Arctic Grayling Recovery Program

Spring Willow Planting Scheduled in the Big Hole

It’s that time again – time for folks to come to the upper Big Hole and help with our restoration projects. Throughout late April, we will be planting up to 21,000 containerized willow plugs on several restoration projects in the upper Big Hole. The willows, grown in cooperation with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and with support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, are a vital part of our restoration efforts. The willows we will be planting are a mix of several species, and are about 8 inches tall with a “plug” of established roots. They come directly from cold storage at the state nursery, ready to take advantage of the growing season. Many hands are needed to get the willows in the ground.

Willows play a critical role in the health of the streams throughout the upper Big Hole. Their deep roots help hold stream banks together, and they provide shade to help keep the water cool. Dense stands of willows also provide habitat for wide variety of birds and animals.

Work will take place rain or shine (willows like the rain). Volunteers should meet at the campground in Wisdom just west of the Wisdom Bridge at 9:00am on Saturday, May 3rd.

Please dress for the weather, bring drinks and lunch, boots and/or waders, a shovel or spud bar if you have one, gloves and a willingness to put in a few good hours helping to make a difference on the ground. Please leave your pets at home. Volunteers are welcome to help during the week as well – please contact Jeff Everett, Wildlife Biologist with the USFWS in Dillon at 406-683-3893 or 406-899-4625 for more information.

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