DayOne 2021

After billion-dollar restoration and remediation efforts in the Clark Fork Watershed, how do we make sure the legacy is not forgotten? What can we do to create tomorrow’s problem solvers and change-makers?

CFWEP aims to answer these questions, and we need your help.

Embedded on the campus of Montana Technological University, the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program (CFWEP) is celebrating its 17th school year with the mission of fostering environmental stewardship and scientific decision-making through place-based learning and direct experiences. The scientists of CFWEP bring science (and thousands of students every year) out of the textbook and into the field in their own backyards, a landscape with a legacy of mining followed by groundbreaking restoration and remediation efforts.

 In addition, through a partnership with Montana Tech’s biology department, CFWEP is introducing microbiology to students across the state through an innovative phage discovery program. These projects are being made scale-able to a larger audience through teacher training and supporting teacher research and outreach. Other CFWEP programs like Montana Fly Fishing and Conservation Camp, Stormwater Art and Education, Trout Dissection, high school and undergraduate research mentorship, teacher mentoring, songbird banding, osprey monitoring, and community clean-up days round out their offerings to students, teachers, and the community.

Since 2005, CFWEP has served 64,311 students with over 219,000 student contact hours. CFWEP scientists have trained more than 800 teachers and driven over 112,439 miles to touch 35 urban, rural and extreme rural Montana communities. Staff, leadership volunteers, and programs have been recognized with 12 national and regional awards. The CFWEP program evaluation and efficacy system have been distinguished, published and shared as a best practice at national environmental education conferences.

Recognizing the importance of creating a scientifically literate citizenry, Montana Tech is bringing CFWEP out of the shadows and into the light as a Program of Distinction. CFWEP helps hold a lantern against dark climate headlines with the message that the scientists of tomorrow can, and will, solve the world’s most pressing issues. CFWEP is a pipeline for young people into science, a pipeline into STEM, a pipeline into post-secondary education, and a pipeline into Montana Technological University.

We are asking for your investment during DayOne to ensure that we can offer diverse, enriching experiences for students in Montana. An added bonus is that each interaction with a student provides them exposure to the positive impact of Montana Technological University. 

Impact. Evaluation. Excellence. Sustainability. Every contribution counts. Your gift will help us continue our mission in seeding STEM and inspiring tomorrow’s problem-solvers and change-makers.

You can learn more at  To learn more about CFWEP.org

Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word! Share this project on social media, by email and tell your friends!