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Nonprofit: Jack Creek Preserve Foundation

By Katie Alvin Executive Director of Jack Creek Preserve Foundation

The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization that promotes wildlife conservation and youth education by sharing 4,600 acres of pristine wilderness in the Northern Yellowstone Ecosystem. It’s entirely funded by donations and volunteers.

With the donation of land and a significant endowment, the Preserve and its foundation were created by the Fossel family in 2005. Located in the Madison Range of Southwest Montana, between Ennis and Big Sky, the property connects two separate sections of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness Area, extending critical wildlife habitat from Yellowstone National Park to the Gallatin Valley and northward.

The foundation supports management of the Preserve, as well as development and execution of its programs. The organization works to conserve wildlife and its habitat, expand education and outreach, and to share the hunting experience. Conservation goals are achieved through partnerships with organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, local conservation districts, watershed groups and weed boards.

The foundation has four main programs that promote education: experiential educational experiences, awards and scholarships, a planned Conservation Education Center and an interpretive trail system.

Since 2005, more than 500 youth have been reached through our educational efforts, which include after school programs, high school expeditions, summer day camps and an overnight youth camp. Our science fair awards and college scholarships have provided over $37,000 to students. We have raised nearly one third of the money to build the “Con- Ed” Center, and the interpretive trail system project is well under way.

The final part of our mission is to share the hunting experience, in order to promote the important role that hunting plays in wildlife conservation, and to encourage safe and ethical hunting practices. Special emphasis is placed on teaching young people to respect wildlife and be safe, responsible hunters. We have a public archery range on property. The Foundation also awards free hunting opportunities to injured veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

The Jack Creek Preserve Foundation office is in Big Sky.

jackcreekpreserve.org