Happy last hitch! This past week, Crew 7 stayed in Bozeman, MT, doing day projects with Trout Unlimited. On this hitch, we constructed BDAs and log jams, planted hundreds of trees, and collected alder pine seeds for the next spring season. Shout out to our project partner, Connor Parish. We crew folks appreciated his leadership and his willingness to work alongside us all week. Being able to work with Connor and conserve the fishery in Bozeman while being surrounded by construction and development was special. Actively serving the natural world in and of itself is enriching, but being able to serve the natural world in your community is empowering. It lit our fire. It excited us to see that legitimate change could be made, for the better sake of our future, and that it started with us. Driven, passionate, and courageous individuals ready to do the dirty work and become stewards of all lands.

Personally, I hear nothing but good remarks regarding Connor with Trout Unlimited. I hope to see more MCC crews collaborating with their fishery to not only conserve and support Bozeman’s trout life but to ultimately increase the water quality of the Gallatin and East Gallatin region as well. Follow Connor’s mission on Instagram: @tu_gallatin_hri
His vision is inspiring, and we are absolutely impressed. Thank you, Connor!

Speaking of being inspired and impressed - shout out to the MCC crew in the office! Amanda Pfaff (Regional Director), Allie Fuller (Program Manager), Parker Stricklin (Field Coordinator), and Emman Bibiano (Field Coordinator). Individually, these are extremely strong leaders. Together, they are the dream team.

Due to federal funding cuts this past spring, this year presented a new set of challenges for MCC staff.

However, as I’ve said before, even when faced with adversity, an MCC crew is expected to push and persevere through any obstacle. This entire time, when I was at work and going through my own trials and tribulations with my crew, the MCC staff were also pushing through their own unknown obstacles.

Hearing each staff member from the office reflect on the kind of year this was only grew the fire in me. What mountains couldn’t we move? What obstacles weren't we ready to face? What couldn’t we persevere through?

I am absolutely inspired by this MCC story. This story has given me the true confidence to put my best foot forward. To trust that if we put 100% of our effort into anything we do, we will be successful. If we want to bring change into our community, it is entirely in our hands to bring that change.

This excites me. I look forward to collaborating with MCC in the future. I think highly of this individual placement program, and I am impressed by our incredible mentors at the office. I envision nothing but great things for MCC.

Until next time.