MSU Extension holds workshops designed to preserve the natural beauty of the county

Published: 2019
By Pat McGlynn

Flathead County land use has been changing dramatically over the last 10 years. Between 2005 and 2012, 59 farms and over 80,000 acres were lost to development. Over 2,500 new people have moved into the county each year, pushing the growth rate to 5.6% in 2018. Currently over 100,000 parcels of land in Flathead County are considered small acreage - less than 100 acres. MSU Extension has created new programming to meet the needs of the evolving resident demographic. A six-week Landowner Stewardship class is held each February to March and continues to grow in attendance. The class is a collaborative venture between MSU Extension, local, state and federal agencies in Flathead County. This class is being recommended to new homeowners by real estate agents, planning and zoning departments, horse owner associations, the county weed department and the county conservation district. MSU Extension organized and delivered a beginner gardening class at the Flathead Valley Community college for those residents who requested an alternative to the Master Gardener program. This class filled immediately and a second class was scheduled. In 2020, a room that holds 100 will be provided by the college for the anticipated demand. Pasture management classes were taught to several Backcountry Horsemen group members and other equestrian associations. Overgrazing and subsequent noxious weed invasion is evident across the Flathead Valley. MSU Extension is providing education on these topics at club meetings, in structured classroom settings, private consultations, site visits and as a guest speaker at various local community events. MSU Extension is working alongside other agencies, farmer’s groups and the public to preserve the natural environment in the Flathead and the state of Montana.