2016 Fall Seeding Project

December 7th, 2016

By: Joshua LisbonEducation Director

In November, several volunteers from the University of Montana and the Missoula community contributed their time to a seeding project.

Volunteers planted arrowleaf balsamroot on a low elevation restoration site.

They removed soil, placed seeds and then covered them with a soil mix that we hope will promote good germination.

The work area (represented by the blue polygon) experienced heavy grazing by deer and elk, and the establishment of native species there proved difficult. For a time, we fenced out grazers so the desired plant communities could establish. Today, the site is far healthier and more diverse. And now, because of the volunteer effort, arrowleaf balsamroot will hopefully sprout there in the spring.

About the Author

Joshua Lisbon

Joshua graduated from the University of Montana, Missoula, in 2009 with an M.A. in Intercultural Youth and Family Development. Joshua has designed and implemented wilderness and experiential-based education programs for various agencies since 2001. He has worked in Missoula since 2005 predominately with disadvantaged populations providing challenging and empowering programming for youth and adults alike.At MPG, Joshua works to coordinate with local agencies and school districts as well as the university to connect students and members of the community to MPG’s work. He also recruits and mobilizes volunteers to accomplish various projects for the ranch. In his free time, Joshua enjoys exploring Montana’s wild places. As an avid outdoorsman, he enjoys any pursuit that keeps him connected to the natural world.