Montana Technological University students plant dozens of trees

Montana Technological University students recently planted 40 trees in the Montana Tech Energy, Environment, & Innovation Field Campus (EEIFC) following receipt of a grant from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC).  The DNRC grant provides forestry assistance to communities to expand tree and habitat density.

The EEIFC is comprised of 150 acres immediately west of Montana Tech’s primary campus, and includes the Underground Mine Education Center, a drone obstacle course and field test hub, impacted lands restoration plots and other experimental areas.

Three student clubs participated, including Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Environmental Engineering at Montana Tech, and the Environmental, Health and Safety Club. Trees planted include willows, quaking aspen, and apple trees.

“The reason that the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers club participated was to contribute towards habitat and land conversion for local mule deer populations in the area who use quaking aspens as a food source,” club president and environmental engineering senior Gavin Rahl said.

“The Environmental Health and Sustainability Club and Environmental Engineering students participated in order to contribute towards a greener campus and work towards sustainable development of impacted areas around Tech,” club president and environmental engineering senior Halle Cogley said.

Rahl and Cogley say the event is important because it gets students out into the field doing hands-on work to improve the environment around Montana Tech and sets an example for the rest of the campus and future club members.