DayOne 2022

After the 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 generations of  change-makers ready to solve the problems of the future?

CFWEP is the answer these questions, and we need your help to continue our work. This year, thanks to a generous $60,000 Capacity Building Challenge Grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, all individual and corporate donations will be matched, meaning the impact of your donation is doubled.

Embedded on the campus of Montana Technological University, the Clark Fork Watershed Education Program (CFWEP) is celebrating its 18th school year with the mission of expanding environmental literacy and stewardship through field-based science and research experiences. CFWEP brings science (and thousands of students every year) out of the classroom and into the Clark Fork Watershed, which is a landscape benefitting from groundbreaking restoration and remediation efforts. Students learn first-hand from scientists and community leaders about the history and science that shapes the watershed.

Students from Ramsay looking for macroinvertebrates from Silver Bow Creek to evaluate the stream’s health as part of CFWEP’s Watershed Science Program

In addition, through a partnership with Montana Tech’s biology department, CFWEP is introducing microbiology to students across the state through our innovative phage discovery program. These projects reach a larger audience through teacher training and supporting teacher research and outreach.

Other CFWEP programs like the Southwest Montana Fly Fishing and Conservation Camp, stormwater art and education, trout dissections, high school and undergraduate research mentorship, teacher mentoring, songbird banding, osprey monitoring, and community clean-up days round out our offerings to students, teachers, and the community.

Since 2005, CFWEP has engaged 75,238 students with more than 275,011 student contact hours. The CFWEP team has served 884 teachers across 45 Montana communities. Staff, leadership volunteers, and programs have been recognized with 16 national and regional awards. The CFWEP program evaluation and efficacy system has 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  has elevated CFWEP as a prestigious Program of Distinction. CFWEP helps hold a lantern against grim 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, STEM, post-secondary education, and directly into Montana Technological University.

We are asking for your investment during Day One 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.

DayOne and beyond, thanks to a generous $60,000 Capacity Building Challenge Grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation, all individual and corporate donations to CFWEP will be matched 1:1 doubling your impact.

Impact. Reach. 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 CFWEP.org

Thank you for your support and please help us spread the word by sharing this about CFWEP on social media, by email and with your friends!

Students from schools across Montana conducting phage discovery research on Montana Tech’s campus as part of CFWEP’s PHAGES program.