Our mountain foothills and sagebrush steppe ecosystems are integral to the health and beauty of our community. These landscapes are where we connect with nature, where our livelihoods thrive, and where wildlife finds refuge. Yet, these cherished lands are facing…
Recently, Gallatin County has experienced significant growth. Unfortunately, many newcomers to the county lack in-depth knowledge about the local plant and animal species. This became evident through a recent Facebook post from someone interested in buying an invasive bush for…
June 8, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of the Gallatin Conservation District! Despite our long history, many people still aren't familiar with what a conservation district is and what we do. So, what exactly is a conservation district? A bit…
By Noelle Orloff, Associate Extension Specialist and Schutter Lab Diagnostician We regularly answer questions from people interested in using household products to kill unwanted plants or other organisms. Some of these questions stem from “do-it-yourself” herbicide recipes found online. Others…
Xeriscaping is an environmentally conscious approach to landscaping that focuses on water conservation and sustainability in regions where water resources are limited. The Seven Principles of Xeriscaping provide a guideline for creating beautiful, water-efficient landscapes that thrive in arid or…
As we welcomed the start of February, the Gallatin Conservation District entertained a conversation about the tradition of Groundhog Day. Each February Phil the Groundhog makes a presence in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. If the groundhog sees his shadow, we will have…
The holiday season is a time of warmth, connection, and giving. However, it’s also a time when there’s a significant increase in waste on our planet due to heightened consumption during festivities. This increase in consumption puts a strain on…
As November arrives, it marks the beginning of a significant occurrence in our area: the great wildlife migration. For species like elk, deer, and numerous types of birds, November is a crucial month, as they embark on journeys that span…
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in the United States plays a crucial role in assisting landowners and land managers in addressing various environmental and conservation challenges, including conifer encroachment on rangelands. Conifer encroachment refers to the gradual expansion of…
A few days ago, there was a Facebook post of someone asking why traffic was backed up on Highway 191, south of Bozeman. I expected the comments to be about an accident that was causing the delay, as is increasingly…