Protecting Flathead Lake and Inspiring Future Stewards
This Giving Tuesday, your support is critical to advancing the Flathead Lakers’ initiatives that protect Flathead Lake and its watershed. From battling aquatic invasive species to conserving vital lands along the Flathead River, your contribution helps preserve this extraordinary ecosystem for the community, wildlife, and future generations. Your support will help fund:
Urgent Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention: Protecting Flathead Lake from invasive species is more critical than ever. Recent invasive mussel findings near our watershed in Snake River near Twin Falls, Colorado River, and Lake Oahe, underscore the urgent need for action. During the 2025 legislative session we will be advocating for continued AIS prevention funding and enhancing our local education on Clean, Drain, Dry practices. Your donation today will strengthen our community’s defenses against AIS, protecting the lake for future generations.
Education: With your help, we’re inspiring young people to become tomorrow’s conservationists. Thanks to last year’s Giving Tuesday campaign, Mollie Sydnor became our first scholarship recipient and is now pursuing a career in environmental science. This spring, our Becoming Watershed Citizens program engaged 270 students from Ronan, Polson, and Bigfork in exploring Flathead Lake’s ecosystem firsthand. Guided by FLBS staff and 14 volunteers, students took part in hands-on activities that nurtured curiosity and stewardship for the natural world.
Water Quality Monitoring: Your support also fuels our water quality monitoring, including our Swim Guide program and new swimmer’s itch education with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. These programs provide critical data to keep Flathead Lake safe for recreation and protect its delicate ecosystems.
Watershed Health: A healthy watershed depends on the thoughtful care of shorelines and landscapes. Through education and action, we’re promoting buffer gardens with native plants to reduce runoff, addressing septic leachate, and tackling nonpoint source pollution. These initiatives reduce contaminants, improve water quality, and support the rich biodiversity of our lake and surrounding habitat.
Conservation – Critical Lands: Through key partnerships, the Lakers are preserving essential habitats and recreational spaces. Together, we’ve conserved nearly 9,000 acres along the Flathead River and the north shore of Flathead Lake, with more than 1,200 acres of wetlands and riparian forests protected in 2024 alone. These efforts sustain clean water, fish and wildlife habitats, and opportunities for outdoor enjoyment.
With a tax-deductible donation, you can help safeguard Flathead Lake’s future. Join us this Giving Tuesday in protecting the lake’s health and beauty. Thank you for making a lasting impact on our community and Flathead Watershed!
