Join us on this multi-year weed treatment at the popular Livingston Peak Trailhead. This project is a collaboration between ABWF, Park County Environmental Council (PCEC), and the Livingston Bike Club (LBC). We will spend the day together coming to know local flora–invasive and non-invasive–while assisting in creating a regenerative habitat along this lovely mountainside. Smile each day at Livingston Peak this year knowing that you and your community played a role in keeping our mountains wild.

📝 Sign up here!

Typically, everyone will meet at the Old Boulder Road and Livingston Peak junction before car pooling to the Trailhead. Mountain bike enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their bikes for a day-ending thrilling downhill to Suce Creek Trailhead where the Bike Club usually arranges a shuttle.

Location: Livingston Peak Trailhead, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone Ranger District, Park County, Montana

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026

Who Should Attend? Anyone who loves the outdoors, want to build skills and confidence, seek community and give back to the Wilderness.

Lunch: Please bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. Lunch and drinks will be provided.

Tools & Skills: No experience? No problem! We provide all the necessary equipment and expert instruction to help you feel prepared and confident.

Hike Intensity: Easy

Work Intensity: Easy to Moderate

We will be using small hand tools and shovels to dig up houndstongue taproots and clip flower heads. A short hike to the site, and plenty of work to do for all abilities. Work includes stooping, kneeling, gripping, and light lifting.

Sign Up Today! The more the merrier! Your RSVP ensures we can provide lunch!

Registration Process: "ABWF Volunteer Hub" (by Bloomerang) requires you to create your own ABWF account as part of the sign up process. Once you are in, signing up for future events is a snap!

Cancellations: In case you can't make it (we know, it happens!), please use the convenient "remove" function so we can be sure to offer your spot to another eager participant. We may also require confirmation of your attendance two weeks prior to the event.

It's ursine storytime!

We are teaming up with Elk River Arts and Lectures to present an entertaining evening of ursine storytime -- let's talk about bears! Bear With Me will feature local storytellers sharing true-life tales about our bruin neighbors we all love from a distance. Hosted by Story Wrangler Bex Frucht and featuring Malou Anderson, Steve Hoffman, Nick Mott & Jacob Lilley, Danielle Oyler, and Evan Stout. This event is free and open to the public. 

Join us for a fun and active start to the day! PCEC is sponsoring Walk & Roll to School Day and inviting all students and families to participate.

We’ve created three mapped routes throughout town, making it easy for everyone to join in.

Meet at any of the starting points at 7:30 AM, or
Watch along the route for the “Bike Bus” and hop in as it passes by!
Starting Routes: Jack Weimer Baseball Field, Green Acres Park, and Albertsons
Raffle tickets for prizes to all participants
We will arrive at school by 8:00 am

You can find the route map here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/3/edit...

A short video showing how other communities have created their own Bike Bus:
https://youtu.be/zNOb377piC8?si=OaBzHbddEatvi1t2

Safety Reminder: All participants are asked to wear a helmet. Adults and Teens too- Be an example

Let’s roll together and start the school day with energy and community spirit!

Join us for an evening of community stories on May 6th at the Gardiner High School focusing on remembrance, community resilience, current flood mitigation efforts, shared resources and how we can be better prepared for future events.

We will show the film One in Five Hundred by Hugo Sindelar. The film features Park employees & Gardiner neighbors discussing the causes, impacts, and strategies for rebuilding four years after the 2022 Yellowstone flood.

The evening will also feature a panel discussion with Cam Sholly, Wendy Weaver, Bill Berg and Community Voices.

Free event!

RSVP here

Join the Green Initiative for an Earth Day "trashion" show! You will learn about the effects of fast fashion and support our youth who are building awareness in the community. The event serves as a youth-led fundraiser to support electric school busses for Livingston Public Schools. 

As of mid-January 2026, the Upper Yellowstone watershed sits at a surprising 107% of normal SWE (Snow Water Equivalent). To residents of Park County, this number feels "fake" - the ground is bare, and record-breaking temperatures (exceeding 15-20°F above normal) have dominated the winter. 

