Sourdough Canyon Trailhead - REOPENED

Sourdough Canyon Trailhead reopened in late October with brand-new improvements featuring expanded parking, a turn-around for emergency and large vehicles, boulder stepping-stones for safe and sustainable access to Sourdough Creek, a new vegetative buffer to protect the creek from the road, and new signage. The Gallatin Valley Land Trust (GVLT) is proud to have completed these vital improvements to improve public safety, enhance recreational uses, and protect wildlife habitat.

Since the property was generously donated to the Gallatin Valley Land Trust by Michael Delaney and Ileana Indreland in 2007, GVLT has been working with a diverse group of stakeholders and partners to design improvements to the trailhead. It is one of Bozeman's most popular year-round trails, and the drainage also provides over 40% of Bozeman's drinking water and forms the southern viewshed for the Gallatin Valley.

Last fall, GVLT installed a permanent vault toilet and approximately 15 new parking spaces. The work completed this year doubled the available parking and will help protect habitat and water quality by reducing sedimentation into Sourdough Creek.

This project was funded by generous contributions from Bridger Feeds, C&H Engineering, DA Davidson, Gallatin Resource Advisory Committee, Kingfisher Consulting, Montana Import Group, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, National Forest Foundation, Patagonia, REI, and dozens of individuals. The work is being completed in partnership with Gallatin County, the City of Bozeman, the Gallatin National Forest, and several private landowners.

Harvest Time is Here!!

Rocky Creek Farm in full fall regalia, ready for the spookiest of ghouls!!

Harvest season in the Gallatin Valley reminds us to keep an eye out for the occasional road potato that fell off the truck on its way from field to winter storage.  We are also reminded that winter is just around the corner and filling the larder for long, snow filled ski months should take priority as we enjoy the vibrant fall colors along riparian corridors throughout the valley.  Agriculture remains a major segment of our local economy and thanks to the foresight of local landowners and agricultural families; we can still find ways to fill the pantry within fifteen miles of town.  Potatoes, tomatoes, berries, beans, small grains, grass fattened lamb and beef, jack-o-lantern pumpkins, a variety of squash, apples/cider, garlic, carrots, and various root crops are just a few of the local products that are grown on permanently conserved land here in the Gallatin Valley.  We at GVLT like to think that we have promoted a local living economy by preserving some of the prime agricultural soils here in the valley; however, the true credit goes to our conservation easement donors who envisioned their land in perpetuity as a place to raise and nurture community through our connection to food.  Now is the time to stock up for winter!  Contact GVLT staff if you need any ideas about where to find the perfect parsnip or gallon of cider, we will gladly point you in the direction of one of our partners in conservation.  In the meantime, check out the following links that might help with your winter preparations:

Field Day Farms:  http://store.fielddayfarms.com/   
13-Mile Lamb and Wool:  http://www.lambandwool.com/
Rocky Creek Farm:  http://www.rockycreekfarm.com/
Gallatin Valley Botanicals:  http://gallatinvalleybotanical.com/
Half Circle Ranch:  http://www.grassfedpiedmontesebeef.com/
Willow Springs Ranch:  http://montanaorganiclamb.com/
Visser Greenhouses:  http://www.vissergreenhouse.com/        

 The season of giving thanks...

 

 

All of us at GVLT wish you and yours a bountiful, peaceful and very happy Thanksgiving. We have much for which to give thanks; including being able to live and work in such a remarkable and beautiful place, being a part of such a generous, committed community, and having so many wonderful friends who support us. We are deeply grateful.

 

Ways to Give
The holidays are fast approaching. What better way to celebrate than the give a GVLT membership - the gift that can be enjoyed all year. Visit our website or call us at 406.587.8404 to purchase gift memberships for your friends and family!
It is still not too late to pick up your copy of Flora of Montana's Gallatin Region, Greater Yellowstone's Northwest Corner, which can now be purchased (for $25 plus shipping and handling), using our website. Please visit www.gvlt.org to order your book or have one sent to friends and family.

This great guide may also be purchased for $25 at the Gallatin Valley Land Trust office (25 N. Willson St, Ste E), Schnee's Boots & Shoes, Vargo's, Powderhorn Outfitters, Sola Cafe, and the Country Book Shelf. Proceeds benefit the GVLT so when you purchase one, not only will you deepen your knowledge of the wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees of the Gallatin Region, you will also support GVLT.

GVLT is Hiring an Office and Systems Manager
The Gallatin Valley Land Trust is currently seeking a full-time Office and Systems Manager. This new position is responsible for managing our donor database system, all aspects of our membership, and grants programs. This position is responsible for accounting, bookkeeping and general office management. It is a 40-hour per week exempt position reporting directly to the Executive Director.  Please click here for a complete job description and application instructions (posted on www.gvlt.org). Screening of applications begins November 22, 2011 and the position is open until filled.

  Public Workshop for Improvements to Bozeman Creek at Bogert Park:   

An innovative, easy-to-use search key allows the user to select flower color, leaf type, and other characteristics to quickly identify unknown plants. For example, you may be on a hike, look down and see a flower with yellow petals and opposite leaves but don't know its name. It could be tall and thorny, sticky with black berries, or perhaps sweet-smelling with square stems. Using the app, you can select what you do know, and all plants matching your description will be displayed. A public open house will be held on Tuesday, November 8th so community members can help design improvements to Bozeman Creek through Bogert Park. Several alternative conceptual designs will be presented, along with a discussion of the benefits and challenges of each. Following the formal presentation, participants can examine displays describing each alternative and express their ideas and preferences. This project is spearheaded by the Bozeman Creek Enhancement Committee, a partnership of organizations, city and agency staff, and individuals. The open house will be held on November 8th from 7:00 - 9:00 pm, at the Bozeman Public Library. For more information, please contact Gary Weiner with the National Park Service Rivers and Trails Program at 406.587.1667 or gary_weiner@nps.gov.
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