Both Monitoring Montana Waters (MMW) and the Montana Pesticide Stewardship Partnership Program (PSPP) have been busy this summer connecting with community members and inviting the public to hear all about our efforts. Tabling events are a great way for us to get the word out about our programs and connect with those who are interested in learning more about protecting our waters.  

This summer, Janelle Groff, research coordinator for the Montana Pesticide Stewardship Partnership Program joined Montana State University at their Field Day hosted at the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center in Creston, MT. This event allows researchers to meet with community members, producers, and partners. Attendees learned about ongoing research and toured the facility.  The Bigfork Monday Market is another great opportunity for our team to chat with both locals and visitors. Each week, the Bigfork Monday Market offers up a booth to a local non-profit organization so that they may educate the community on their mission. In July, Janelle Groff and Brianna Elizondo attended the market as one of the local non-profit organizations representing the Flathead Lake Biological Station (FLBS) and our respective programs. We were able to talk to community members about monitoring, upcoming events, and the state of the lake while they enjoyed live music and local vendors.  

One of the main events that our team participates in each summer is the FLBS Open House. Each summer, the public is invited to attend a free and family-friendly Open House celebration at the Bio Station. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the FLBS campus in Yellow Bay, meet the Bio Station’s team of scientists and educators, and learn about Flathead Lake and its watershed, as well as the Bio Station’s cutting-edge, world-renowned research and immersive education programs. MMW and PSPP both had exhibits at the event and offered a hands-on learning activity for kids. We are very fortunate to have opportunities like these to share our work with the community and spread the word about what we do. Always feel free to reach out to us if you have any events we would be able to participate in, or if you need any support in planning outreach events!