Join us Wednesday, January 28, from 12–1 p.m. for an online conversation with Eric Larson (NRCS Water Supply Specialist) and Dr. Cathy Whitlock (MSU Earth Sciences Regents Professor Emerita) as they discuss the elevational contrast in our snowpack and what the long-term trends of "warm-winter" means for the future of our watersheds.

This community conversation aims to bridge the gap between what residents see out their windows and what the sensors are reading in the high country, while contextualizing these trends within the long-term climate reality of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

Register here

PCEC is launching a Public Lands Action Network (PLAN). We want to build a community of informed, engaged folks ready to show up for our public lands when it matters most. Our first in-person get together will be next week at Neptune's brewery on Wednesday, January 14th. 

Stop by anytime between 5-8pm for casual conversation and a beer to learn more about what's going on. Find out about proposed changes to the roadless rule, the Endangered Species Act, and wetlands and the Waters of the United States. There is a lot happening and you can help us take action, together as a community.

We invite you to join PCEC's PLAN for more opportunities to stay informed and engaged. Connect with people who care about public lands, learn about real and current threats facing the places we love. Have meaningful, in-depth conversations with local experts and discover ways to take action—locally and beyond. Sign up for PLAN!

The future of the Yellowstone River is on everyone's mind. The DNRC Upper Yellowstone Watershed Study began in 2021, funded by a Bureau of Reclamation Applied Science Grant. By working with local stakeholders, this study pieced  together a comprehensive water balance for the watershed. This tool will help us see how water is moving through our valley and will be vital for developing a drought response plan, forecasting seasonal water supply, and planning for the future.

Join us on Wednesday, November 5th, from 12–1 p.m. as we hear from project lead John Lunzer, with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. He'll walk us through his research and help us understand how this study is providing a clear, data-driven look at our water future.

Register Here

Tree pruning season is nearly here, and to prepare, Livingston Loves Trees and the City of Livingston are hosting a hands on tree pruning workshop for tree adopters of young trees, and folks that are interested in volunteering!

Wednesday, October 22nd 3-6pm. RSVP required for registration and event updates (inclement weather - October 28th as a backup date).

The first few years is the most critical time to prune to ensure they grow up strong and healthy and reduce future maintenance costs. No experience is necessary. Young tree pruning can be completed by almost anyone with some basic training. You'll learn proper pruning techniques tailored for the types of trees found here in Livingston, get an official Pruning Certificate, and connect with other folks that love trees! 

• When: Wednesday, October 22nd, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM (A demonstration kicks off at 3, but feel free to arrive when you can.) 

• Where: Meet at Lincoln School. We’ll be working on C Street, D Street, and along Callender. 

• Sign Up: https://pcec.salsalabs.org/Oct2025LLTTreePruningCourse

• Bring (if you have): Trimmers, an orange safety vest, gloves, and water.

• Celebrate: Pizza and refreshments will be served afterward!

• Inclement Weather Date: Tuesday, October 28th
  
  The class is taught by tree expert and arborist Patrick Plantenberg, Chair of Montana Urban Community Forrest Association (MUCF). You'll learn proper pruning techniques tailored for the types of trees found here in Livingston, get an official Pruning Certificate, and connect with other folks that love trees! 

Course Content

How and When to Prune: You'll learn the correct techniques and the best timing for pruning young trees in our local climate.

Establishing a Strong Leader: A key skill for developing a strong, structurally sound tree that can withstand Montana's weather.

Protecting Trees from Blight: You will learn how to identify and prevent common diseases like fire blight, especially chokecherry and crabapples.

Raising branches: Boulevard trees need to have their branches raised through pruning over time to meet City specifications and protect the tree and people.

Beavers are a powerful force for a healthier landscape in Park County and beyond. Their dams store water, recharge aquifers, slow floodwaters, reduce erosion, and create vital habitat for fish, birds, amphibians, and mammals. Beaver ponds can also improve water quality and even help slow fast-moving wildfires.

