Welcome Taylor to the PCEC Team

Taylor collecting discharge measurements at Blacktail Deer Creek.

At PCEC, our work is only as strong as the people who lead it. That’s why we are so thrilled to introduce Taylor Brandt, our fourth Barbara Hays Fellow, who has joined us to serve our community through the Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC) program.

Taylor grew up in Colorado surrounded by the Gore Range. Determined to stay close to mountains, she attended Montana State University, earning a B.A. in Environmental Studies with a focus on science communication and sustainable community development. 

Taylor has a wide array of experience in conservation work within the Greater Yellowstone Area, including working on a wildland restoration crew, interning for Bridger Bowl Sustainability Department, and working as a Program Instructor for Montana Outdoor Science School. Most recently, Taylor delved into the world of ecological monitoring, completing two seasons of terrestrial and aquatic fieldwork in Yellowstone National Park with the National Ecological Observatory Network.

Taylor’s admiration for snow-filled mountains fuels her passion for watershed stewardship and regional environmental education. She values fostering a connection with the land to inspire protection and conservation. When Taylor is not working, she can be found on a local trail venturing her way into the mountains either with skis, a mountain bike, or just her own two feet.

Taylor is thrilled to serve for PCEC and connect with the Park County community on shared values surrounding watershed stewardship. Her work will entail providing program communication support and coordination of watersheds and wildlife programs. 

Big Sky Watershed Corps (BSWC)

BSWC is a Montana-based AmeriCorps program that places young professionals with host organizations to work on watershed restoration, education, and community-based conservation projects. Members assist with field projects, data collection, volunteer management, and outreach to improve local water quality and natural resources. The BSWC program assists Montana’s watershed communities to make a measurable difference in local conservation efforts while strengthening the experience of young professionals. 

Barbara Hays Fellowship and Conservation Leadership

In 2022, we expanded our conservation leadership program by developing the Barbara Hays Fellowship, thanks to the generosity of PCEC member John Heidke and other community member donations.

We worked to create the fellowship in honor of Barbara Hays, an active PCEC supporter, volunteer, and John’s late wife. Most memorably, Barbara helped us launch our Boomerang Bags program by sewing reusable bags to fill the racks at local grocery stores. 

The Barbara Hays Fellowship is a one-year, interdisciplinary, mentored fellowship program focused on community service and leadership development. The fellowship builds upon and expands our Conservation Leadership program, helping provide capacity to address our communities most complex problems, while working closely and with the support from PCEC staff. In addition, John provides leadership training and mentoring—developed during his long career as a leadership coach—to build the skills and confidence needed to become one of our next generation of leaders.

We are honored to have Taylor’s expertise and energy on our team through November 2026. If you see her out on the trails or in town, please give her a warm Park County welcome!

You can also meet Taylor—and the rest of the PCEC team—at the Ramshorn Classic Ski Day at B Bar Ranch on February 28th (10am - 2pm). It’s the perfect chance to build community, talk about our watersheds, and pray for snow.