorps.org/engage/blog/youth-program.html/article/2026/08/17/a-summer-with-helena-youth-corps

08/17/2026

"If you've ever heard the story of Truman Everts getting lost in Yellowstone for 37 days in the 1870s, you probably thought the same thing I did: "How could someone get lost for that long? Wasn't he right next to the rest of the expedition when he got separated?" And then on our second hitch to the Park, we got lost. In the same area as Truman Everts..." 🫢

Check out our new blog post!
https://www.mtcorps.org/engage/blog/blog-home.html/article/2026/08/14/the-trials-and-joys-of-yellowstone

08/15/2026

Despite the smokiness, we know that Autumn is right around the corner! 🍂
Our Fall crews are going through training across all of our regions. We can't wait to get them out there to finish things off before the snow starts falling!

08/14/2026

Blue Cross Blue Shield helps support our Youth programs! We received a $5000 grant from them that goes towards our Corps-to-Career program, helping Montana youth develop employable skills like resilience, motivation, dependability, and empathy.

MCC embeds a deliberate emphasis on work-based learning and career development in our program for Montana teens through a Corps-to- Career program model that engages them in summer-long conservation service with the U.S. Forest Service. Corps members improve trails and outdoor recreation areas, remove invasive weeds, and help preserve natural ecosystems while exploring career pathways and building connections to Montana’s workforce.

Some work completed this summer by our Youth members include: helping clear trails, building natural fencing to protect aspens from elk, repainting picnic tables, and so much more! We're incredibly grateful to BCBSMT for their support!

08/11/2026

The Great Fish Community Challenge is now live! Help us raise $50,000 to help young leaders connect to purpose and public lands through service!

Throughout the Challenge, we'll continue to highlight our Four P's leadership development framework of People, Place, Power, and Pathways.

One of the ways our members discover a sense of purpose is through connecting to People. Through their service, they develop a greater self-awareness and connection to others.

As a recent corps members reflected:

“I have come to understand that the more differences there are in a group, the more it is possible to understand other perspectives. I have also come to learn that . . . ego can be an overpowering factor even for the well-intended.”

Give here: https://whitefishcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=2354