But living with beavers isn’t always easy. Their activity can sometimes cause challenges such as plugged culverts, flooding, or unwanted tree cutting. Traditionally, these conflicts have been managed by lethally removing beavers, but that’s often only a short-term fix. New beavers can quickly move back in. Non-lethal methods like tree fencing, culvert exclusion fences, and pond-levelers can provide landowners with a long-term solution.

Join us on Wednesday, October 15th, from 12–1 p.m. for a conversation with Leah Swartz (Montana Freshwater Partners) and Claire Kirk (National Wildlife Federation) as they share information about the Montana Beaver Conflict Resolution Program and other ongoing efforts to expand beaver habitat and promote coexistence in Park County.

Register Here

Last year, after hearing rumors, PCEC broke the news of plans by out-of-state investors for a posh vacation destination nestled up Suce Creek. Residents were livid, and for good reason: they were about to become neighbors to 100 vacation cabins, a spa and restaurant, uses wildly out-of-character with the otherwise rural landscape of single-family homes and ranches. 

Within a year, residents took the formal steps to create a citizen initiated zoning district in Suce Creek. 

Please join us Wednesday, September 24th at 12 -1pm for a virtual community conversation about how all of this came to be, and what we can all do to help protect our county moving forward. Hear from community leader and Suce Creek resident Maggie McGuane, and planning expert,  Jen Madgic, talk in detail about the hard work behind the Suce Creek Zoning District. 

Register Here!

Are you interested in learning about the health of Livingston’s trees? This summer, our hardworking Tree Nurse volunteers were busy meeting their neighbors and conducting health checks on trees planted through PCEC’s Livingston Loves Trees initiative. We'll present the data they collected and discuss what it means to have a healthy tree and healthy forest here in Livingston.

Next Wednesday, September 17th at 12pm, we’ll hear from PCEC’s Community Resilience Director Sarah Stands, Montana Conservation Corps Fellow Lizzie Carroll, and passionate volunteers as they "speak for the trees" in next week’s Livingston Loves Trees Community Conversation!

Register Here!

Upper Yellowstone Noxious Weeds Float and Habitat Recovery Mapping: Come float the Upper Yellowstone River with us to collect valuable data on noxious weeds, willow, and cottonwoods, August 1st with Upper Yellowstone Watershed Group, Park County Environmental Council, and Montana Freshwater Partners. This is our 4th year monitoring for noxious weeds on the river's edge. We will be collecting year 3 of our post-flood noxious weed inventory and cottonwood and willow recruitment monitoring. Volunteers will need to download EDDMapS, have invasive weed ID skills, and bring their own boat.

Float sections for 2025: Point of Rock to 26 Mile access. 26 Mile access to Mill Creek (for smaller vessels).

Contact bethany@pcecmt.org to find out more details.

Help us learn more about bumble bees in the Mountain States!

Join us for a field training to learn about and gain hands-on experience with the Bumble Bee Atlas! The Bumble Bee Atlas is a community science project that aims to track and conserve bumble bees across the Rocky Mountains. Anyone is welcome to join, no prior experience is needed.

During this free event, participants will learn the what, why, and how of becoming a Bumble Bee Atlas volunteer. We'll start in the classroom to learn about bumble bee ecology and conservation. Then, you'll gain hands-on experience with bumble bee survey methods, including netting, chilling, and photographing bees. The Atlas uses non-lethal survey methods, so no bees are harmed during the project. The training will take place outside, so please bring water, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection.

Space is limited. Please register in advance. 

The Atlas is a collaborative effort between the Xerces Society, the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Forest Service. Learn more at BumbleBeeAtlas.org

Progress takes time on the landscape–and we are seeing it! Jump back in with us on this multi-year weed treatment at Livingston Peak. This project is a collaboration between ABWF, Park County Environmental Council (PCEC), and the Livingston Bike Club (LBC). We will spend the day together coming to know local flora–invasive and non-invasive–while assisting in creating a regenerative habitat along this lovely mountainside. We will also be work with Bike Club friends to improve the trail edge by clearing trees stumps and dense vegetation crowding the trail.

Typically, everyone will meet at the Old Boulder Road and Livingston Peak junction before car pooling to the Trailhead. Mountain bike enthusiasts are encouraged to bring their bikes for a day-ending thrilling downhill to Suce Creek Trailhead where the Bike Club usually arranges a shuttle, be sure to contact sarah@pcecmt.org to coordinate bike shuttles.

📍 Location: Livingston Peak Trailhead, Custer Gallatin National Forest, Yellowstone Ranger District, Park County, Montana

📅 Date: Saturday, July 12, 2025

💡 Who Should Attend? Anyone who loves the outdoors, want to build skills and confidence, seek community and give back to the Wilderness.

🍽️ Lunch: Please bring plenty of water, snacks, sunscreen and bug spray. Lunch and drinks will be provided.

🛠️ Tools & Skills: No experience? No problem! We provide all the necessary equipment and expert instruction to help you feel prepared and confident.

🥾 Hike Intensity: Easy

🔨 Work Intensity: Easy to Moderate

We will be using small hand tools and shovels to dig up houndstongue taproots and clip flower heads. A short hike to the site, and plenty of work to do for all abilities. Work includes stooping, kneeling, gripping, and light lifting.

🔗 Sign Up Today! The more the merrier! Your RSVP ensures we can provide lunch!

📝 Registration Process: Our new "ABWF Volunteer Hub" requires you to create your own ABWF account as part of the sign up process. Once you are in, signing up for future events is a snap!

❌ Cancellations: In case you can't make it (we know, it happens!), please use the convenient "remove" function so we can be sure to offer your spot to another eager participant. We may also require confirmation of your attendance two weeks prior to the event.

Source: https://www.abwilderness.org/attend-events/livingston-peak-weed-pull

Join us at the 4th Annual Paradise Valley Weeds Education Field Day for a day of hands-on learning, discussions, and demonstrations all about noxious weed management. Whether you want to know more about methods to control weeds that promote healthy soil, learn how to monitor plants on your land, or are simply interested in productive land management, this event is for you. You can also earn 3 credits towards your pesticide applicator license at this event!

Experts will give presentations on topics such as:

• Invasive plant identification, monitoring techniques, and mapping using EDDMaps

• Integrated pest management and biocontrol to eliminate weeds 

• How to protect soil from erosion and other impacts of herbicides

Stick around after these presentations for a delicious cook-out lunch!

Register today at the MSU Extension office, (406) 222-4156, or email Bethany, bethany@pcecmt.org. 

Be sure to RSVP so we can bring plenty of food for everyone!

North Dry Creek Trail Day & Group Ride - THIS Saturday, June 14th!

Join us and Livingston Bike Club for a productive morning at North Dry Creek lower trailhead this Saturday, June 14th! We're combining a scenic group ride with important trail maintenance.

As we ride, we'll be carrying hand saws to clear any downed trees along our route, making the trails better for everyone. We'll also take the opportunity to monitor the effectiveness of past LBC weed removal projects, providing crucial data to inform the USFS's and plan for this years removal project. It's a great chance to ride somewhere beautiful, contribute to our public lands, and meet with your bike club neighbors.

Meet us in the lower parking area at 9:30 AM (please note: the road is closed until Monday). Wheels up at 10 AM sharp! This is an intermediate down hill trail come prepared with backup tube, bear spray, water etc. Bring a lunch and tailgate refreshment for a post-ride hang.

For more information about this working group ride, contact Sarah at sarah@pcecmt.org. To stay updated on all future group rides, bike club meeting, and trail days, click here to join the Livingston Bike Club listserv email thread!

Join us for a community conversation focusing on channel migration concepts, and provide an overview of how the map was developed, how to access the online mapping tool, and how to interpret the features in the map. 

Guest Presenter, Jeannette Blank, is the In-Lieu Fee Mitigation Program Director for Montana Freshwater Partners, has over 20 years of experience in water resource restoration, permitting, and regulatory expertise.

Register for the presentation.